June 15, 2009

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Mike Belfiore and Tony Sanchez were named 2009 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Americans and were also voted to the All-Northeast Region First Team.

Sophomores Pat Dean and Mickey Wiswall were both voted to the All-Northeast Region Second Team.

Belfiore was tabbed a second-team All-American as a utility player while Sanchez was a third-team All-American catcher.

Sanchez became the highest pick in the Major League Baseball Draft in program history last week when the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him fourth overall. He is currently one of three finalists for the 2009 Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher. Sanchez was also named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger All-America Third Team and was tabbed as one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, presented annually to the nation's premier amateur baseball player. He was also the first player from Boston College to be voted to the All-ACC First Team.

Belfiore was also taken on the first night of the draft as he was selected with the 45th overall pick in Comp Round A by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Belfiore is the fourth-highest overall pick for BC in the MLB Draft following Sanchez, Chris Lambert (19th in 2004) and Gary Matz (38th in 1968).

Belfiore played a significant role in leading the Eagles to their first NCAA Championship appearance in 42 years. He was also a semifinalist for the Stopper of the Year award and an All-ACC Second Team performer this season.

Dean emerged as one of the top starting pitchers in the ACC this year. He finished the season with a 6-4 record which was a team-high for wins. He started 15 games and tossed 95.1 innings, allowing 44 runs - 35 earned. He struck out 90 batters and walked just 16.