Rucker named Louisville Slugger All-American

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 2, 2016)--Pitcher Michael Rucker of BYU has been named to the Louisville Slugger All-American baseball teams as announced Thursday by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Rucker, from Lake Tapps, Washington, was named Third Team All-American, becoming the first BYU upperclassman to receive the national honor since pitcher Jesse Craig in 2007.

The 6-foot-1 junior tallied an 11-1 record with a 2.73 earned run average, 94 strikeouts and 102.1 innings during the 2016 season.  His 11-0 start tied five others in BYU history for best start in a season. He was also named to the All-West Coast Conference First Team.

In two years pitching for BYU, the transfer from Gonzaga has tallied a 16-2 record in 169.1 innings with a 2.82 ERA.

“He's got a great future,” BYU head coach Mike Littlewood said. “We sure wish we'd have him back next year, but I don't think it's going to happen. I think he's going to have a really good chance of playing pro ball next year."

The only other players from the WCC named to the Louisville Slugger All-American teams this season were Pepperdine pitcher A.J. Puckett and Saint Mary’s College pitcher Corbin Burnes, who were named to the first and third teams, respectively.

For a complete listing of the Louisville Slugger All-American teams click here.