Packer Named to Wallace Award Watch List

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Virginia left-handed pitcher Matt Packer (Jr., Germantown, Tenn.) has been named to the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player in conjunction with the College Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

Packer recorded the lowest earned run average last year in NCAA Division I, posting a 1.14 mark after allowing just nine earned runs in 71.1 innings. He went 6-3 last year and allowed just 51 hits and 15 walks while striking out 58 as batters hit an ACC-low .202 against him. His season ERA was the fourth-lowest in Virginia history and he became just the second Virginia pitcher to lead the country in ERA.

The Wallace Award is a dedication to the memory of the former Texas Tech player and assistant coach Brooks Wallace, who died of cancer at age 27. The award will be presented July 2 in Lubbock, Texas. Florida State catcher Buster Posey was the recipient of the 2008 award.

Virginia opens the 2009 season Feb. 20 at home against Bucknell.