The ESU baseball program received a major boost this week when the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association unveiled its Central Region honors, spotlighting a cluster of standout performances from the Hornets roster.
Pitcher of the Year
Colby Deaver was crowned the NCBWA Central Region Pitcher of the Year and secured a spot on the first team, underscoring his mastery on the mound. He placed among the nation’s top five in six key pitching metrics, leading the region with a 0.82 WHIP and sitting second with an 11‑win record, a 1.50 ERA, and an 8.50 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio.
Deaver’s brilliance shone in a complete‑game outing against Missouri Southern at the MIAA Tournament, where he fanned 16 batters — a career high and the most strikeouts recorded by any Division II pitcher this season.
All‑Region Selections
Infielder Logan Myers earned first‑team honors at second base after batting .408 with a .548 on‑base percentage. His season included 21 doubles, 39 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage that contributed to 36 double plays turned.
First‑base prospect Noah Steele claimed second‑team recognition after posting a .388 average and a .536 OBP. Steele’s breakout year featured a career‑high 16 home runs, 67 RBIs, 46 walks, 60 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases.
Relief pitcher Grant Huffman rounded out the Hornets’ representation on the second team, anchoring the bullpen with a 2.10 ERA and eight saves. His eight saves rank seventh nationally, and he finished the regular season 3‑0, highlighted by the winning decision in the finale against Northeastern State.
The quartet of honorees reflects a balanced surge of talent across pitching, hitting, and fielding, positioning the Hornets as a formidable contender heading into the next phase of the season.