Jan. 23, 2001

Columbia, Mo. -- The University of Missouri's Ryan Stegall was chosen as the Big 12 Conference preseason Player of the Year by Baseball America. Stegall, a junior shortstop/relief pitcher for the Tigers, received the same honor earlier this month from Collegiate Baseball.

Stegall, from Liberty, Mo., was also chosen to the preseason all-conference team and was named the Big 12's fourth-best professional prospect. Stegall, who led the Tigers in eight categories last season, was selected as being the conference's best pure hitter and the league's best defensive shortstop.

The Tigers were picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 and were ranked 64th nationally.

Missouri opens the season against San Jose State Feb. 9 at San Luis Obispo, Calif.