Ahead of the Michigan baseball team’s opening contest at the Big Ten Tournament, several Wolverines received conference awards for their play throughout the regular season.
Junior second baseman Colby Turner was the lone Michigan player named to the All-Big Ten First Team. Turner was the Wolverines’ most explosive and versatile offensive weapon, slashing .377/.443/.656 and leading Michigan with 141 total bases, 52 RBIs, 18 doubles and 14 home runs. A clear mainstay in the Wolverines’ lineup, Turner reached a hitting streak of 24 games, the longest recorded at Michigan.
“It’s a developmental timeline; we need that from him,” Wolverines coach Tracy Smith said Feb. 23. “He needs to supply a little bit of the thump and power. … I love the maturity that he’s showing, and the confidence that he has to play and deliver when we need it most.”
Following Turner is senior right-hander Kurt Barr with an All-Big Ten Third Team selection at starting pitcher. With a 4.40 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, Barr has been dependable and effective all season. Anchoring Michigan on the mound, Barr leads the team with 73.2 innings pitched and 95 strikeouts as the only Wolverines pitcher to start every weekend. Most recently, Barr matched his career-high 10 strikeouts against Ohio State.
“I’m not gonna overpower guys with my fastball… I’m just going to spin you to death up there and hope that works,” Barr said Apr. 3. “And thankfully, over my career, it has.”
Rounding out Michigan’s team selections, freshman left-hander Shane Brinham earned All-Big Ten Freshman honors. Brinham emerged as the Wolverines’ Saturday starter following a complete game shutout against Oregon, earning Big Ten and National Pitcher of the Week awards for his performance. Since then, Michigan is 6-1 in the series in which he’s started. The freshman’s 4.50 ERA and 1.55 WHIP have made a clear difference for the Wolverines.
“(My progression) has been awesome,” Brinham said April 18. “Started off in the bullpen, had some ups and downs, but after talking with coaches and tweaking some things, it’s been all uphill from there. … I’m just trying to cruise right now… taking it one pitch at a time has really helped me a lot.”
Junior designated hitter Joonsung Park was Michigan’s player selected for the Sportsmanship Award. With only five hits under his belt heading into the season — two of which were home runs and two of which were doubles — Park powered two walk-offs against Washington and has continued to produce timely hits for the Wolverines since.
With the postseason imminent, Michigan’s talent will no doubt shine as it has all season long. The Wolverines’ conference honors reflect the impact both their veteran leaders and emerging stars have made throughout the regular season.
