Central Michigan University Athletics
Pleiness Tops The Nation
July 11, 2002
Chad Pleiness has received many honors over the last month and a half, but he can now be called the best in the country.
The former Central Michigan University pitcher emerged as the nation's leader in strikeouts per nine innings for the 2002 season.
Pleiness led all NCAA Division I hurlers in the category with a 13.2 average, narrowly edging out Oakland's Jared Thomas (13.1). Harvard's Ben Crockett came in third with 12.5.
An All-Mid-American Conference and All-Region selection, Pleiness had an outstanding senior year for the Chippewas, leading the team and finishing second in the conference in strikeouts (100) and opponent's batting average (.205).
Pleiness is currently pitching for the Auburn (N.Y.) Doubledays of the New York-Penn League, an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.