Evan Dempsey of Florida Gulf Coast has been crowned the John Olerud Two‑Way Player of the Year for the second straight season, cementing his status as the premier two‑way talent in college baseball.
The award, presented by the College Baseball Foundation, recognizes Dempsey’s rare ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate, a combination that has become increasingly rare in the modern game.
In 2026 he started every one of his team’s 57 games, batting .333 with 79 hits while driving in 46 runs and stealing 15 bases on 17 attempts. On the pitching side he posted a 7‑2 record, a 3.15 ERA and 126 strikeouts, numbers that helped his team secure a deep postseason run.
His all‑around production earned him first‑team all‑conference honors at both positions and placed him among the nation’s semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award, the two most prestigious player accolades in collegiate baseball.
Dempsey took the opportunity to thank his coach and teammates, saying the environment they created made his dual‑role feasible and rewarding.
A Historic Milestone
He is only the second player in the award’s history to repeat, joining an elite list that includes former Oregon State standout John Olerud himself, after whom the prize is named.
The recognition underscores the growing emphasis on versatile players who can impact the game in multiple facets, a trend that Dempsey embodies.