Texas Tech University Athletics
Klein Earns Third Preseason All-America Selection
February 06, 2020 | Baseball
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Senior infielder named to the NCBWA’s third team at second base
LUBBOCK, Texas – The preseason accolades continue to roll in for Texas Tech baseball second baseman Brian Klein as he was placed on the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Preseason All-America third team, the association announced Thursday.
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This marks the third preseason All-America honor for Klein, who was selected to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's second team in December and D1Baseball's third team last month. He is one of two players representing the Big 12 on the NCBWA's list.
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A 2020 All-Big 12 preseason selection, Klein joins an impressive list of Red Raiders that have been recognized by the NCBWA with last year's list featuring Josh Jung and Gabe Holt, while the 2018 version included Steven Gingery.
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The honor comes two days after the Red Raiders were tabbed No. 3 in the NCBWA preseason poll. Tech was slotted third in the country by four of the six preseason polls heading into 2020.
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Klein has been the model of consistency for Texas Tech the last two seasons as he has helped the program reach back-to-back College World Series for the first time in team history. He returns as a top offensive threat after hitting .315 a year ago while starting all 66 games at second base.
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The senior increased his RBI output from his sophomore to his junior year from 34 to 57 and led the country in sacrifice flies with 11. Klein ranked near the top of the Big 12 in several offensive categories, including walks (3rd), hits (4th), doubles (6th) and runs (7th).
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Klein came up clutch on the biggest stage as he hit two of his three home runs last season in Omaha. His two dingers at the College World Series led the Red Raiders, while he also tied for the team lead in hits, RBI and runs scored.
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Coming off their third Big 12 title in four years and their fourth College World Series appearance in six seasons, the Red Raiders are set to open the 2020 campaign on Friday, Feb. 14, against Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
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TEXAS TECH PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS (since 1999)
2019 – Brian Klein (2nd Team)
2019 – Josh Jung (1st Team)
2019 – Gabe Holt (2nd Team)
2019 – Caleb Kilian (2nd Team)
2018 – LHP Steven Gingery (1st Team)
2018 – UTL John McMillon (3rd Team)
2017 – RHP Davis Martin (3rd Team)
2015 - 1B Eric Gutierrez (1st Team)
2012 - RHP John Neely (2nd Team)
2012 - OF Barrett Barnes (3rd Team)
2008 - OF Roger Kieschnick (2nd Team)
2007 - C Matt Smith (3rd Team)
2007 - OF Roger Kieschnick (3rd Team)
2005 - SS Cameron Blair (1st Team)
2002 - 3B Nick Blankenship (2nd Team)
1999 - RHP Shane Wright (1st Team)
1999 - C Josh Bard (2nd Team)
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*Note Preseason All-Americans listed above designated included but not limited to NCBWA distinctions
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This marks the third preseason All-America honor for Klein, who was selected to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's second team in December and D1Baseball's third team last month. He is one of two players representing the Big 12 on the NCBWA's list.
Â
A 2020 All-Big 12 preseason selection, Klein joins an impressive list of Red Raiders that have been recognized by the NCBWA with last year's list featuring Josh Jung and Gabe Holt, while the 2018 version included Steven Gingery.
Â
The honor comes two days after the Red Raiders were tabbed No. 3 in the NCBWA preseason poll. Tech was slotted third in the country by four of the six preseason polls heading into 2020.
Â
Klein has been the model of consistency for Texas Tech the last two seasons as he has helped the program reach back-to-back College World Series for the first time in team history. He returns as a top offensive threat after hitting .315 a year ago while starting all 66 games at second base.
Â
The senior increased his RBI output from his sophomore to his junior year from 34 to 57 and led the country in sacrifice flies with 11. Klein ranked near the top of the Big 12 in several offensive categories, including walks (3rd), hits (4th), doubles (6th) and runs (7th).
Â
Klein came up clutch on the biggest stage as he hit two of his three home runs last season in Omaha. His two dingers at the College World Series led the Red Raiders, while he also tied for the team lead in hits, RBI and runs scored.
Â
Coming off their third Big 12 title in four years and their fourth College World Series appearance in six seasons, the Red Raiders are set to open the 2020 campaign on Friday, Feb. 14, against Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. from Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park.
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TEXAS TECH PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS (since 1999)
2019 – Brian Klein (2nd Team)
2019 – Josh Jung (1st Team)
2019 – Gabe Holt (2nd Team)
2019 – Caleb Kilian (2nd Team)
2018 – LHP Steven Gingery (1st Team)
2018 – UTL John McMillon (3rd Team)
2017 – RHP Davis Martin (3rd Team)
2015 - 1B Eric Gutierrez (1st Team)
2012 - RHP John Neely (2nd Team)
2012 - OF Barrett Barnes (3rd Team)
2008 - OF Roger Kieschnick (2nd Team)
2007 - C Matt Smith (3rd Team)
2007 - OF Roger Kieschnick (3rd Team)
2005 - SS Cameron Blair (1st Team)
2002 - 3B Nick Blankenship (2nd Team)
1999 - RHP Shane Wright (1st Team)
1999 - C Josh Bard (2nd Team)
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*Note Preseason All-Americans listed above designated included but not limited to NCBWA distinctions
Players Mentioned
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