ULM junior closer Derek Ward has been named to the 2008 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Watch List. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in Division I college baseball.
The Lewisville, Ark., native is one of just 45 players named to the midseason watch list after recording six saves and four wins in 15 appearances this season for the Warhawks (24-12, 14-4 Sun Belt).
Ward leads ULM with a 2.18 ERA on the season and has struck out 32 batters while walking just 12 in 33.0 innings of work.
The list features teams representing 19 athletic conferences as well as one independent team. The Atlantic Coast Conference leads the way with six pitchers on the honor squad.
The watch list was compiled from nominations submitted by sports information contacts and conference media relations offices nationwide. At the conclusion of regular season competition, the NCAA Division I saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the finalists for the award and announced May 28 prior to the start of NCAA regional competition. The winner of the 2008 Stopper of the Year Award will be selected by the NCBWA’s All-America Committee and announced Wednesday, June 4, two days before NCAA Super Regional play begins.