The University of Evansville baseball program has named senior outfielder Jim Viscomi (Aurora, Ill./Glenbard East) as its official team captain for the 2008 season, head coach David Seifert announced today.

Viscomi led UE with a .374 batting average, 83 base hits, 59 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases last season as the Purple Aces’ lead-off man en route to earning first team all-Missouri Valley Conference honors.  A career .326 hitter in two seasons at Evansville, Viscomi will enter his senior season just outside of UE’s career Top 15 for batting average, while also ranking 11th all-time in school history with 56 career stolen bases. 

"Character, integrity, and leadership are the three qualities of a true Aces’ baseball captain,” said Seifert.  “Jimmy has always held himself to the highest standards in respect to his character and integrity, and this fall, he has risen to the challenge as team leader.

“His enthusiasm and passion for the baseball program is refreshing and contagious to all.  Jimmy is very well-liked and well-respected.  What sets Jimmy apart is that the TEAM comes first.  Although a great friend, he is not worried about asking his teammates to do things the right way and to not take the easier way out.  I am honored to coach Jimmy and thrilled he was chosen as our team captain this season."

Viscomi will be the lone senior on the UE baseball roster this spring.  The Purple Aces will open the 2008 baseball season the weekend of February 22-24, as UE will take part in the Winthrop Baseball Tournament in Rock Hill, South Carolina, along with Gardner-Webb, St. John’s, and Winthrop.