Titans’ Kotsay, Silva, Garrido Get Big West Conference Honors

Cal State Fullerton’s Mark Kotsay, Ted Silva and Augie Garrido swept the major Big West Conference baseball honors Friday.

Kotsay was named player of the year, Silva pitcher of the year and Garrido coach of the year. All were unanimous selections by conference coaches.

Kotsay, a candidate for national player of the year recognition, leads the Big West in hitting and ranks 18th in the nation with a .425 average. Kotsay also leads the conference in home runs, runs batted in and runs scored.

Silva (13-1, 2.49 earned-run average) ranks third in the nation in victories. Garrido, whose Titans won the regular-season title, also was named conference coach of the year in 1987.

Fullerton outfielder Tony Miranda and catcher Brian Loyd joined Kotsay and Silva as first-team selections.

Long Beach State also had four on the first team. Pitchers Scott Rivette and Gabe Gonzalez were chosen along with third baseman Jeff Liefer and designated hitter Jason Hodges.

Four Fullerton players were second-team choices: pitcher Tim Dixon, outfielder Jeremy Giambi and infielders Jack Jones and Joe Fraser. Long Beach selections were pitcher Kyle Wilson, catcher Kirk Pierce and outfielder Jerome Minici.