June 12, 2009

DURHAM, N.C.- North Carolina Central University freshman outfielder Akeem Hood was named to the 2009 All-PING! Freshman Team, Ping!baseball.com announced. Hood was selected to the website's third-team, as the rookie's impact on the field was felt at the top of the Eagle order.

The 5-10, 158-pound product of Raleigh, N.C., led the team batting .322 on the season from the leadoff spot in the lineup. He started 39 games, mostly in right field. Hood led the squad in numerous offensive categories such as runs scored (25), hits (47), total bases (59), and stolen bases (16). Hood also tied for first on the roster with four triples to his credit. The freshman was stellar against left-handed pitching batting 13-for-39 with a .333 batting average. From the top of the lineup, Hood also batted .321 with runners in scoring position.

It took Hood little time to establish himself in a maroon and gray uniform, as he went 6-for-12 at-the-plate scoring two runs and driving in another two for the Eagles in his first three games.

Hood contributed greatly in NCCU's first-ever Division I doubleheader sweep against Savannah State on March 7, going for 3-for-6 with a triple, and scoring four times on the day. Hood's average only dropped below .300 three times all season, and he ended his first campaign with an eight-game hitting streak.

"This is a great accomplishment for Akeem," said Head Coach Dr. Henry White. "For him to walk-on at North Carolina Central University, and become not only our team MVP, but also get recognized by Ping! Baseball.com speaks volumes of his talent."

For the complete list of All-Ping! Freshman Baseball honorees, visit Ping!Baseball at http://www.pingbaseball.com/players/allping09_freshman.php.