The Western Michigan University baseball program capped a remarkable 2026 campaign by unveiling its award winners, recognizing the players who defined the team's success on the diamond.
Awards Highlight Standout Performances
Tanner Mally emerged as the clear offensive engine, earning the Team MVP after topping the nation with a .446 batting average and smashing a program‑single‑season record of 87 hits.
Ricky Kidd was honored as Pitcher of the Year, finishing the season with an 8‑1 record and a 4.08 ERA across 79.1 innings, providing the rotation with consistency and depth.
Turner Doran received the Relief Pitcher of the Year award after posting a 3.06 ERA and racking up 10 saves, a testament to his late‑game dominance.
Michael Maloney claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors, boasting a .977 fielding percentage at shortstop and reaching the semifinals for the prestigious Brooks Wallace Award.
The team’s overall excellence was underscored by a .978 fielding percentage, which placed Western Michigan second in the Mid‑American Conference, reflecting a collective commitment to defensive precision.
Looking Forward
As the program celebrates these achievements, the coaching staff and players alike are already turning their focus toward next season, aiming to translate individual accolades into team triumphs on a national stage.