Oct. 3, 2001

WACO, Texas - Former Baylor all-American catcher Kelly Shoppach received yet another honor for his standout 2001 season as he received one of six Easton Sports Redline Defense Awards, as released in Collegiate Baseball this week.

The award honored Shoppach as the top defensive specialist for NCAA Division-I baseball. A consensus first-team all-American and recipient of the 2001 Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top catcher, Shoppach hit .397 to lead the Bears with 12 home runs and 69 RBI.

Following the season, the junior catcher was selected by the Boston with the 48th overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft and signed with the Red Sox in August.

Easton named the top defensive players for high school, junior colleges, NAIA, and NCAA Divisions I, II and III. Other honorees were: Brian Hernandez (C, Leonard High School, Greenacres, Fla.), Shaun McAndrews (1B, Quinsigamond [Mass.] CC), Jay Coakley (C, Marietta [Ohio] College), Chris Umphres (1B, Central Missouri State) and Adam Pease (CF, Birmingham Southern College).

Baylor begins the 2002 season at home Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. against Southwest Texas.