University of Georgia pitcher/outfielder C.J. Smith is among the 32 standout players named to the the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Freshman All-American Team, the organization announced Monday.
A 6-1, 186-pound native of Royston, Ga., Smith made 14 appearances on the mound with five starts and posted a 1-2 record and a 2.48 ERA. He registered 27 strikeouts in 36.1 innings pitched. His first career victory came over Georgia Tech at SunTrust Park in front of a crowd of 17,741 that completed a series sweep. Also, he appeared in 27 games as a position player with 17 starts in centerfield, one in right field and one as a designated hitter. Smith batted .300 with two doubles, a home run and nine RBI in 80 at bats. He fielded perfect 1.000 in 44 total chances as an outfielder. Smith was named to the NCBWA Freshman All-American Second Team as a utility player.
In SEC action, Smith went 0-0 with a 0.84 ERA in three appearances including one start covering a span of 10.2 innings. He posted a .318 batting average with five RBI in 44 at bats.
Overall, Smith helped the Bulldogs go 39-21 (18-12 SEC), earn a No. 8 national seed and play host to an NCAA Athens Regional. Smith is the 27thBulldog in school history to earn Freshman All-America honors and the first since shortstop Cam Shepherd in 2017.
The 2018 NCBWA Freshman All-American team is voted upon by the membership of the NCBWA. Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association’s official Web site, www.ncbwa.com.