Courtesy of SIDKevin Ferguson and Junior Mejia earned 2008 preseason All-American honors from Baseball America.
Ferguson was named to the second team following the 2007 season. Mejia missed the national list last year, but was honored after he returned to a team that had seven players taken in the MLB draft.
“It means a lot to me to be recognized for such a selection and to be put in the same category as some of the best players in the country,” Mejia said.
Mejia’s 2007 performance helped him earn his selection. New to the team last year, he placed second behind only senior and first-team All-American Craig Corrado in batting average.
Though he only hit three homers, Mejia batted .405 and stole 24 bases in 28 attempts. This year he is regarded by coach Joe Urso as the fastest player on the field. His speed adds to the team offensively on the bases and defensively in the outfield.
This year Mejia has started the season strong. In five games he has recorded 5 RBI and maintained a .211 average. He doesn’t have any home runs yet this season, but he has been free of errors on defense. A third championship stays in the forefront of his thoughts.
“It would mean the world to me, to end my senior year on such a high note would be a dream come true,” said Mejia. “Especially since no one has ever won three [championships] in a row.”
Kevin Ferguson was born the crown jewel of baseball, a left handed pitcher. He was a winner since his first game with Tampa. Last year he became the workhorse of the Tampa bullpen, recording a 2.92 ERA.
Ferguson, a former Division I pitcher with Stetson, maintained the second lowest ERA while throwing 89.1 innings in 2007, the second most on the team. Allowing fewer than 100 hits, the junior was an instrumental part of the Tampa championship.
His senior year has been no exception. Urso regarded Ferguson as a tremendous competitor who should have another big year. Ferguson has proven Urso correct so far this season.
Ferguson has earned a team-low 1.50 ERA in 18 innings through three starts. The next closest pitcher with a winning record is Scott Chapman with a 5.92 ERA in 10.2 innings. Ferguson has set the standard by which the school may achieve a hat-trick of championships.
“It [a third title] would bring a lot of good publicity to the school and the athletic department that will be utilized for many years to come,” Mejia commented.
Last year’s graduates Craig Corrado, Troy Ferguson and Ryan Kennedy contributed incredible numbers to the team. Corrado led almost every batting statistic including batting average, slugging percentage and hit count. Still, without these powers, Tampa has not only survived but also excelled to an 8-1 start.
“Although [we’re] very different than last year’s team we have a lot of talent that can take us deep into the tournament,” said Mejia.
These two All-American selections have added to that talent and blazed a trail for the others to follow. They were rightly identified as leaders.
“It is truly an honor,” Mejia said.