Four members of the Northern Kentucky University Baseball team have received 2009 preseason honors, according to the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
Kevin Dusold, who was selected for, both, the 2008 Daktronics’ All-North Central Region and All-Great Lakes Valley Conference second teams, and Larry Pempek, a 2008 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove recipient, garnered Preseason All-Americans honors.
Dave Middendorf was named a ‘Player to Watch’ for his defensive contribution to the Norse in 2008 ‘- recording a 2.36 earned run average in 18 appearances ‘- while Joe Mack, a transfer and two-year letterwinner from Ball State University, was selected as a ‘Newcomer to Watch’. ‘
Dusold, Pempek, and Middendorf join three other returning starters from the 2008 Great Lakes Valley Conference champion Norse team. ‘
NKU, who have claimed a Great Lakes Valley Conference championship four times in six years (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008), will begin their play in 2009 ranked No. 26 nationally, in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll. The Norse will open the year Feb. 13 on the road, visiting Carson-Newman for two games in as many days.