Carlos Lopez of Cal State Fullerton wins the 2013 Senior CLASS Award® for baseball

June 24, 2013

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The 2013 Big West Conference Co-Player of the Year Carlos Lopez of Cal State Fullerton has been selected as the 2013 Senior CLASS Award winner in NCAA® Division I baseball.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I baseball coaches, national baseball media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I baseball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“I am so flattered and grateful to receive the Senior CLASS Award,” Lopez said. “I share this accolade with my teammates, coaches and Cal State Fullerton staff and community that supported me during my career as a Titan. Most importantly, I share this award with my family, who stressed the importance of effort not just on the field, but in the classroom and in my community.

“When I made the decision to return for my senior season, I could not have fathomed the amazing and successful season we had this year, as well as the long-lasting relationships I was able to build with my coaches and teammates,” Lopez added.

Boasting a GPA of 3.41, Lopez’s academic success did not go unnoticed. He was named to the Dean’s List twice and the All-Big West academic team two times. As a senior he became the second player in Cal State Fullerton history to be named to the Capital One Academic All-American team. He was also named Cal State Fullerton Male Scholar Athlete of the Year three times. Lopez was an active member in multiple community service events. Through the athletic department, he visited local elementary schools to read to students and was involved in Challenger Camps and free baseball clinics for local kids. Lopez also traveled to Mexico during the offseason to help build houses for the needy.

“Carlos has been an exceptional leader for our program both on and off the field,” head coach Rick Vanderhook said. “His effort, guidance and maturity played a significant role in our success this year, and I am very pleased that he is being honored with this well-deserved distinction. His many accomplishments during his career at Cal State Fullerton are clearly a product of his hard work and dedication.”

Cal State Fullerton won four conference titles and 73 percent of its games during Lopez’s career. He finished with a career .338 batting average and played in 226 career games, which ranks eighth all-time at the school. Fullerton completed this season with a 51-10 record. Lopez led the Titans in several offensive categories including; batting average (.339), runs scored (52), hits (80) and stolen bases (15). He was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

“Carlos committed to making Cal State Fullerton a better baseball team when he signed to play for the Titans,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “In honoring his commitment, he was able to impact many teammates and people in the community through his good works and strong leadership.”

Baseball 2013 Winner

Name Position School
Carlos Lopez First Base Cal State Fullerton

First Team

Name Position School
Alex Mendez Outfield South Florida
Raph Rhymes Outfield Louisiana State
Chris Rowley Pitcher Army
Brandon Thomas Outfield Georgia Tech

Second Team

Name Position School
Mark Appel Pitcher Stanford
Shane Basen Third Base/Shortstop Charlotte
Chase Brookshire Pitcher Belmont
Boomer Collins Outfield Dallas Baptist
LB Dantzler Infield South Carolina