12 Sam Cunningham
12 - Sam Cunningham
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
High School: Pace Academy
Position: 1B/3B
Major: Economics & Enivronmental Studies
Bats/Throws: L/R
Parents: Bruce & Donna

Senior (2007):

Cunningham performed double duty for the Eagles in 2007, finishing the year as the Eagles' third starting pitcher, and putting together a solid season at the plate as well.  The senior hit quite possibly the most important home run in Emory history in the South Regional Championship game.  With the Eagles trailing 5-3 with one out in the ninth inning against Ferrum College (Va.), Cunningham blasted a game-tying two run home run, allowing the Eagles to win the game and the Regional in the 12th inning, and advance to the Division III National Championship.  Cunningham finished the season batting .293 with 17 runs batted in, and tied a career best with three home runs.  Cunningham homered twice against the University of Dallas (Texas) on ‘Senior Day' on April 28th.  Pitching for the first time since high school, Cunningham finished the season with a 4-0 record and a 4.01 earned run average in 33.2 innings pitched over five starts and 12 appearances.  He won both of his starts during the NCAA Tournament, one against Ferrum College (Va.) at the South Regional, and the other against the top-ranked Chapman University (Calif.) at the Division III World Series.  Cunningham finished his Emory career with a .314 batting average, eight home runs and 65 runs batted in over 126 games as a first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter.

Junior (2006):

Finished the season batting .343, while recording 24 hits.  Also had 18 RBI, while scoring 20 runs on the year.  Recorded two home runs on the season against Huntingdon College (Ala.) on April 11 and against Greensboro College (N.C.) on April 21.

Junior (2005):

Infielder missed most of the season after injuring his knee Feb. 26 against York College (Pa.). He scored four runs and knocked in four runs in 18 at-bats. Also stole three bases on the season. Hit a two-RBI triple Feb. 20 against Oglethorpe University (Ga.).

Sophomore (2004):

Cunningham hit .352 with three home runs and 21 RBI. His .546 slugging percentage was fourth on the team. In his only pinch-hitting appearance of the season, he hit a three-run homer against University of the South (Tenn.) April 6. He played 24 games as designated hitter, more than any other player.

Freshman (2003):

Cunningham started six of 13 games played. He batted .286, while driving in five runs.

Career Statistics:

Year G-GS R HR RBI AVG SB-ATT
2003 13-6 1 0 5 .286 0-1
2004 38-32 26 3 21 .352 6-10
2005 7-7 4 0 4 .111 3-3
2006 30-14 20 2 18 .343 3-4
2007 38-28 21 3 17 ..293 2-4
TOTAL 126-87 72 8 65 .314 14-22

 

 

 

Year G-GS W L S SO ERA
2007 12-5 4 0 0 27 4.01
TOTAL 12-5 4 0 0 27 4.01

 

 

Prior to Emory:

Attended Pace Academy, where he played on the baseball team for four seasons... Served as the captain of the team his senior year... Hit .407 during his senior year and was named the most valuable player of his team... Member of the 2002 Region-Champion team... Coached by Charlie Owens... Also played soccer in high school.

Personal:

Born November 11, 1984.

Quote:

"Emory brings together a tradition of competitive baseball and a group of committed athletes that will keep it going."