June 5, 2006

EVANSTON, Ill. -

2006 Results and Statistics in PDF Format
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After ending the 2006 season at the Big Ten Tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich., the Northwestern baseball team honored its seniors and annual award winners with its end-of-the-year banquet at the restaurant Wildfire Saturday night in Glenview, Ill. The awards were voted on by the team and presented by head coach Paul Stevens.

Sophomore right fielder/designated hitter Antonio Mulé was voted as the team's Most Valuable Player. Mulé, a first-team All-Big Ten designated hitter led the conference with 11 home runs, including two in the Big Ten Tournament. One of the Wildcats' best offensive threats, he demolished all previous career bests in every offensive category. Mulé led team with a .357 batting average, 47 RBI and 125 total bases. The 125 total bases was fourth best in the Big Ten. He recorded 22 multiple-hit games, knocked in multiple RBI in 15 games and enjoyed a 15-game hit streak to start the season.

Junior Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Dan Brauer was presented with the team's Most Valuable Pitcher award, leading the Big Ten with 90 strikeouts. Brauer was a perfect 7-0 in eight Big Ten starts this season. Overall he was 7-2 in 15 starts and pitched 92.2 innings and held opposing hitters to a .251 batting average. Brauer was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection, his third at NU. He was a third-team selection as a freshman (2003-relief pitcher) and sophomore (2004-starting pitcher). At the plate, Brauer ended the year with a .344 batting average, which includes one home run and 14 RBI. He had a .475 on-base percentage.

Freshman Tommy Finn earned Freshman of the Year honors after starting 58 games at the shortstop position. The Indiana native stepped immediately into vacated shortstop position, which included all 32 Big Ten contests. Second on the team with 142 assists, Finn turned 35 double plays and made only five errors in his last 28 games. He totaled 99 putouts at shortstop and played in all 59 games.

Two annual team honors were given out as well, the Gordon Rothrock and Terry Beacom awards.

The Gordon Rothrock award is given to the player who is willing to go the extra mile for the team, helping in all facets of the program. The 2006 recipient is freshman Keenan Long.

The Terry Beacom award is given to a player who demonstrates leadership skills and the willingness to go beyond his means to help the team and his teammates. This year's recipient is senior Julio Siberio.

The Northwestern baseball program would like to thank all the parents and supporters of NU baseball for their tireless hard work and dedication throughout the 2006 season.