|
Honors & Awards
2005 Outlook: Sophomore Al Smith returns after backing up All-Big 12 infielder Curtis Ledbetter in 2004 Appeared in 18 games as a true freshman, batting .296 with a homer and three RBIs, despite playing most of the second half of the year with a shoulder injury Missed the entire fall after having shoulder surgery in September, but is expected to return to action this spring Was a former two-time all-state pick in high school, guiding Omaha Westside to a 32-3 record and a state title as a senior Named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in his first two semesters at NU, carrying a 3.505 GPA.
2004: Smith was a valuable reserve, backing up All-Big 12 first baseman Curtis Ledbetter Batted .296 with a homer and three RBIs in 18 games, as he also saw time at designated hitter Showed a knack for getting on base, ranking second with a .486 on-base percentage, as he drew six walks and was hit by four pitches in just 37 plate appearances Appeared in six league tilts, hitting .333 with a double and an RBI Enjoyed his best Big 12 series at No. 1 Texas in Austin, going 2-for-6 with one hit-by-pitch against the Longhorns Drove in his only run in Big 12 play with an RBI double at Missouri on April 17 Replaced an injured Curtis Ledbetter in the series against New Mexico (April 5-6), going 2-for-5 while drawing a career-high three walks in the finale Belted his first career homer off Boston College starter Kevin Shepard in a win over the Eagles on March 19 Hit twice in his only two plate appearances vs. Creighton (4/20) Delivered a pinch-hit RBI single vs. Northern Iowa on May 11.
Omaha Westside High School: Smith was one of the state’s top players during his prep career at Omaha Westside for Coach Bob Greco Chosen as the state’s top high school draft prospect by Baseball America after guiding Westside to a 32-3 record, a state title and a No. 10 national ranking from USA Today in 2003 Was a two-time All-Nebraska selection by both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald after hitting .500 with seven homers and 47 RBIs as a senior Paced the state in RBIs and ranked among state leaders in nearly every major category, including batting average (third), runs (47, second), homers (second) and hits (53, second) Tabbed an all-metro honoree in 2003 after hitting .483 with six homers and 38 RBIs.
Personal: Born on Aug. 16, 1984, in Omaha Parents are Phil and Sherry Smith Has two brothers (Nate and Matt) Is a general studies major. Year Avg GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB-ATT
2004.... .296 18-10 27 4 8 1 0 1 3 6 7 0-1
TOTAL... .296 18-10 27 4 8 1 0 1 3 6 7 0-1
|
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
