Tim Layden Named National Player of the Week

April 20, 2004

Duke junior left hander Tim Layden became the second Duke player in the last two years to earn National Player of the Week honors when he was named a "Louisville Slugger" National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball this week.

Layden pitched a no-hitter on April 13 against Old Dominion. He struck out a career-high 12 batters in the Blue Devils' first no-hitter since 1991. After ODU's lead-off hitter reached on an error to start the game, Layden retired 17 consecutive batters. He struck out two batters in each of the first three innings and struck out the side in the seventh. Layden faced just 32 batters on the night, walking three. Layden also led the Blue Devil offense, going 2-for-4 with the game-winning run.

The Deer Park, N.Y., native was one of four players to earn the distinction this week. St. Anselm pitcher Parrish Castor, Eastern Michigan outfielder Todd Kimling and Binghamton third baseman Jay Balback joined Layden as the "Louisville Slugger's" National Players of the Week.

Layden joins teammate Kevin Thompson and former Blue Devil pitcher Mike Kotarski as the only Duke players to earn National Player of the Week honors. Thompson received the honor after pitching a one-hitter last March. Kotarski was named the Mizuno National Player of the Week on March 29, 1992.