Craig Becomes Unanimous First Team All-American
6/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeBaseball)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Perfect Game became the sixth outlet to recognize Will Craig as a first team All-American, as the organization selected him as the first team DH on Monday.
Craig, who signed with the Pirates after being drafted in the first round, becomes the first Demon Deacon ever to be named a first team All-American by six different outlets.
He was also recognized as a first teamer by Baseball America, National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, American Baseball Coaches Association, D1Baseball and Collegiate Baseball.
Craig becomes just Wake Forest's third unanimous first team All-American in program history, joining Bill Masse (1988) and Bill Scripture (1964). Masse was recognized by ABCA, Baseball America and Sporting News, while Scripture was honored by ABCA and Sporting News. Charlie Teague, Gene Hooks and Linwood Holt were also first teamers when there was only one outlet selecting teams.
The Johnson City, Tennessee native breaks his own 2015 record of being picked as a first teamer by five different outlets with six this year. Baseball America recognized Craig on the second team a year ago.
By being picked as a two-year All-American, Craig joins an exclusive club which includes Kyle Sleeth (2002-03), Dave Bush (2001-02), Cory Sullivan (2000-01), Jon Palmieri (1998-99), Bill Merrifield (1982-83), Bill Scripture (1963-64), Gene Hooks (1947, 49-50) and Charlie Teague (1947, 49-50).
Craig wrapped up his collegiate career ranking in the program's top 10 all-time in home runs (10th - 37) and walks (10th - 108), sitting just outside the top 10 in average (.347), doubles (42) and RBIs (160).
This year, the D1Baseball National Player of the Year led the team with a .379 average, 16 homers and 66 RBIs, also posting a 2-0 record, 3.54 ERA and nine saves on the mound.
