"An all-around hitter for the Valparaiso baseball team, Mark Pedersen earned numerous accolades as an outfielder and pitcher for the Crusaders.

A 2001 Louisville Slugger Second Team All-America selection, he was named Mid-Continent Conference Player of the Year that same season.

The two-time First Team All Mid-Con selection still holds career records for the Brown and Gold with 254 hits and 158 runs scored. His hit total also ranks best in Mid-Continent Conference history. In addition, Pedersen ranks second all-time in doubles (56), home runs (32), and runs batted in (142). His 82 hits and 55 runs scored during the 2001 campaign remain single season bests at Valpo.

A .341 career hitter, Pedersen also was a three-time All Mid-Con Tournament Team selection. Voted Valpo's Most Valuable player twice during his career, Pedersen also was named Valparaiso University's Student-Athlete of the Year in 2002.

He is now a special account representative for Thomson West.