Duke Ellis, Zach Zubia named to Preseason All-Big 12 team

Opening day to the 2019 Texas Longhorns baseball season is right around the corner, and the program received a couple of preseason accolades early Wednesday morning.

Outfielder Duke Ellis and DH/1B Zach Zubia, first team All-Big 12 selections last year, were named to the Preseason All-Big 12 team today. It is the first such selection for both Ellis and Zubia in anticipation of the 2019 college baseball season.

Ellis, now a junior, struggled during the early portion of the non-conference schedule last season. However, in conference games last season, Ellis led the league in on-base percentage (.484) and finished second in batting average (.390). Ellis finished the 2018 season with a .289 batting average, 27 RBI and was successful in 16 of 18 stolen base attempts.

Zubia, now a redshirt-sophomore, was selected as a designated hitter for the Preseason All-Big 12 team. This year, I think you’re going to see Zubia play a mix of first base and designated hitter as head coach David Pierce figures what he has throughout the lineup. Named to the Big 12 All-Rookie team last year also, he finished with a batting average of .275 along with 11 home runs and 45 RBI.

The annual Texas Baseball Fan Appreciation Day and Alumni Game is scheduled for this Saturday. Texas opens its 2019 slate on the road, February 15 with the first of three games against Louisiana-Lafayette.