THE FLATS – Georgia Tech baseball junior Kyle McCann and sophomore Luke Waddell continued to be lauded for their performance at their positions, getting named to the Buster Power Award (Catcher of the Year) and Brooks Wallace Award (Shortstop of the Year) semifinalists list.
Also a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, McCann currently ranks in the top five of eight offensive categories in the Atlantic Coast Conference, highlighted by leading in home runs (22) and ranking third in slugging percentage (.699). He also ranks in the top 25 in four offensive categories, including walks (54) and RBI (62). Over just the last 10 games alone, McCann has six home runs and 14 RBI, scoring 17 times himself.
One of just two from the ACC, McCann has made his mark in both defensive prowess and pure offensive power this season. Catching all but two games this year, the Suwanee, Ga. native has posted an impressive .993 fielding percentage through 419 chances during the season.
Despite being just a sophomore and having moved to the position midyear, Waddell has already earned the reputation as one of the top shortstops in the country. The Loveland, Ohio native moved to the position full-time on March 9 and hasn’t looked back. Offensively, Waddell is one of six Jackets to hit north of .300, batting .313 for 61 hits, 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs. He’s driven home 32 runs and scored 49 times himself, batting leadoff. Currently, he’s the fourth-toughest to strike out in the ACC, averaging 9.5 at-bats per strikeout.
Defensively, Waddell has also been a wall. He currently holds a fielding percentage of .966, amassing 57 putouts and 142 assists in 206 chances.
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech baseball team, follow us on Twitter (@GTBaseball), Facebook, Instagram (@gt_baseball) or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com.
