Baseball Names Jeff Stanek & Toby Barnett Co-MVPs
05/29/2002 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
May 29, 2002
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Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois University head coach Dan Callahan announced on Wednesday that senior Jeff Stanek and junior Toby Barnett would share the 2002 MVP award. The two first-team, all-MVC performers will share the award named in 1996 after SIU former Hall-of-Fame coach Itch Jones.
"It was tough to pick one guy, they were both so important to our team and statistically they were so close. Stanek provided great senior leadership and had a great year and Barnett was better than advertised and a fine leader with a great work ethic," said Callahan.
"Toby was a shade better season statistically, but Jeff had his best season ever, wrapped up a great career at SIU and deserved to be rewarded for his efforts."
Barnett, a catcher and designated hitter, was named MVC Newcomer-of-the-Year as well as a member of the All-MVC First Team, where he was joined by Stanek, a first baseman.
Barnett, a native of West Kallaroo, Australia and a junior college transfer, hit .305 (5th), led SIU in RBI (45), hits (67), doubles (16), total bases (111), multiple-RBI games (13), plate appearances (245) and at bats (219). He finished second with 18 multiple-hit games, eight home runs, a .507 slugging percentage and was fourth with 40 runs scored. Barnett tied for eighth in the MVC in RBI's and was ninth in doubles. He's one of three Salukis to start all 56 games and opened the season with an 11-game hitting streak.
Stanek, a four-year starter from Orland Park, Ill., hit a career-high .322 (3rd) and led SIU in walks and sacrifice flies (5) and started all 56 games. He finished second in on base percentage (.420), 18 multiple-hit games, runs scored (42) and doubles (12). He was third in hits (65), total bases (100), RBI (37), home runs (7) and slugging percentage (.495). He had 202 at bats (4th) and 245 total plate appearances (T-1st).
Barnett and Stanek join 2002 award winners Luke Nelson (Abe Martin Award) and John Clem (James J. Mundo Award). SIU is coming off its best season since 1990 with a 32-24 record.