Head coach Mike Fox with former Tar Heel standout Marshall Hubbard.

Dec. 18, 2006

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Four former University of North Carolina baseball standouts received their diplomas Sunday when the annual December commencement ceremony was held at the Dean E. Smith Center. Bo Dickerson, Marshall Hubbard, Matt McCay and Daniel Moore, who each have spent time in professional baseball since leaving Carolina, were honored.

"I am thrilled that these four young men now have a degree from the University of North Carolina," said head coach Mike Fox, a 1978 UNC graduate. "Our players are here first and foremost to receive an education, and these four have made us extremely proud. We have a great track record of graduating our players, even those that leave early to pursue a career in professional baseball."

Hubbard, who was an Academic All-District choice in 2004, is the only player in this group that is still active in the minor leagues. He is in the Seattle Mariners organization and advanced as high as Double A San Antonio a year ago, where he hit .289 with five home runs and 33 RBI. Hubbard, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in management and society, was chosen in the eighth round of the 2004 draft. Hubbard set a UNC single-season record with 83 RBI as a junior.

Moore was picked in the second round of the 2003 draft by San Diego and last pitched in 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Dickerson and McCay were not drafted but both enjoyed stints in the professional ranks. Dickerson, who last played at Carolina in 2004 and pitched in the St. Louis Cardinals system, earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, while McCay last played at UNC in 2000 and wrapped up his degree in exercise and sport science following a lengthy career in the independent leagues.

Carolina enjoyed a successful 2006 campaign on and off the field. In addition to its runner-up finish at the College World Series, five Tar Heels, including Baseball America National Player of the Year Andrew Miller, were named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll and baseball players made six appearances on the Dean's List during the 2005-06 academic year.