Cawhorn Is Orange Empire Player of Year

Gerad Cawhorn, a freshman from Golden West College, was selected player of the year in balloting by the Orange Empire Conference baseball coaches.

Cawhorn, who played second and third base, hit .375 with 15 doubles, five triples, a home run and 35 runs batted in. He was the top hitter in the conference with a .404 average.

Dennis Rodgers, who led Riverside to its most successful season with 27 victories, was selected coach of the year.

Here is the first team:

First base: Jim Short (Fullerton) and Conrad Colby (Rancho Santiago).

Infielders: Doug McConathy (Cypress), Troy Babbitt (Cypress), Brent Ferguson (Saddleback), Robb Carabba (Golden West), Sid Maldonado (Orange Coast) and Randy Graves (Riverside).

Outfielders: Frank Herman (Golden West), Steve Grack (Rancho Santiago), Buster Nietke (Saddleback), Randy Curtis (Riverside) and Tom Wilson (Fullerton).

Catchers: Terry Tewell (Cypress) and Willy Speakman (Fullerton).

Designated hitter: Gary Christopherson (Golden West).

Pitchers: Matt Lackie (Rancho Santiago), Jerry Aschoff (Rancho Santiago), Jim Patterson (Riverside) and Steve Trachsel (Fullerton).