Klocke makes Louisville Slugger All-American

~ The junior catcher is the second Southeast player to receive All-American honors in multiple seasons.

Southeast Missouri State junior catcher Jim Klocke can put his name up with some of the best players in the country.

Klocke was named a third team Louisville Slugger All-American by Collegiate Baseball newspaper Thursday.

Klocke becomes the first Southeast baseball player since 1983, and just the second ever, to receive All-American honors in multiple seasons. He was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2007. Steve Williams earned All-American honors in 1982 and 1983.

Klocke finished the season ranked in the top 100 nationally in batting average (.394, 86th), doubles (20, 64th), and on-base percentage (.484, 73rd). Klocke also had 56 runs scored, nine home runs, 46 RBIs and a .654 slugging percentage, all of which were career highs.

Klocke recorded seven saves, which ranks 75th nationally, In his first year in the closer role.

Klocke adds the All-American award to a long list of honors he has compiled in his three seasons at Southeast.

In addition to Freshman All-American honors in 2007, Klocke was named the Ohio Valley Conference Rookie of the Year. He was all-OVC first team this year and as a sophomore.

In addition, Klocke recently was voted to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America second team by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Klocke was one of five players from the OVC named Louisville Slugger All-Americans.

Murray State pitcher Daniel Calhoun, Morehead State shortstop Drew Lee, Eastern Illinois shortstop Jordan Kreke and Eastern Kentucky outfielder Matt Davis all joined Klocke on the third team.