2010 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy Finalists Named

Ole Miss, USM Pitchers and MSU First Baseman Will Vie For Honor As State's Top College Baseball Player

Jackson, MS (May 17,2010) - Pitching and power characterize the three finalists for the 2010 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy, which is awarded annually to Mississippi's top college baseball player. The three finalists for the 7th annual award in alphabetical order are:

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Todd McInnis from the University of Southern Mississippi

Drew Pomeranz from the University of Mississippi

Connor Powers from Mississippi State University

• Todd McInnis, a junior right-handed pitcher from the University of Southern Mississippi. McInniss, a Brandon, Ms. native, is a hard-throwing pitcher who struck out 82 batters in 83 innings. McInnis owns a 5-5 record with a team-best 3.14 ERA. Opposing batters hit .220 against McInnis, a pre-season third team All-American honoree, during the year.
• Drew Pomeranz, a left-handed pitcher from the University of Mississippi. Pomeranz, a Collierville, Tn. native, sports a 7-1 record with a 2.15 ERA, best in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and averages more than 1.5 strikeouts per inning pitched. He has allowed only 16 extra base hits in 79.2 innings with no errors and only one wild pitch.
• Connor Powers, a right-handed batting first baseman for Mississippi State University. The Naperville, IL. Native is batting .380, seventh best in the SEC with 15 home runs and 66 RBI and 76 hits. Powers, in only his second year at first base, has committed just 4 errors in 476 chances. A three-time SEC All-Academic team honoree, Powers returned for his senior year at MSU after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.

The finalists were selected by a panel of 25 voters that includes college baseball coaches, Major League scouts and a media member. The recipient of the 2010 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy will be announced Monday, May 24 at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Ms. A 5:30 p.m. reception will precede the formal awards program, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Longtime Delta State head baseball coach Boo Ferriss, the namesake of the award, plans to attend the awards program. Ferriss is a former Mississippi State All-American and a member of the Missisisppi Sports Hall of Fame, Delta State and Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. The three finalists and their coaches also are expected to attend the event.

Other players receiving votes (listed alphabetically) include:

• Aaron Barrett, University of Mississippi
• Bo Bell, Mississippi College
• Cortez Cole, Jackson State University
• Scott Copeland, University of Southern Mississippi
• Craig Dean, Belhaven College
• Timmy Foster, Belhaven College
• Josh Gordon, Delta State University
• Brandt Hinton, Belhaven College
• Tyler Seaman, Mississippi College
• B.A. Vollmuth, University of Southern Mississippi
• Taylor Walker, University of Southern Mississippi

2010 marks the 14th anniversary of the Cellular South Outstanding Player Awards program. Cellular South has served as the title sponsor for 12 of those years since 1998. The Conerly Trophy in college football, the Howell Trophy in men's college basketball, the Gillom Trophy in women's college basketball and the Ferriss Trophy in college baseball comprise the four elements of the Cellular South Outstanding Player Awards program series.

For ticket availability and prices, contact the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at 1-800-280- FAME (3263). All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization.

About Cellular South

Cellular South is a privately-owned diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The nation's largest privately owned wireless carrier accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide voice and data network, offering industry-leading family and unlimited flat rate voice, text and mobile web plans and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.