Long Beach State University Athletics
David Banuelos Named First Team All-American
6/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
DURHAM, N.C. - Baseball America released its list of All-Americans on Thursday morning, with Long Beach State catcher David Banuelos included on the first team. Banuelos becomes the first Dirtbags player since RP Neil Jamison in 2005 to be named a First Team All-American. The last Dirtbags player to be named First Team All-American by Baseball America was Jered Weaver in 2004.
Banuelos continues to rake in the accolades, winning Big West Defensive Player of the Year last week before being named a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award on Monday. The Ontario, Calif. native has been the First Team All-Big West catcher for two straight seasons and continues his breakout into the national spotlight.
Regarded one of the elite defensive catchers in the nation, Banuelos has been no slouch at the plate either. The junior backstop is hitting .297 with a slugging percentage of .484 and a .376 on-base percentage. He is second on the team with seven home runs and has 29 RBIs and five stolen bases. He has started 54 games this season, including 52 behind home plate.
Banuelos and the Dirtbags begin play at the Long Beach Super Regional on Friday at 3 p.m. against rivals Cal State Fullerton. The game will be shown on ESPN2.
