A Season of Excellence
The Liberty League revealed its 2026 Baseball major awards and All-League teams this week, spotlighting a standout performance by Ithaca College’s Bombers. Five student-athletes from the college earned recognition, underscoring the program’s depth and competitiveness.
Ethan Fantel, the senior standout, was crowned Player of the Year after dominating the league’s offensive statistics. He topped the conference in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage, delivering 55 hits in 124 at-bats, including 14 doubles, a triple and seven home runs across all 35 games he played.
Fantel’s consistency at the plate was a driving force behind the Bombers’ success, but the accolades extended beyond him. Senior outfielder Sheldon Jay Walker III secured his first all-league nod, earning first-team honors and leading the team in at-bats, runs scored and stolen bases.
Relief pitcher Danny Drotos also made the All-League second team, transitioning into a starting role and posting a 5-2 record with a 4.57 ERA that anchored the staff. Freshman Lucas Orlovtiz, in his final collegiate season, garnered his first postseason honor after finishing with a .382 average and 25 RBI.
Rookie Isaiah Smith made an immediate impact, batting .326 and stealing 19 bases, rounding out a Bombers contingent that will look to build on this momentum in the coming years.
The recognition reflects not only individual brilliance but also the program’s culture of development and teamwork. With five honorees, Ithaca College continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse in Division III baseball, and fans can anticipate an exciting future as the roster matures.