The Woodlands Alumnus shows versatility; leads Columbia to Ivy League Title and NCAA Berth

NEW YORK CITY, New York – On Monday, May 27th the Columbia baseball team will find out its destination for the regional round of the 2013 NCAA Baseball Championships during the Selection Show to be aired on ESPNU at 12 p.m. EST.

The Lions surpassed numerous milestones as a team this season, including setting the Columbia record for Ivy League wins in a season (16) and overall wins (27). On May 4, Columbia swept Dartmouth at Robertson Field at Satow Stadium in front of a standing-room-only crowd to become the first NCAA Division I team to punch its ticket to the NCAA Championships.

An integral part to the Lions’ success has been first baseman and pitcher, Alex Black (The Woodlands, 2009). Black, a senior tri-captain, made his second consecutive appearance on the All-Ivy League second team. The Lions’ first baseman, who also saw action on the hill as a closer (four saves), was a model of consistency and power at the dish. Batting in the heart of the Columbia lineup (third, fourth or fifth) the entire season, Black led or was tied for the team-high in six offensive categories: batting average (.320), hits (49), home runs (seven), total bases (78), slugging percentage (.510) and on-base percentage (.451). Black’s on-base percentage was assisted with 27 walks and 11 hit by pitches, both tied for second on team.