Fordham University announced that five members of its baseball squad have been selected to the 2026 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, a distinction that celebrates student-athletes who excel both competitively and academically.
A Season Defined by Dual Excellence
The honorees — senior Tommy McAndrews, sophomores Anthony Grabau, Chase Hanawalt and Taylor Kirk, and graduate student Joey Donnelly — each brought a unique set of contributions to the Rams' campaign. Their on-field statistics were matched by cumulative GPAs of 3.5 or higher, underscoring the program’s emphasis on holistic development.
Tommy McAndrews, a three-year team captain, earned his third consecutive spot on the All-District list. His leadership helped anchor a roster that balanced aggressive base running with disciplined pitching, and his consistent presence in the lineup was a cornerstone of the team's stability.
Joey Donnelly led the Rams with 18 doubles and ranked second on the team in batting average, home runs and runs batted in. His power-hitting ability provided a steady source of run production throughout the season.
Anthony Grabau started every game at shortstop, posting a .303 batting average and driving in 38 runs. His defensive reliability and offensive consistency made him one of the most dependable players in the lineup.
Chase Hanawalt dominated the pitching staff, logging 81 strikeouts over 80.1 innings and maintaining a 3.84 earned run average in conference play. His ability to limit opposing offenses gave the Rams a competitive edge in tight games.
Taylor Kirk appeared in all 55 games at second base, leading the team in runs scored (53), hits (71) and stolen bases (30). His speed and contact-hitting prowess added a dynamic element to the Rams' offensive strategy.
Beyond their athletic achievements, each player maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, reflecting the program’s commitment to academic rigor. The College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-District® Baseball teams recognize such student-athletes for their dual excellence on the diamond and in the classroom.
The honor places the Rams among the top performers recognized by the College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-America® program, which spans NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA. As the team looks ahead, the blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent suggests a promising trajectory for future seasons.