A Milestone on the Field
Tyce Armstrong, a junior outfielder for Baylor University, has been nominated for a 2026 ESPY Award after delivering a performance that will be remembered in college baseball lore. On February 13, 2026, he stepped up against New Mexico State and launched three grand slams in a single game, driving in twelve runs and rewriting the Bears' record books.
The outburst was more than a statistical curiosity; it placed Armstrong as the second player in NCAA history to hit three grand slams in one contest, joining former Louisville standout Jim LaFountain. No Major League Baseball player has ever accomplished the feat, underscoring the rarity of his achievement.
Armstrong's 24 home runs this season set a new single‑season benchmark for Baylor, eclipsing the previous mark and cementing his status as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Baseball America's National First Baseman of the Week, and Perfect Game's National Player of the Week. His 12 RBIs in that game also topped Shea Langeliers' 11‑RBI effort from 2019, establishing a fresh program standard.
Beyond the diamond, Armstrong maintains a 3.81 GPA as a sports management graduate student, earning him a spot on the 2026 Academic All‑American team. He is only the sixth player in Baylor history to receive both Academic and on‑field All‑America honors in the same season, highlighting his commitment to excellence in the classroom and as an athlete.
The ESPY Stage
The 2026 ESPY Awards will be hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández and broadcast live on ABC at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 15, from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Armstrong is expected to attend the ceremony, where fans will have the opportunity to vote for him daily via ESPN's online platforms and social media channels.
To keep up with Baylor baseball and Armstrong's journey, supporters can follow the team on its official social accounts — @BaylorBaseball on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The university's athletic department, in partnership with ESPN, the NCAA, the Big 12 Conference, Baseball America, Perfect Game, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and the American Broadcasting Company, will provide continuous coverage leading up to the awards.