Dec. 21, 2000

Columbia, Mo. -- The University of Missouri's Ryan Stegall was chosen to the 2001 Louisville Slugger preseason All-American team as a second-team pick today. The team was chosen by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Stegall, who plays shortstop and serves as the Tigers' relief ace, was the utility player on the second team. He was chosen as a third-team utility pick by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America earlier this fall.

Stegall, a junior from Liberty, Mo., recorded a school-record 12 saves last season to go with a .353 batting average. He also hit eight home runs, drove in 57 runs and scored 52 times.

A third-team All-America choice by NCBWA and the American Baseball Coaches Association following the 2000 season, Stegall was the first-team all Big 12 shortstop. He led Missouri in the following eight categories: saves, RBI, hits, doubles, triples, total bases, games started and total plate appearances.

"Ryan is one of the best all-around players in the nation," said MU head coach Tim Jamieson. "Potentially, he is one of the best players in Missouri history at two different positions - shortstop and pitcher. Ryan is very deserving of this honor."

The Tigers open the 2001 season against San Jose State, which played in the 2000 College World Series, Feb. 9 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.