Crespo, Brown Named Preseason All-American

Jan. 5, 2000

Coral Gables, FL – University of Miami rightfielder Manny Crespo and first baseman Kevin Brown were each selected to Baseball America Preseason All-America teams, as selected by major league scouting directors.

Crespo, a junior from Miami, was a second team selection at designated hitter. Brown, a junior from North Fort Myers, was placed on the third team.

Last season, Crespo batted .364 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI. He was selected to the 1999 College World Series All-Tournament Team following the Hurricanes’ 6-5 victory over Florida State in the National Championship game. This past summer, Crespo competed on the USA Baseball National Team that toured Japan.

Brown etched his name in UM baseball history in 1999 for his heroics during the title game against the Seminoles. The power-hitting first baseman, who belted a team-best 22 home runs and 66 RBI in ’99, hit a home run in the second inning and a bases-clearing three-run double in the fifth to lead UM over FSU.

Also during the preseason, UM ace David Gil, a senior from Miami, was named First-Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. Vince Vazquez, a sophomore from Miramar, was a third-team selection by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). The defending National Champion Hurricanes were ranked fifth by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball in their respective preseason polls.

Miami begins defense of its 1999 crown on Wednesday, Jan. 26 against Lynn University at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Stadium. Call 1-800-GO-CANES for season ticket information. Miami will hold its preseason “First Pitch” Banquet, with keynote speaker Roy Firestone, on Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Biscayne Bay Marriott. For reservations to the “First Pitch” Banquet, call the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699. In addition to the preseason festivities, UM will host its annual Alumni Baseball Game on Friday, Jan. 20 at Mark Light Stadium at 7 p.m.