Rodon becomes the sixth first team All-American in NC State history, the first Wolfpack freshman ever to pull the feat. Head coach Elliott Avent has guided four of the Pack’s six All-Americans during his tenure.
The Holly Springs, N.C. native adds the All-American distinction to his impressive resume that includes ACC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year honors, and still remains in the running for the NCBWA’s Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award. Rodon represents the only freshman on either list.
Junior shortstop Chris Diaz garnered a spot on the second team thanks to his ACC-leading 23 doubles, good for eighth in the nation, and a .364 average to finish among the top three in the conference. Diaz finished second in the ACC with 84 hits and tied for sixth with 50 RBIs.
As the Pack wrapped up its first regional hosting bid since 2008, Diaz turned up the heat on opposing defenses, hitting .394 over the Wolfpack’s final 23 games of the season. In the field, Diaz started all 56 games at shortstop. Earlier in the year, Diaz captured a place on the All-ACC First team and won the ACC Player of the Week award after a 6-for-13, six RBI series against Georgia Tech.