May 21, 2008

Erie, Pa. - Following a senior season filled with highlight-reel defensive plays, Mercyhurst shortstop Dan Bertolini was awarded the North Central Region Gold Glove by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Wednesday.

Bertolini, who was also an All-GLIAC Second Team selection this season, is the first Laker shortstop to win a region gold glove award. Not only did he make spectacular plays, but he also made routine plays with consistency.

Bertolini led the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in assists with 136 and ranked fourth in double plays turned with 29.

His .964 fielding percentage led all starting shortstops in the conference, and he also had the highest fielding percentage of any player that had at least 200 chances and was not a first baseman or catcher.

With 51 appearances as a senior, Bertolini closed his four-year career having played in 202 games--more than any other Laker in school history. He also batted .319 and ranked second on the team with 52 hits in 2008.

2008 North Central Region Gold Glove Team
1B - Ben Minard, Ashland
2B - Justin Skinner, Drury
3B - Jacob Petkac, Ashland
SS - Dan Bertolini, Mercyhurst
OF - Matt Willie, St. Joseph College
OF - Jason Cisper, Northern Kentucky
OF - Drew Churchward, Wayne State
OF - Redd Welker, Saginaw Valley State
C - Larry Pempek, Northern Kentucky
P - Anthony Bass, Wayne State