May 16, 2003

WACO, Texas - Chris Durbin and David Murphy were recognized by boosters and their own teammates for their contributions to the Baylor Baseball program at the final Heart of the Order dinner Wednesday night.

Durbin was named the first recipient of the Thornton Sterling Player of the Year Award. The honor is designated for the player who best shows both consistent performance and effort on the field and is an outstanding representative for the Baylor Baseball program off the field.

The award is named in honor of former Baylor baseball letterman and longtime fan Thornton Sterling. After lettering from 1934 to 1936, Sterling has spent more than 70 years as the consummate ambassador and supporter for Baylor University and her athletes. Members of the Heart of the Order, the Baylor baseball booster club, voted on the award.

Murphy received the Judge Fred "Red" Harris 110 Percent Award, given annually since 1977 to the player who best exhibits leadership, dedication. and sportsmanship. The award is the only honor voted on by the players. Past winners include two-time recipients Burl Coker and current head coach Steve Smith.

Two more awards -- the Larry Isbell Most Valuable Player and the Ted Lyons Most Valuable Pitcher -- will be handed out after the season is complete. Smith said that Durbin and Murphy are in a tight race for team MVP, while four pitchers (Ryan LaMotta, Sean Walker, Steven White, Abe Woody) still have a shot at the most valuable pitcher honor.

Baylor wraps up the regular season this weekend against Nebraska. Game times in Lincoln are set for 6:35 p.m. Friday, 2:05 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday.