The 2026 Division II baseball awards have placed Emporia State’s pitching ace at the forefront of national recognition.
Award Recognition
Colby Deaver, a right‑hander from Emporia State, was crowned the D2CCA Ron Lenz Pitcher of the Year and earned a First Team All‑American selection, a testament to his overwhelming dominance on the mound.
Deaver’s statistical footprint stretches across six key pitching categories, where he finishes in the top five nationally, highlighted by a WHIP of 0.82 and an ERA of 1.50 that sit at the pinnacle of the sport.
His performance peaked during the MIAA Tournament when he delivered a complete‑game shutout against Missouri Southern, striking out sixteen batters and showcasing the poise of a seasoned ace.
The numbers tell a larger story: Deaver recorded 102 strikeouts and posted a 1.50 ERA over the 2026 campaign, placing him ninth all‑time in program history for single‑season marks.
Beyond the numbers, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association also honored him as the National Pitcher of the Year, reinforcing the breadth of his impact.
At second base, Logan Myers complemented Deaver’s excellence with a Third Team All‑American nod, batting .408 from the leadoff spot while maintaining a .548 on‑base percentage.
Myers added a .548 OBP, 21 doubles, 39 RBI and 70 runs scored, while his flawless 1.000 fielding percentage and involvement in 36 double plays underscored his all‑around value.
His career trajectory now places him among the top ten in several program historical categories, including hits, runs, doubles and walks, signaling a lasting legacy.
The recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of the Division II College Communicators Association, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the American Baseball Coaches Association, each of which played a role in the selection process.
Located in Blue Springs, Missouri, the Hornets’ achievements ripple across the United States, illustrating how collegiate baseball continues to produce talent that competes at the highest levels of Division II.
With both players poised for future professional opportunities, the program looks to build on this momentum, aiming to translate individual accolades into team success in the coming seasons.