ORONO – University of Maine sophomore Joe Drapeau, who earned consensus Freshman All-American honors last season, picked up his first honor of the 2001 season when he was named to Collegiate Baseball’s Third Team Preseason All-American squad.

Biddeford’s Drapeau, who started at third base for the Black Bears last season, finished the year with a league-leading .359 batting average. He also led UMaine in hits with 66, doubles (15), home runs (16), and RBI’s (50), on his way to earning America East Rookie of the Year honors. Drapeau earned Freshman All-American honors from both Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America, and he was also named to the American Baseball Coaches Association Division I Northeast Region All-Star team.

Drapeau was one of three America East players named to the Preseason All-American squad. He was joined on the third team by Delaware’s Rich McGuire (RHP) and Andrew Salvo (2B).