Clemson Ranked #2 in Collegiate Baseball Preseason Poll

Dec. 22, 2006

Clemson, SC –

Clemson is ranked #2 in Collegiate Baseball’s 2007 preseason poll, released on Friday. It is the program’s 19th consecutive year ranked in that publication’s preseason top 25. It also ties for Clemson’s highest preseason ranking in history, as it was #2 in Baseball America’s preseason polls of 2002 and 2006, and is the highest preseason ranking in the Collegiate Baseball poll.

The Tigers, who were 53-16 and made its 11th College World Series appearance in 2006, are the highest-ranked ACC team. Clemson has made 20 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the third-longest streak in NCAA history.

Rice is atop the poll, while Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, and North Carolina round out the top five. Other ACC teams ranked in Collegiate Baseball’s top-25 poll include #6 Miami (FL), #10 Virginia, #11 Georgia Tech, and #13 Florida State, giving the ACC six of the top-13 teams. Clemson finished the 2006 season ranked #5 in all three major polls.

Three Tigers were also named to Collegiate Baseball’s Preseason All-America team. Senior first-baseman Andy D’Alessio (Naples, FL) is on the first team. In 2006, he batted .312 with 23 homers and 85 RBIs on his way to earning first-team All-America honors. Junior lefty closer Daniel Moskos (Alta Loma, CA) is on the second team. In 2006, he had a 2.52 ERA and 10 saves in 33 relief appearances. Junior second-baseman Taylor Harbin (Travelers Rest, SC) is on the third team. In 2006, he hit .319 with 20 doubles, nine homers, and 47 RBIs.

The Tigers open their 2007 schedule on February 16 against George Mason at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.