Alexander, Ralston and Tousa Named U-M Tri-Captains
11/28/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
"Being named captain by your teammates makes the honor even more special," said Zahn. "All three were members of Michigan's 1999 Big Ten playoff championship and will have the opportunity to share the leadership skills they have learned during the 2001 season.
"As a group these three are quality, hard-working athletes and students. They provide this team with excellent leadership."
Alexander grabbed the Friday starting slot in Michigan's Big Ten pitching rotation, replacing the injured Ralston a year ago. He went 4-2 with three complete games and ranked in the top four in ERA in the Big Ten while winning the Geoff Zahn Award as Michigan's Most Valuable Pitcher.
Ralston, who missed the 2000 season following "Tommy John surgery," repeats as tri-captain in 2001. Ralston led the Wolverine pitching staff in 1999 with an 8-1 record, a 3.54 ERA and 81.1 innings pitched. Ralston, the Zahn Award winner in 1999, shared the conference lead with six wins going 6-0 in his six Big Ten starts. He is 9-1 with two saves and a 3.15 ERA in 25 games in his career.
Tousa, the leading returning hitter (.335) from a year ago, will open the 2001 season with a 17-game hitting streak. He has hits in 18 consecutive Big Ten games. Tousa earned a pair of team awards in 2000, including the Ted Sizemore Award as Michigan's top fielder a year ago and the Betty Simmons Award as Michigan's Most Improved Player.
Michigan opens the 2001 season with a 12-game spring trip to Florida (Feb. 23-March 4).
Contact: Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
