(March 16, 2008 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- Alex Hoover has been a member of the Concordia baseball team in three of the program's most successful seasons. The senior captain from Shelbyville, Michigan is hoping to leave his legacy on the program by helping guide the Cardinals to the NAIA Regional for the first time in history as well as helping the team finish with it's first winning season in 18 years. For his effort, the outfielder will also see his name etched in Cardinal lore in many statistical categories.

 

When head coach Karl Kling recruited Hoover out of Wayland Union High School in the spring of 2003, he envisioned the future Cardinal being a mainstay behind the dish. But the versatile Hoover spent his freshman season in the outfield, his sophomore season as a utility player, his junior year at first base before returning to the outfield for his final campaign.

 

"I think it's a testament to his athleticism that he is able to play so many positions and play them well," Kling said. "Many players are unable to be diverse on the field and others have their minds set on one position and would grumble if they were moved as frequently as he has been. But he has excelled at each position and will benefit by seeing his name in the record books because he was able to get into the lineup throughout his career."

 

With his exceptional start to the 2008 season, Hoover is already in the Top 10 in the history of the Concordia program in nine different categories and is closing on breaking into the record books in three more.

 

Hoover is currently #10 in career at-bats with 327 official plate appearances, while he is #9 in three categories: games played, triples and total bases. His 30 career extra bases has him eighth all-time, while his 64 runs-batted in are sixth all-time. Hoover ranks highest in walks and being hit by pitches, as he his third in both categories with 53 and 21, respectively.

 

With his three hits Saturday at Bethel, Hoover is only one base knock away from triple figures as he currently has 99 hits and needs only four more to break into the top 10. That hit, if it's a single, will also move him unto the list for singles. The outfielder is also only two runs away from being in the top ten.

 

"I would say to be in so many different categories shows how solid of a ballplayer he is," Kling. "When all is said and done he truly will be considered one of the best that has ever worn the Cardinal uniform."