For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

ALAMIA, ORTIZ NAMED ALL-INDEPENDENT

EDINBURG, TX-Two members of The University of Texas-Pan American's baseball team have been honored.

Freshman outfielder Louie Alamia (Edinburg, TX/Edinburg North HS) and sophomore first baseman Tony Ortiz (Fort Worth, TX/Nolan HS) have been named second team All-Independent. They were selected in a vote of the head baseball coaches and sports information directors of the independent baseball teams this season.

Alamia, who was recently named a freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball, led the Broncs in hitting (.381) and on-base percentage (.453) this season, and was second in stolen bases (15 for 19) and slugging percentage (.517). Ranked second nationally among freshmen in hitting for much of the season, his 22-game hitting streak during the season tied the all-time record at Texas-Pan American. He finished the season with a 12-game hitting streak.

Alamia finished third among Broncs with 16 multiple-hit games, and was tied for fourth on the team with six multiple-RBI games. He had five hits in a game against NCAA Tournament qualifier Oral Roberts April 11th. He also made only two errors all season and compiled a .980 fielding average while starting 48 games in either right field or left field, and making one pitching appearance.

"It's another well-deserved honor for Louie," said UTPA Head Coach Willie Gawlik. "Once again, his work ethic and approach to the game and to practice are impeccable. When you work hard like he does, then good things happen to you eventually."

Ortiz tied for second among Broncs with a .336 bating average, and his 18 doubles tied the all-time single-season record set by Tommy Supak in 1980. He had 71 hits, scored 40 runs, and had five triples, 37 runs batted in, a .469 slugging percentage, a .383 on-base percentage, and a .994 fielding percentage.

Ortiz led Texas-Pan American with 19 multiple-hit games, and was third with nine multiple-RBI games. He started and played in all but one game, and made only three errors at first base after being converted from the outfield last season.

"Tony turned in a great effort making the transition from right field to first base, which was a new position for him," said Gawlik. "His fielding average reflects how well he played at first base. He also hit well, and tied the record for doubles, so he had a very good year."

The Broncs finished their first year under Gawlik with a 21-33 record.

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