Edward Easley Among Three Finalists For 2007 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy
Easley, from Olive Branch, Miss., currently sports a .376 batting average and leads the Bulldogs in hits (73), runs scored (53), home runs(12) and RBI (57). The Bulldog catcher has thrown out 24 base-stealers, the most among catchers in the Southeastern Conference. He ranks seventh in the SEC in batting average, fourth in RBI and enters the week riding a 12-game hitting streak.
Easley is also a candidate for the Coleman/Johnny Bench Trophy, presented each year to college baseball's top catcher.
The other two finalists for this year's Cellular South Ferriss Trophy are Mississippi junior infielder Zach Cozart of Collierville, Tenn., and Belhaven College senior infielder Thomas Royals of Hattiesburg, Miss.
The 2007 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy presentation will take place Monday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Delta State University's Bologna Performing Arts Center in Cleveland, Miss. The ceremony will be telecast live by Mississippi Public Broadcasting, with former Mississippi State All-American pitcher and current Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley hosting the broadcast.
The award is named after Dave Boo Ferriss, a native of Shaw, Miss., and a former Mississippi State pitching standout. Ferriss, a member of the Mississippi Sports, Delta State University, Mississippi State University, and Boston Red Sox Halls of Fame, is the winningest baseball coach in Delta State University history.
Easley will be bidding to become the second consecutive Mississippi State player to earn the Cellular South Ferriss Trophy. Shortstop Thomas Berkery, who led the Southeastern Conference in 2006 with a .383 batting average, took home the Ferriss Trophy.
A reception will precede the presentation. For ticket information, contact the Museum at 1-800-280-FAME (3263) or generalinfo@msfame.com.Tickets may be purchased online at www.msfame.com. All proceeds benefit the private non-profit Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and support is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.