The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has named Baseball Factory alumni Vito Chiaravalloti, outfielder, and James Russell, relief pitcher, to its 2003 Preseason All-American First Team. Shortstop Aaron Hill was named to the second team. Players selected for the NCBWA teams represent the best student-athletes from 16 different Division I conferences throughout the country.

Vito Chiaravalloti, Richmond (OF/1B) – Last season, Chiaravalloti was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First team and the ABCA All-East Region. While starting in all 66 games for the Spiders, Chiaravalloti batted .357, scored 69 runs, and led the Atlantic 10 in home runs (23), walks (50), and RBIs (86). His 86 RBIs set a new single-season record for Richmond. The right-handed slugger also led the Spiders with 26 multiple-RBI games and was second on the team with 41 extra-base hits. In its February 3-16, 2003 issue, Baseball America ranked Vito as the 33rd best senior in all of college baseball.

James Russell, Villanova (RP) – Russell is considered one of the top closers in the nation and was ranked as the 31st best senior by Baseball America. Last season, he led the Wildcats with 15 saves and a 2.33 ERA. In 27 innings pitched, Russell recorded 35 strikeouts while walking only eight batters. He appeared in 22 games for the Wildcats and finished third in the nation with 15 saves. In Big East play, Russell recorded 16.2 innings of work while posting an ERA of 1.62. In 2002, he received ABCA/Rawlings first team and All-East Region honors.

Aaron Hill, LSU (SS) – Hill helped lead the US National Team to a silver medal at the 2002 World University Baseball Championship in Messina, Italy. Last season, he batted .329, with nine home runs, 46 runs scored, and 47 RBIs for the LSU Tigers. In 2000, Hill was the 7th round selection of the Anaheim Angels and is currently ranked 15th among juniors by Baseball America.

Baseball Factory players honored in Baseball America’s Top 50 College Prospects (Feb. 3-16, 2003):

Freshmen

12. Mark Romanczuk, Stanford (lhp)
30. Justin Tordi, Florida (ss)

Juniors

7. Landon Powell, South Carolina (c)
15. Aaron Hill, Louisiana State (ss)
40. Brian Snyder, Stetson (3B/2B)

Seniors

13. Brett Cooley, Houston (3B/1B)
20. Anthony Lunetta, South Carolina (ss)
31. James Russell, Villanova (rhp)
33. Vito Chiaravalloti, Richmond (of)
50. Andy Wilson, Stetson (3B/rhp)