Hee earns honor for glove work
Former Hawaii infielder Jon Hee was honored yesterday with the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove award as the country's best defensive shortstop.
Jon Hee:
Former Rainbow was named the top defensive shortstop in the nation
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Hee started all 60 games for the Rainbows this season, including 35 at shortstop, and committed only five errors for a .985 fielding percentage.
"It's definitely an honor," Hee said. "There's so many good shortstops out there and for me to get it, it's just...I don't know. I can't describe it. It's such an honor."
This is the second year Rawlings is awarding Gold Gloves in college, making Hee the first Rainbow to receive the award.
After earning first-team All-WAC honors his senior season, Hee was drafted in the 21st round of the MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox earlier this month. He's currently playing for the Lowell (Mass.) Spinners in short season single-A ball which started on Tuesday.
Hee has yet to get a hit, but has made one start at both shortstop and second base.
"I guess for now they're just trying to see where I can do well," he said.
Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso informed Hee of his Gold Glove award after yesterday's game against the Vermont Lake Monsters.
"Typical Jon always takes things in stride," Trapasso said. "It's an outstanding accomplishment and it's awesome for Jon."
Hee was the only WAC player named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings West Region first team.
In addition to his stellar defense, Hee hit .368 last season with 15 doubles, 32 RBIs and 49 runs scored.