The Ohio Valley Conference unveiled its all‑conference baseball selections and individual awards in anticipation of the 2026 Conference Baseball Championship, setting the stage for a highly anticipated postseason.
UT Martin senior outfielder TJ Grines earned Co‑Player of the Year honors after leading all NCAA players with 65 stolen bases, a statistic that underscores his dynamic speed on the bases.
Co‑Players of the Year
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville junior first baseman Ryan Niedzwiedz was named the other Co‑Player of the Year, recognizing his consistent offensive contributions and solid defensive work at first base.
Grines is on the cusp of achieving a rare 60‑run‑batted‑in and 60‑steal season, needing just six more RBIs to complete the milestone, a feat that would place him among the most versatile hitters in recent collegiate history.
The conference also highlighted its first‑team selections, with four SIUE players and two SEMO athletes earning spots on the elite squad, reflecting the depth of talent across the league.
As the championship approaches, coaches and analysts alike are watching how these award‑winning athletes will translate their regular‑season success into the high‑stakes environment of the tournament.