Corona del Sol graduateMike Felton has been named to Second Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America for his performance playing second baseman at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.Felton, part of Corona’s 2009 state championship baseball team, was also named by the American Baseball Coaches Association to the Second Team All-American and First Team All-Atlantic Region.
Playing in his junior year, Felton is the first Division I baseball All-American ever at Campbell.
“Mike has had a tremendous impact on our program in the one year he has been at Campbell,” said head coach Gregory Goff.
“To become the first All-American in the school’s history says it all.”
Felton believes he was probably selected because of his batting skills but prides himself on the improvements he has made playing defense.
“I think the main reason I was selected for the All-American awards is because I was in the top five in batting average and hits in the nation this year,” said Felton.
“The thing I’m most proud of, though, would be my defense. I worked hard to become a better defensive player and it’s really paid off.”
Felton was the nation’s leader in hits (103) before the NCAA Tournament and ranks fourth in batting average with a .424 clip. He helped the Fighting Camels have a record setting season both as a team and individually breaking 10 single season team records including a best 41 overall wins, according to Goff.
He finished his junior year as Campbell’s all-time single-season leader in hits (103), singles (87) and at-bats (243). He had 35 multiple-hit games including two four-hit games all in the regular season, and was named the league’s Player of the Week on May 14 after getting 15 hits in five games. He also was named to the Big South First Team All-Conference and the College Sports Madness First Team All-Big South team.
“Mike leads by example every day with his effort and attitude with our team,” said Goff. “He’s a winner in every regard and I’m very thankful to have a chance to be his coach.”
Not one to rest on his laurels, Felton has already set a new goal for himself next season.
“I want to steal more bases next year along with continuing to get better on defense.”
Felton, who originally played baseball his freshman year at Southwestern Oklahoma State with Corona teammate Brock Abbadini, transferred to Gateway Community College his sophomore year.
“I always knew I wanted to continue playing baseball and the only way I could was to come back home and play at Gateway for a year and then head to a university my junior and senior year,” said Felton.
Felton plans on finishing up his collegiate playing career at Campbell and then decide what to do after he graduates.
“If it happens that I can keep playing baseball after college, that will be great,” said Felton. “If not, I’m going to apply to Campbell’s Law School. I like the people, the weather and the change of scenery here.”
