Indiana University Athletics
Butler and Stephenson Named 2017 Baseball Captains
12/12/2016 3:37:00 PM | Baseball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Baseball head coach Chris Lemonis has announced that senior infielder Tony Butler and senior right-handed pitcher Luke Stephenson have been named team captains for the 2017 season. Butler and Stephenson were selected by their teammates.
"I am excited to announce Tony and Luke as our captains for the 2017 season," said Lemonis. "The team voted them to be our captains based on their day-to-day performance in our program. They are very talented baseball players, but more importantly, men of high character who have a strong influence on our team. They both have overcome many obstacles to get to this point in their careers. I am looking forward to them leading our team this spring."
Butler became the first Hoosier to be named to the 2016 Rawlings Gold Glove Team. The second baseman did not make an entire error the 2016 season, recording 77 putouts and 126 assists (203 chances). He played in 47 games for IU in 2016, making 44 starts while collecting 33 hits on the year, including four doubles and three home runs to go along with 13 RBI. In the rubber game of a three-game set against Indiana State on March 27, he belted a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning to give IU a 5-3 win.
Stephenson appeared in 14 games in 2016, making five starts in midweek games. He struck out 17 batters in 30 innings of work while walking just five. In his first career start as a Hoosier against Seton Hall, he struck out four in three innings. His first career victory came at Xavier on April 20, as he tossed four innings of shutout ball. Stephenson was strong in relief against Kentucky, striking out three and not allowing a baserunner in 2.2 innings.
Follow the Hoosiers on Twitter (@HoosierBaseball), Instagram (HoosierBaseball) and become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/HoosierBaseball) for all the latest Indiana Baseball news.
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"I am excited to announce Tony and Luke as our captains for the 2017 season," said Lemonis. "The team voted them to be our captains based on their day-to-day performance in our program. They are very talented baseball players, but more importantly, men of high character who have a strong influence on our team. They both have overcome many obstacles to get to this point in their careers. I am looking forward to them leading our team this spring."
Butler became the first Hoosier to be named to the 2016 Rawlings Gold Glove Team. The second baseman did not make an entire error the 2016 season, recording 77 putouts and 126 assists (203 chances). He played in 47 games for IU in 2016, making 44 starts while collecting 33 hits on the year, including four doubles and three home runs to go along with 13 RBI. In the rubber game of a three-game set against Indiana State on March 27, he belted a two-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning to give IU a 5-3 win.
Stephenson appeared in 14 games in 2016, making five starts in midweek games. He struck out 17 batters in 30 innings of work while walking just five. In his first career start as a Hoosier against Seton Hall, he struck out four in three innings. His first career victory came at Xavier on April 20, as he tossed four innings of shutout ball. Stephenson was strong in relief against Kentucky, striking out three and not allowing a baserunner in 2.2 innings.
Follow the Hoosiers on Twitter (@HoosierBaseball), Instagram (HoosierBaseball) and become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/HoosierBaseball) for all the latest Indiana Baseball news.
- #iubase -
Players Mentioned
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