Jamestown College center fielder Erik Church has been named to the 2010 NAIA All-American baseball team.
Church, a senior from Federal Way, Wash., capped his stellar 2-year run with the Jimmies by leading the team in virtually every offensive category. He was named to the second team.
Church batted a robust .466, collecting 89 hits in 191 at bats. He finished the regular season hitting over .500.
He also amassed 31 extra-base hits, including 12 home runs, 13 doubles and 6 triples. He also led the team in RBIs (61) despite hitting primarily out of the leadoff hole.
He also led the team in runs (72) and stolen bases, swiping 24 bags in 28 attempts.
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"Erik is a tremendous individual and a kid that worked his butt off from the first day he got here to the day he left," said JC head baseball coach Tom Hager. "You could tell Erik is the son of a coach because he has a meticulous way of going about his business and obviously it paid off the last couple of years playing at Jamestown College."
Church continues to work out and stay sharp, hoping for a shot to play professionally. He is the second player to earn All-American honors during Hager's 11-year tenure. Brent Krause, currently playing for the St. Paul Saints, is the other.
"Erik is a student of the game and he's made himself into a great player," Hager said. "He's waiting for an opportunity and hopefully he'll receive one at some point. He certainly deserves it."
The Jimmies finished the season at 40-13, winning the Dakota Athletic Conference regular season championship and advancing to the NAIA national tournament.
Dickinson State's Kevin Park was the only other DAC player listed. He earned honorable mention honors.
Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached by phone (701) 952-8460 or email at daves@jamestownsun.com
