CARBONDALE, Ill. - Grant Gerrard was named the "Itch" Jones Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Southern Illinois University baseball team, Head Coach Dan Callahan announced Aug. 29.

The team's MVP Award, which was renamed honoring former SIU head coach Richard "Itch" Jones in 1996, is typically awarded at the conclusion of each season.

"The timing of the award most definitely does not diminish its importance," said Callahan. "A combination of Grant's batting average, power numbers and even his stolen bases proved to us he was a clear cut winner of this year's award."

After having his 2004 and 2005 campaigns cut short due to early-season injuries, Gerrard was the Salukis' only first-team all-Missouri Valley Conference selection a year ago.

A native of Castle Rock, Gerrard was one of only three Salukis to start all 58 games. He hit .344, while leading the Dawgs in numerous offensive categories, including doubles (15), triples (2), home runs (5), RBI (55), total bases (111), slugging percentage (.496), walks (38) and stolen bases (15).

"I'm honored to get this award," said Gerrard. "SIU was a great experience, and Coach Callahan and Coach Henderson helped me become both a better person and baseball player. There were a lot of great guys on that team and I couldn't have gotten this award without their help."

Gerrard, also a MVC Scholar-Athlete in 2006, left SIU with a .324 batting average, 81 runs scored, 27 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 51 walks and 19 stolen bases in three seasons. He was selected by the Texas Rangers in the seventh round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft.

"We think this honor is a fitting finish to Grant's days here at SIU, where he not only excelled on the baseball field, but in the classroom, as well," said Callahan. "He is a perfect image of what a student-athlete should be, and we wish him continued success in pro ball."

Currently, Gerrard is hitting .316 with 10 runs scored, three doubles, a homer, 11 RBI, a .373 on-base percentage and six walks in 20 games with the Rangers' Single A affiliate, Clinton LumberKings.