GREENSBORO, N.C. – A pair of fielders from the McKendree baseball team have received high honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) within the past few weeks.
On Tuesday, June 19th, the ABCA formally announced its NCAA Division II Region All-Defensive Teams, with sophomore shortstop Peyton Bittle (Carterville, Ill.) and graduate centerfielder Chyran Cruse (Louisville, Ky.) both earning a spot on the team within the Midwest Region. For Bittle, it is the second honor from the association this season, as he was named as an ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-Midwest Region Second Team selection back on May 28th.
Per historical records dating back to its inception in 2023, this is the first time that the Bearcats have placed a player on the All-Defensive Team.
Cruse started in all 47 of his games played this year, leading the team in sacrifice hits (3). He finished with 30 hits, 26 runs, and 14 RBIs on a 31.9 slugging percentage and a 32.5 on-base percentage. On the field, Curse collected 119 catches and 116 putouts with no errors as he fielded 100% in all but three of his outings.
Bittle, in just his second year with the squad, also had a spectacular season. He started in all 48 of the Bearcats' contests and led the team in batting average (34.1%), at-bats (176), runs (44), hits (60), doubles (16), and total bases (102). On the defensive end, Bittle made 171 catches, 83 putouts, and 85 assists on only three errors. He was a part of 23 double plays and fielded 100% in 43 of his 48 games.
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The Bearcats will be back in action next spring. Schedules, rosters, and other team news will be publicized throughout the year.
ABOUT THE ABCA
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. It's over 15,000 members representing all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth, and Travel.
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