Schwarzer nabs Spalding® DI defensive honor
Andrew catcher set new school record for most runners caught stealing
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Andrew College’s (GA) Chris Schwarzer has been awarded the 2017 Spalding® NJCAA Division I Baseball Defensive Player of the Year award, announced by the Division I Baseball Committee on Thursday.
A sophomore catcher, Schwarzer limited opposing baserunners throughout the season from behind the plate. A native of Lawrenceville, GA, Schwarzer allowed just one stolen base in 21 attempts on the year, throwing out 20 runners.
Along with his impressive ability of nabbing baserunners, Schwarzer played in 57 of the team’s 60 games on the year without committing an error in 282 total chances. The freshman totaled 37 assists, including six double plays on the season while allowing just six passed balls.
The 2017 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, Schwarzer earned second team All-Region 17 honors after batting .312 with six home runs in 2017.
Andrew head coach Blake Williams commended Schwarzer’s talents for the Fighting Tigers. “Chris was a transcendent player for us defensively as he is one of the best you will ever find behind the plate. I’m very proud and pumped up for Chris winning this prestigious award. I have been spoiled the past two years having Chris be our catcher and handling our pitchers as he made my job a lot easier. Chris is the best defensive catcher that I have ever had and you would be hard fought to find someone better than him.”
Schwarzer also received praise from Andrew’s pitching coach, Zac Cole. “Chris gave our pitchers the confidence to throw any pitch at any time and grew tremendously in his pitch calling. Without a doubt, our pitching staff would not have been the same without Chris.”
Schwarzer has committed to the University of South Carolina Aiken for next season.