A Season of Excellence
John Savage, the mastermind behind UCLA’s baseball program, was honored as the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year after guiding the Bruins to a historic 52‑win season. The team, ranked No. 1 for the entire regular season, not only matched a program record but also swept the Big Ten Conference, capturing both the regular‑season and tournament titles.
UCLA’s dominance was reflected in every facet of play, from a potent lineup that consistently produced runs to a pitching staff that kept opponents at bay. The Bruins’ sweep of the Big Ten was more than a conference victory; it was a statement that the program is back at the pinnacle of college baseball.
Awards Across the Nation
The accolades extended beyond the Bruins, with UC Santa Barbara’s Jackson Flora earning national pitcher of the year honors, Georgia’s Daniel Jackson taking the Buster Posey Award as the top catcher, Nebraska’s Dylan Carey winning the Brooks Wallace Award for shortstop, and Florida Gulf Coast’s Evan Dempsey securing the John Olerud Award as the premier two‑way player.
Gene Stephenson, a legendary figure in college baseball, received the Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence, a tribute that also recalled his own national championship and more than 1,800 career victories at Wichita State. The late Wayne Graham, a longtime mentor at Rice, was remembered for his lasting impact on the sport, underscoring the breadth of influence across the college baseball landscape.