University of Albany Baseball Tabbed Fifth in America East Conference Preseason Poll - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – UAlbany has been chosen fifth in the 2009 America East Conference Baseball Coaches’ Preseason Poll as announced by the league office on Tuesday. Defending regular-season champion Binghamton was picked first in the poll, as voted by the conference’s head coaches with four first-place votes. Stony Brook, which claimed the tournament title last year, was picked second, followed by Maine and Vermont. UAlbany, Hartford and UMBC rounded out the seven-team poll.

Outfielder Brendan Rowland (Colonie Central) returns as the Great Danes’ only first-team all-conference honoree last year. Rowland led the league in hits (74) and was among America East leaders in several other offensive categories. Senior catcher Ryan Gugel, a second-team all-conference pick, also returns, while senior Josh Willimott looks to lead UAlbany on the mound. Right hander Alexander Beaulieu, an effective reliever, is back on hill after missing last season following shoulder surgery.

Head coach Jon Mueller returns for his tenth season at the helm of the Great Danes. Mueller will look for his team to rebound from a 17-37-1 record last season after claiming the 2007 America East Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. UAlbany has posted six seasons with 20 or more wins under Mueller’s guidance, including a school-record 37 wins in 2004.

The top four teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship, held at the highest seed that has a field with lights, on May 21-23. The winner of the double-elimination tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.

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2009 America East Conference Baseball Preseason Poll

1. Binghamton (4) 34; 2. Stony Brook (3) 33; 3. Maine 24; 4. Vermont 22; 5. UAlbany 12; t6. Hartford, UMBC 11.