By Michael Morrell/Special to FAMU Athletics
NORFOLK, Va. – In his first season at the helm of the Florida A&M baseball program, Jamey Shouppe has been named MEAC Coach of the Year as announced by the conference on Wednesday. Senior Bennie Robinson was also named Player of the Year, which marks the first Player of the Year honor for FAMU in program history. Shouppe took over a program that had won seven games in each of the last two seasons to a 24-24 record in 2014 and its first MEAC Tournament appearance since 2011.
The MEAC Coach of the Year honor is the first for Florida A&M since former head coach Joe Durant was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2003.
"This is definitely a team award, from the coaching staff to the players buying in to what we were trying to accomplish this year," Florida A&M head coach Jamey Shouppe said. "It's not directed just to one person. This (award) is a tribute to this coaching staff and these players and is the ultimate team award.”
The Rattlers 24-24 record was the first time they finished the regular season with a .500 or better record since 2003.
FAMU also finished the regular season on a season-high five-game winning streak and have won 11 straight games decided by one run. The 24 wins on the year are the most wins since the Rattlers also won 24 in 2009. Florida A&M won a record 14 games in MEAC play and finished in a tie for first place in the Southern Division with Bethune-Cookman. The 14 conference wins is just the third time in program history with double digit MEAC wins.
"To start the season 3-10 and finish 24-24 is quite an accomplishment," Shouppe added. "Especially to finish out the year on a five game winning streak to take second place, which really positions ourselves better for the tournament. We're not just a baseball team anymore, we're now a program. We're going to do the things the way that successful programs do things and the guys bought into that and have got better and better. We're playing well going into the postseason and that's what you want from a coaching standpoint"
Florida A&M has been in almost every game this season as 30 games have been decided by three runs or less. The Rattlers are 18-12 in those games.
One of the big highlights of the year was a 4-3 win over then No. 6 Florida in Gainesville, arguably the biggest win for the MEAC this season. The win was the first over the Gators in the history of the Florida A&M baseball program. FAMU also ended long losing streaks over Jacksonville (20), North Florida (13) and Bethune-Cookman (13) during the season.
Robinson, who spent time both at first base and in right field this season, finished the regular season ranked third in the MEAC with a .390 average and was above .400 for a majority of the last month. Robinson led the MEAC in hits (76) and doubles (15), second in total bases (109), fourth in RBI (38) and has currently reached base safely in 44 straight games.
"I'm glad I can represent Florida A&M and win MEAC Player of the Year," Senior Bennie Robinson said. “It's a great feeling and I feel humbled, but there is still work left to do. I want to thank the coaches, Coach Shouppe, Coach Brett (Richardson), Coach KJ (Kevin Clethan) and Coach Frank (Schaeffer). I also want to thank all the guys. Without them and all their help, I wouldn't have been able to do what I have this season. I also want to thank Florida A&M and everyone who supported me."
"So excited for Bennie Robinson and what a great tribute to him," Shouppe said. "This is kind of personal for me because when I came in to do my interview for the job, Bennie was out on the field working. It's great to see kids who work hard get acknowledged for their work ethic. He's made himself into not only a good college player, but a good professional prospect as well. I'm anxious to see what transpires for him in the next month with professional baseball."
Outfielder Marlon Gibbs was named to the All-Conference Second Team. Gibbs hit .320 on the year with eight doubles, a home run and 16 RBI. Gibbs started all 48 games for the Rattlers and led the team with 13 stolen bases.
The Rattlers were also well represented on the MEAC All-Academic Team as seven players were honored. William Carrasco, David Duncan, Brandon Fleming, Peter Jackson, Garrett Johnson, Bennie Robinson and Cameron Sims were all recognized for their success in the classroom.
Florida A&M begins MEAC Tournament play against Coppin State tonight at 7:30 pm at Marty L. Miller Field in Norfolk, VA. The Rattlers enter the tournament the #2 seed out of the Southern Division.
As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthletics.
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