June 3, 2003

Grand Valley State's rightfielder Joe Mertes earned 2003 World Series All-Tournament honors for his play in Montgomery, Ala. Mertes led the Lakers in the World Series with a .500 batting average in three games.

Joe had five hits, including three doubles, and four RBI. He also led the team with eight total bases. Mertes recorded an .800 slugging and a .583 on base percentage. Joe was hit by a pitch twice and had a 1.000 fielding percentage.

The Lakers were 1-2 in the World Series, falling to Central Missouri State, 3-2, defeated Slippery Rock 9-8, and then was knocked out of the tournament after falling to Kennesaw State 7-5.