Brewer’s McAvoy named AE Rookie of the Year

BURLINGTON, Vt. – When Kevin McAvoy arrived at the University of Maine last fall, the Black Bears really weren’t looking for a third baseman.

Once first-year coach Steve Trimper got a good look at McAvoy, he had a feeling he would have to find a way to get him in the lineup.

With sophomore standout Curt Smith moving from third to shortstop, McAvoy took advantage of his opportunity. The former Brewer High School star quickly established himself as one of UMaine’s best hitters and Wednesday night McAvoy was named the America East Rookie of the Year during the conference awards banquet.

McAvoy, the first-team third baseman, was among five Bears recognized. Senior outfielder Joe Hough was selected to the All-America East first team, while senior outfielder Ryan Quintal, junior first baseman Joel Barrett and junior designated hitter Matt McGraw were second-team choices.

McAvoy and UMaine sophomore shortstop Curt Smith also were first-team picks for the All-New England Division I team. Hough, Quintal and McGraw are on the second team.

Kyle Brault of Vermont was named AE player of the year, Zach Groh of Binghamton received pitcher of the year and Vermont’s Bill Currier earned coach of the year accolades.

McAvoy becomes UMaine’s first rookie of the year since teammate Greg Norton got the honor in 2003. He ranks in the top nine in seven AE offensive categories, including second in RBIs (55), fourth in batting average (.366), sixth in on-base percentage (.435) and slugging percentage (.560), and seventh in hits (64) and home runs (7).

While McAvoy has had a few struggles in the field (18 errors) and has been used more as the DH of late, he has been instrumental in the Bears’ success.

Hough, who was a first-teamer in 2004, has been UMaine’s offensive catalyst this season in the leadoff spot. The senior co-captain is tied for the team lead with 75 hits, heads the squad with 58 runs scored and is batting .338 with seven homers and 33 RBIs.

Hough, who is a tremendous defensive outfielder with a strong throwing arm, also has racked up 25 stolen bases in 29 attempts with his aggressive baserunning. He owns the Bears’ career record with 13 triples.

Quintal lands on the second team for the second straight season. The UMaine co-captain finished as the conference leader with 56 RBIs and belted eight home runs. Quintal hit .322 with four triples.

Barrett is a second-team selection after being an All-Rookie pick in 2004. The rugged co-captain ranked second on the squad with a .366 batting average and led UMaine with 17 doubles. The slick defender, who committed only three errors, also smacked five homers and knocked in 49 runs.

McGraw, an All-Rookie honoree two years ago, also gains his first all-league recognition. Despite being limited in his ability to play catcher as he recovered from shoulder surgery, he flourished as a DH. McGraw checks in at .333 with four homers and 35 RBIs. He also stole 15 bases in 16 tries.

Smith is an All-New England choice by virtue of his team-leading .375 batting average. He hit five homers, knocked in 47 runs and scored 51. Smith also stole 19 bases.