LEXINGTON ? Kentucky sophomore John Shelby has been named the first-team All-South Region second baseman by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

The Lexington, Ky., native proved to be one of the biggest offensive weapons in the Southeastern Conference. He batted .344 overall, while leading the team with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs. He also stole a team-best 23 bases and was one of just three SEC players with at least 10 homer and 10 steals.

Shelby became the fifth player in Kentucky history to hit at least 10 home runs and steal 20 bases. Two of the previous four, Terry Shumpert and Chad Green, played major league baseball.

Shelby is the first all-region award winner from Kentucky since Joe Blanton in 2002, who was a first-round pick that year and now pitches for the Oakland A?s. With the honor, Shelby is now eligible for ABCA All-America honors which will be announced next week.

The South Region is among the best in college baseball with the SEC schools as well as other southern powerhouses. The region features three of this year?s eight teams in the College World Series.