Written By: NM State Athletic Dept.

2009 Ping!Baseball All-American Teams

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Senior catcher Jeff Farnham of the New Mexico State baseball team joins senior Bryan Marquez as an all-American as both were named to the 2009 All PING!Baseball teams, which were released Thursday, June 4 by PING!baseball.com.

Marquez (Bonny Lake, Wash.) who earned first team honors and Farnham (Las Vegas, Nev.) who earned second team honors led the Aggies to 44 wins on the year, the most ever by an NM State baseball team.

This is Marquez’s second all-American honor of the year as he was also named a Louisville Slugger all-American for his play at shortstop. He finished the year hitting .414, which was second in the WAC behind fellow Aggie Mike Sodders. He also belted 22 home runs and brought in a league-high 85 RBIs. Marquez also led the WAC in on-base percentage (.534), runs scored (83) and total bases (171).

"I am especially proud that Jeff (Farnham) is on the list because the guy was the heart and soul of our team," Marquez said. "I am glad to have played with a guy like Jeff and am proud of what the team accomplished this year."

Marquez, a first team all-WAC selection, also earned his first career WAC Hitter of the Week honor and Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week honor after having spectacular performances from March 9-15 this season. He was also named to the College Baseball Foundation National All-star Lineup and CollegeBaseballInsider.com Regional Player of the Week (West Region).

Farnham, a second team all-WAC selection, led all catchers in the league with a .371 batting average, while he was third in the league in stolen bases with 18 on 21 attempts. He also had 88 hits and 76 RBIs, both good enough for third in the WAC.

"I worked really hard and took the Ward’s offensive system to heart so I am very proud of this honor," Farnham said. "I would have liked to have made the NCAA tournament, but am very proud and honored for this."

Farnham was also named WAC Hitter of the Week March 2 after he hit .786 while helping the Aggies to a four-game sweep over Chicago State last week. Farnham went 11-for-14 at the plate with 11 RBI, including a career-high six RBI in a 13-6 win in game one of a double-header on Saturday.