Bayne Named to USA Softball’s Player of the Year Watch List
2/1/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 1, 2017
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Senior Alex Bayne, who emerged as one of the nation’s most prolific home run hitters last year, has been named to the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 “Watch List”, the organization announced today.
It is the third major preseason award for the Manvel, Texas native. Last week, she was selected by Fastpitch News to its list of the nation’s 50 best hitters. College Sports Madness chose her as a third team preseason All-American.
Entering the 2017 season, Bayne ranks sixth nationally amongst returning players in home runs and seventh in home runs per game. She tired Ohio State’s single-season home run record (19) while also batting .364 with a team-high 53 runs scored, 49 RBI, .740 slugging percentage and 12 stolen bases. The Buckeyes were 16-0-1 in games in which he homered.
On defense, Bayne had a .983 fielding percentage from her spot in right field and has added a league-leading nine outfield assists. This is the first year she has played in the outfield after previously playing her entire career at second base and shortstop.
The 2017 season officially begins the weekend of Feb. 10-12 when the Buckeyes travel to College Station, Texas for the Aggie Classic. Ohio State faces Central Michigan on Feb. 10, followed by games against Lamar and Texas A&M on Feb. 11. It concludes play versus Central Michigan on Feb. 12.
