All American award to FGCU’s Rivera
With the baseball season less than two months away, preseason recognitions have begun with FGCU’s Nick Rivera being named a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American.
“It comes as no surprise to see Nick’s name listed among the nation’s best,” Eagles coach Dave Tollett said. “He’s coming off a great season and has worked hard to keep it going this summer and fall. I’m sure this is one of many honors to come, and Nick deserves every recognition he receives.”
A season ago, the Cape Coral resident posted career-best numbers that not only sat near the top of the Atlantic Sun Conference in nearly every offensive category, but also ranked near the top of the FGCU record book. He hit a career-best .347 and drove in a Division I program record 70 runs, coming up just four RBI shy of the FGCU single-season record of 74 set by Jason Louwsma in 2006.
Additionally, the Bishop Verot grad became the 11th player in program history to hit 10 home runs in a single season and collected 20 doubles for the second straight year. He added a triple while scoring 34 runs, slugging .608 and walking 40 times to produce an on-base percentage of .458.
After last season, Rivera was named a Louisville Slugger All-American, just the fourth postseason All-American honoree in FGCU program history. He joins four-time MLB All-Star Chris Sale, Mike Murray and Jake Noll in earning the recognition.
He also was selected by the Houston Astros in the 38th round of the 2015 MLB Draft, but elected to return to FGCU for his senior season and to earn his degree.