Bynum: midseason All-American

Amongst the inconsistency at the plate and some struggles in conference play, senior shortstop Seth Bynum has remained consistent. Consistently good, that is. \nNow, halfway through the season, he's being recognized by Baseball America for his excellent play.\nBynum said the award was an honor.\n"I think it's a great honor to be named a midseason All-American by Baseball America," Bynum said. "But I think I need to step up my game a little bit and prove to everybody why I was put on that list."\nBynum's play, both offensively and defensively, has been an integral part of the Hoosiers' success this season. He routinely makes plays effortlessly other shortstops couldn't even reach. But it is his bat doing a lot of the talking. Bynum currently leads all Indiana and Big Ten batters in runs scored (39), stolen bases (17), and RBIs (45). He also carries a .403 batting average and has hit three home runs.\nIU coach Bob Morgan said Bynum has worked hard to become the player he is.\n"He's gotten physically stronger and that's obviously helped his game," Morgan said. "He's matured as a ballplayer, he's more disciplined at the plate, and sitting out a year when he red-shirted helped him out as well."\nEvery year, Baseball America names one All-American for each position and a designated hitter, in addition to having a team for each class. Bynum was chosen to be the senior team's shortstop.\nBynum said his success is a direct result of hard work and dedication.\n"I've just worked hard to get to where I'm at," Bynum said. "Coach Morgan makes us work hard. I think I've done a lot of things in three years. I think I've gotten better and I think I've proved that this year with my batting average."\nAt the end of the 2003 season, Bynum's hard work had already begun to payoff. The Montreal Expos drafted Bynum in the 38th round of the Major League Baseball Draft after Bynum hit .257 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs.\nBynum said he hopes to play professionally when his college career is over.\n"Hopefully, I can continue to play baseball after this season," Bynum said. "I want to play baseball for a while. If not, I guess I'll just go back home to Louisville (Ky.) and get a job there."\n-- Contact staff writer Cory Steger at csteger@indiana.edu.