The Empire 8 Conference announced its 2026 Baseball Championship All‑Tournament Team on May 11, spotlighting Darren Dengler of Russell Sage College as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Dengler’s performance helped the Gators secure their first league title, finishing the season with a .500 batting average and delivering key hits in the decisive games.
A Historic Championship Moment
In the championship game against St. John Fisher on May 9, Dengler went 3‑for‑4, scored three runs and stole two bases, contributing to a 6‑2 victory that marked the program’s first Empire 8 crown.
His statistical line featured a .500 mark (6‑for‑12) with five runs scored and three RBI across four conference contests, underscoring his impact on the team’s success.
The tournament also placed four Russell Sage student‑athletes on the All‑Tournament Team, including Dengler, Matthew Coon, Michael Norton and Evan Grimes, reflecting the program’s depth.
The recognition comes amid a season where the Gators demonstrated consistent offensive firepower and defensive resilience, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.