Former River Bats And Rox First Baseman Lopez Wins National Award

Former St. Cloud River Bats and Rox first baseman Carlos Lopez was named the national 2013 Senior CLASS Award winner for Division I NCAA Baseball. Lopez played two seasons with the Bats and one with the Rox.

According to a release on seniorclassaward.com "The award is 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, a player must be a senior and must have notable achievements in the classroom, community, character and competition.

Lopez sported a 3.41 GPA and was named to the Dean's List twice at Cal-Fullerton. The left-handed batter was drafted in the tenth round by Miami in last month's MLB Draft.

Lopez visits local elementary schools to read with students, and was involved in Challenger Camps and free local clinics for kids. Lopez also traveled to Mexico during the offseason to help build housing for the needy.

Lopez, via seniorclassaward.com, said he is flattered at grateful for the award.

“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."