DURHAM, N.C. – LSU junior outfielder Mikie Mahtook was named Friday to the 2011 Baseball America magazine first-team preseason all-America squad. The designation is the second preseason honor for Mahtook, who was named to the Collegiate Baseball newspaper second team in December.
Mahtook, a native of Lafayette, La., hit. 335 for the Tigers last season with 19 doubles, four triples, 14 homers, 50 RBI, 68 runs and 22 steals. He was among the SEC leaders in several offensive categories, including doubles (No. 2), runs scored (No. 3), triples (No. 6), slugging percentage (No. 6 – .623), stolen bases (No. 7) and total bases (No. 8 – 149).
Mahtook helped lead the U.S. Collegiate National Team in July to the silver medal at the World University Championships in Tokyo. Mahtook hit .271 during USA’s 19-game summer schedule with two doubles, one triple, one homer, 11 runs and 10 steals in 11 attempts.
Mahtook, who was instrumental in LSU’s drive to the 2009 national championship, has started 110 games during his LSU career with a .326 lifetime batting average, 27 doubles, seven triples, 21 homers, 88 RBI, 109 runs and 31 stolen bases.
Mahtook and his LSU teammates open the 2011 season on Feb. 18 by playing host to Wake Forest in Alex Box Stadium.