Daniel Johnson is NMSU’s first baseball All-American in seven years
GREENSBORO, N.C. –Junior Daniel Johnson was named American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Third Team All-American, the organization announced onSaturday. He is the 13th Aggie to be named an All-American, and the first since 2009.
“What a great honor for our program and for DJ,” said head coach Brian Green. “He has earned all the accolades he has received this season. We as a program are so proud of him. Joining the likes of Billy Becher, Ryan Kenning, Bryan Marquez and other Aggie greats, this is a great honor to add another All-American to our program and our athletic department.”
A native of Vallejo, Calif., Johnson continues to be recognized after his outstanding season. In addition to being named the 2016 Western Athletic Conference Player of Year by the league’s 10 head coaches, Johnson was also named ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-Region, First Team All-WAC, WAC All-Tournament, NCBWA National Hitter of the Month and Louisville Slugger National Hitter of the Week.
The fifth-round selection of the Washington Nationals in the 2016 MLB First Year Player Draft, Johnson finished as one of the best offensive players in the country, ranked fourth nationally in hits (94), fifth in runs scored (67), 16th in stolen bases (29-of-33), 32nd in batting average (.382) and 40th in slugging percentage (.630). Additionally, he led the WAC in batting average, hits, home runs, stolen bases and runs scored.
First awarded in 1949, the ABCA/ Rawlings All-Americans are selected by the ABCA All-America committee. The committee is made up of eight NCAA Division I head baseball coaches.
