Based on their outstanding play this season two Missouri Western baseball players (Spencer Shockley & Brandon Simmons) have been added to the 2013 Tino Martinez Award Watch List.

The list includes 152 top amateur athletes from across the nation. The award is presented to the most outstanding player in DII college baseball. The annual honor is named after the former University of Tampa Spartan, United States Olympian, first round draft pick and MLB All-Star, Tino Martinez.

Shockley is a senior first baseman who is hitting .328 on the season and is leading the Griffons with 14 doubles. He broke the MWSU career record for doubles earlier this season and now has 44 in his three years at MWSU. Shockley is also a solid defender making just one error on the season. He has 252 putouts, 11 assists and a .996 fielding percentage. Shockley has walked 13 times and struck out just eight in his 119 at bats.

Simmons is a senior pitcher from Kansas City, Kan. Simmons holds a perfect 8-0 record on the season with a 2.98 ERA. Simmons has thrown two complete games in 45.1 innings of work. He has given up just 15 earned runs whlie striking out 30 and walking just eight. In his career he has a school record with 32 victories and also set the school record for most victories in a season with 12 a season ago. He has 206 strike outs in his career which is 5th all-time. With his next victory he will become the MIAA all-time leader in wins.

Initial nominations for the award were made by baseball sports information contacts, coaches and media members. A panel of media, coaches and sports information officers was polled to finalize the candidates and determine the winner. A fan Internet vote also contributes to the final vote.

The Griffons are 31-5 on the season adn 24-2 in MIAA play. they return to action on Saturday, April 20 with a doubleheader against 8th ranked Central Missouri (29-8, 23-7 MIAA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm from the Griffons Baseball Field.

— MWSU Sports Information —