Wingate’s McPherson Names Finalist For Tino Martinez Award

March 19, 2011

OMAHA, Neb.----Wingate University junior outfielder Dodson McPherson (Graham, N.C.) has been named one of eight finalists for the prestigious Tino Martinez Award. The award is presented to the most outstanding player in NCAADivision II college baseball. The annual honor is named after the former University of Tampa Spartan, United States Olympian, first-round draft pick and MLB All-Star Tino Martinez.

The 2011 SAC Player of the Year, McPherson led the South Atlantic Conference in hits (91), runs (65), homers (17), RBI (78), triples (five) and slugging percentage (.748). He finished second in the league in batting average (.410), total bases (166) and on-base percentage (.475). He ranks in the top 10 nationally in hits (second), RBI (second), total bases (fourth), homers (fifth), runs (fifth) and slugging percentage (ninth).

McPherson helped the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Division II tournament appearance since the 2001 season. Wingate is 34-20 overall, after going 17-10 (second place) in the SAC regular season. The Bulldogs won the 2010 SAC title, going 19-5 in the league. Wingate's 36 conference wins over the past two years are the most in school history. McPherson had two homers and five RBI in the Food Lion SAC tournament, leading Wingate to its first tournament title since 1998.

McPherson leads the team with 29 multi-hit games and 19 multi-RBI games. He has reached base safely in 49 consecutive games and 53 of 54 in the 2011 season and is currently riding a 15-game hitting streak. He had a 14-game hit streak earlier in the season and has either scored a run or driven in a run in 50 games this year.

McPherson's 78 RBI this season ranks sixth on the league's all-time single season charts, while his 166 total bases are good for ninth. His 91 hits are just outside the top 10 in league history. Of McPherson's 17 homers this season, 15 have come during Wingate wins, while 67 of his 78 RBI have also come during Wingate victories.

Of McPherson's league-best 17 homers, five have been grand slams, which ties an NCAA record. Four of his first six homers in the 2011 season were grand slams. He has seven two-run homers and three of the three-run variety, while hitting only two solo homers this year.

McPherson hit for the cycle in Wingate's win at Anderson (S.C.). He had an inside-the-park homer and grand slam in the regular season finale against Brevard, driving in six runs. McPherson blasted a game-tying grand slam against Newberry, helping Wingate rally for a 7-6 victory. His three-run homer in the final inning at LMU gave the Bulldogs a two-run victory. McPherson has been hot down the stretch for the Bulldogs, with 14 homers and 48 RBI in the last 22 games. He has helped Wingate go 15-7 overall during the stretch, which includes a seven-game winning streak and four straight wins at the SAC tournament.

The national voters will recast their ballots, ranking the eight finalists. Additionally, there will be an Internet vote, which will help determine the outcome. Fans will be able to vote on tinoaward.com daily to help their favorite finalist earn the prestigious honor. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the NCAA Division II baseball championships, which will be held in Cary N.C. May 28-June 4.