FieldTurf Announces 2011 FieldTurf Baseball Awards

Anaheim, CA, January 07, 2012 --(PR.com)-- FieldTurf announced the winners of the 6th annual FieldTurf Baseball Awards for 2011 today. Award-winners were named in four categories, including two NCAA Coach of the Year winners, one NCAA Team of the Year winner, and the MLB Team of the Year. More information about the FieldTurf Awards Series can be found at www.fieldturf.com/awards.

This year’s winners are:

MLB Team of the Year – St. Louis Cardinals
NCAA Division I Coach of the Year – Rob Sheppard, Seton Hall University
NCAA Division II Coach of the Year – Steve Lyon, Grand Valley State University
NCAA Team of the Year – University of Virginia Cavaliers

St. Louis Cardinals (MLB Team of the Year) – The St. Louis Cardinals shocked the world when they took the World Series championship to 7 games and won the deciding clincher off the heroics of hometown hero David Freese, vs. the Texas Rangers. Winning a play-in game on the final day of the season to clinch a playoff spot, the NL Wild Card Champions played inspired ball and relied on their deep pitching staff to win them a world championship. Undoubtedly MLB’s best story of the year and best team.

Rob Sheppard (Seton Hall University) – Coach Sheppard’s Seton Hall Pirates enjoyed one of the school’s most successful campaigns. 2011 included a Big East Championship as well as a victory over the University of Arizona in the NCAA Regional. The players underwent tremendous growth, as many freshmen are now being looked upon to lead the squad into 2012, a testament to Coach Sheppard’s confidence and influence with his group. A truly exceptional choice for D1 Coach of the Year.

Steve Lyon (Grand Valley State University) – Coach Steve Lyon led Grand Valley State University to the Midwest Regional Baseball title in 2011. His Lakers were the top ranked team in Division-2 NCAA baseball, boasted an impressive 52-3 record on the season, and won the championship game in impressive fashion with a 13-5 win. These accomplishments are certainly in part a reflection of the coach, which makes Coach Lyon a unanimous choice for D2 Coach of the Year.

University of Virginia Cavaliers – The Cavaliers won a school-record of 56 games in 2011, capturing the ACC Championship and advancing to the College World Series for the 2nd time in program history. Under the leadership of head coach Brian O’Connor, the Cavaliers demonstrated the necessary attributes it takes to be a successful baseball team. Chalk it all up and you get the NCAA Team of the Year.

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