Virginia Baseball Announces 2006 Team Captains

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Dec. 6, 2005

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Virginia head baseball coach Brian O’Connor has announced the 2006 UVa baseball team captains. Left-handed pitcher Mike Ballard (Virginia Beach, Va.), shortstop Mike Campagna (Arlington Heights, Ill.), outfielder/first baseman Tom Hagan (Roanoke, Va.) and left-handed pitcher Casey Lambert (Harrisonburg, Va.) were selected as Virginia’s team captains. Ballard, Campagna and Hagan are fourth-years while Lambert is a third-year.

“Voted for by their peers, this group of captains have provided great leadership in our baseball program and will continue to lead the 2006 Cavaliers,” said O’Connor.

All four players were instrumental parts in helping the Cavaliers advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Regional in 2005 as well as the championship game at the 2005 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.

Ballard returns as a weekend starter for the Cavaliers after going 8-3 with a 3.54 ERA last season. He struck out 53 in 89 innings pitched.

Hagan has split time in the outfield and at first base the past three seasons. He played in 37 games in 2005 and hit .286 while producing 18 RBI on 34 hits which included four doubles and a home run. In 2004, Hagan started 30 of 43 games and tallied 22 RBI. Hagan was named to the 2005 ACC All-Tournament Team.

Campagna returns to solidify the middle infield. He started 52 of 58 games last season and hit .254 with 27 runs scored and 12 RBI. He posted a .957 fielding percentage for the Cavaliers.

Lambert enters his third year as the closer for the Cavaliers. He extended the school record for most career saves to 22 after the 2005 season. Last season, Lambert went 1-3 with a 2.81 ERA and single-season UVa record 14 saves. He had 39 strikeouts in 41.2 innings of pitched.

Virginia opens its 2006 season Feb. 10-12 when UVa travels to Conway, S.C. to take part in the Springmaid Beach Resort hosted by Coastal Carolina. The Cavaliers will open with The Citadel before playing two games against Coastal Carolina.

— UVa —