Feb. 10, 2012

click here for coaches' MAAC preseason poll

Burke is MAAC Preseason Player of the Year

Senior third baseman Chris Burke (right) of Iona was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

Burke was second in the MAAC with a .368 batting average in 2011. He belted 11 homers and recorded 114 total bases, both third in the conference. Burke had 22 steals and knocked in 44 a season ago.

The 2012 season starts on Friday, Feb. 17, with seven of the nine teams in action. Conference play begins the weekend of March 24-25. The top four squads will advance to the 2012 MAAC Championship, to be played May 24-26 at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, N.Y.

2012 Preseason All-MAAC Team

Ramon Ortega, Catcher, Manhattan

Mike Chiaravalloti, First Base, Iona

Jose Torralba, Second Base, Canisius

Vincent Citro, Second Base, Siena

Nick Camastro, Shortstop, Manhattan

Chris Burke, Third Base, Iona

Brandon Cotten, Outfield, Rider

Nick Crescenzo, Outfield, Rider

Preston Aldridge, Outfield, Saint Peter's

Eric Helmrich, Designated Hitter, Marist

Drew Pettit, Utility, Canisius

John Soldinger, Pitcher, Manhattan

Preseason Player of the Year: Chris Burke, Iona

(photo courtesy of ICGaels.com)