Marist College's baseball program celebrated a rare double distinction this week as senior captain AJ Brotz and graduate student Jack Sullivan earned spots on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All‑Championship Team. The honor underscores the duo's pivotal roles in a tournament that saw the Red Foxes capture two dramatic wins and cement their status among the league's elite.
A Dual Threat Recognized
Brotz, who anchored the offense with a .526 batting average across four games, proved equally dangerous with the bat in critical moments. His go‑ahead RBI came via a perfectly placed bunt single in the eighth inning against Merrimack, a play that shifted momentum and helped secure a 13‑8 victory. The senior's season-long production — 70 hits, 33 RBIs, three home runs and 13 doubles — earned him a Second‑Team All‑MAAC nod, reflecting consistent excellence throughout the year.
Sullivan, meanwhile, showcased poise on the mound when it mattered most. In the championship series he logged four innings without allowing an earned run, striking out six batters while surrendering just one hit. His ability to close out games was evident in a 10‑8 win over Canisius, where he recorded a save by fanning two hitters in the ninth inning. For the 2026 season Sullivan posted a 3.38 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 24 innings, contributing two wins and two saves.
The pair's performances helped Marist navigate a tightly contested tournament, including a comeback victory over Merrimack in which Sullivan pitched the final three innings and limited the opposition to just two baserunners. Their contributions extended beyond the scoreboard, providing leadership that inspired teammates and reinforced the program's competitive edge. As the Red Foxes look ahead, the recognition serves as both a tribute to past achievements and a promise of continued success.