June 25, 2008

BLACKSBURG, Va. - University of Richmond rookie designated hitter Billy Barber has been named to the 2008 VaSID All-State First Team, which was announced this week. The Fredericksburg, Va. native, who led the Spiders with 16 homers and 45 RBI, becomes the second Spider in as many seasons to earn the honor.

The All-State Team is selected through a vote by members of the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID).

Barber was bothered by a nagging thumb injury over the final two weeks of the season, but the freshman still finished as the team leader with 13 home runs, 45 RBI and a .703 slugging percentage. The DH was named the National Player of the Week once and was a back-to-back A-10 Rookie of the Week pick after a torrid stretch that saw him hit .500 (12-for-24) with six homers, 16 RBI and a 1.375 slugging percentage over five game stretch in late March.

Also name a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, Barber homered in five-consecutive games mid-season and finished third in the A-10 in long balls and second in slugging. He was also tabbed -- along with teammate Mike Mergenthaler -- to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.

Former Spider Joe Mahoney, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles after his junior season in 2007, was a VaSID First Team selection that season. Mahoney is batting .243 with seven homers and team-leading 45 RBI for the Class A Delmarva Shorebirds. His team is 4-3 in the South Atlantic League.