DURHAM, N.C. – Maryland sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Shawaryn has accepted an invitation to join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and will be a part of a 24-player squad that will embark on a two-month tour comprised of at least 17 games in June and July.
Shawaryn will become the second student-athlete in Maryland baseball history to don the Stars and Stripes in competition after Pete Sinopoli in 1979. In just his second season, the Carneys Point, N.J., native has already established himself as one of the best pitchers in school history.
“To be able to represent your country is incredible,” Shawaryn said.” It's a humbling moment to be considered one of the 24 best players and wear the USA across your chest. It was a lifelong dream and I haven't really comprehended it yet. It's a huge honor.”
After setting the single season program record for wins in a season (11) last year, Shawaryn has enjoyed a sensational sophomore campaign. He leads the country with a 10-0 record and sports a 1.57 ERA. Shawaryn paces the Big Ten in strikeouts with 92 and opponents are batting just .187 against the right-hander.
“It's a great honor for him and for our program,” Maryland head coach John Szefc said. “Mike Shawaryn is a first class guy on the field and off the field. He will be an ideal representative for USA Baseball. He's very deserving with what he's done on the field. They couldn't have chosen a better guy.”
Shawaryn's 21 career wins are the most for any sophomore in the country. Shawaryn's 21st win against Purdue on April 24 broke the Maryland all-time career record previously held by John Rayne (1989-92).
Shawaryn's freshman campaign saw him earn Freshman All-American honors after leading the ACC in wins. He posted a 3.12 ERA in 16 starts and was named to the Columbia All-Regional team after helping the Terps win their first NCAA Regional in school history.
“Mike earned his spot on the field,” USA Baseball General Manger of National Teams Eric Campbell said. “He has been very impressive.”
The Collegiate National Team will assemble on June 18, 2015. St. John's head coach Ed Blankmeyer has been selected to manage the squad, which plays its first international contest against the Holly Springs Salamanders of the Coastal Plain League on June 20 at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. The summer concludes with a five-game series against Cuba before the Americas Baseball Festival.
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