Feb. 9, 2011

Junior Jack Leathersich (Beverly, Mass.) was named to the Preseason Watch List for the Tino Martinez Division II Baseball Player of the Year award, announced on Wednesday. Leathersich is among 90 Division II players nominated across the nation.

The prestigious award is named after former University of Tampa Spartan, Olympian and MLB All-Star, Tino Martinez. Nominees were submitted by baseball sports information directors and media members. The current list will be revised mid-season, while semi-finalists are scheduled to be announced on May 7th with the finalists to be named on May 19th.

The winner will be announced after the conclusion of the Division II Baseball Championship held in Cary, NC from May 28 to June 4. To see the complete list, click here.

Leathersich was recently named a Preseason All-American by Baseball America and the third-ranked prospect among Division II players in the upcoming 2011 MLB Draft.

Over the past two seasons, Leathersich has seen his stock rise at UMass Lowell while collecting NE-10 All-Star First Team and All-Rookie Team honors as a freshman in 2009. The lefty followed with 62 strikeouts in 57 innings as a sophomore.

Leathersich's sandwiched his performances at UMass Lowell with outstanding stints with the Haymarket Senators and the Orleans Firebirds during summer league play. With the Senators, Leathersich compiled a 2.19 ERA in 19 appearances while striking out 64 batters in 37 innings to earn recognition as the Top Prospect in the Valley Baseball League.

Pitching for Orleans the following summer, Leathersich dominated what is considered the top league for collegians. The left-hander had a 1.71 ERA, 31 strikeouts and a .209 batting average against in 21 innings pitched.

Leathersich will assume his campaign for the award on Feb. 26 as the River Hawks travel to Flemington, N.J. for their season-opening double-header with St. Thomas Aquinas.