A Season Defined by Records
TJ Grines, a senior outfielder for the University of Tennessee at Martin, was crowned the 2025-26 Ohio Valley Conference Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the second Skyhawk to receive this distinction. The award underscores a campaign that blended power, speed, and consistency across the board.
Grines etched his name into conference history by amassing at least 50 runs batted in and 50 stolen bases in a single season — the first Division I baseball player to achieve that feat since 2010. His 62 stolen bases set a new OVC record, surpassing the previous single‑season mark.
The senior also topped the league in hits, runs scored, doubles and stolen bases, while his 20 doubles and 10 home runs made him the first UT Martin player since 2010 to reach those milestones in the same season. He capped the year with a six‑steal performance, shattering both the OVC and Skyhawk records for most steals in a game.
Grines’ impact extended beyond individual stats; his contributions helped the lineup set single‑season school records in multiple categories. His ability to get on base, advance extra bases and drive in runs made him a central figure in the team’s offensive surge.
The University of Tennessee at Martin celebrated the honor, highlighting Grines’ role as a leader both on and off the field. His achievement adds to a legacy of Skyhawk athletes who have earned OVC Athlete of the Year recognition, marking him as the sixth student‑athlete from the school to receive the honor.