Baseball Announces 2026 Team Awards
6/17/2026 12:23:00 PM | Baseball
Six Lions earned accolades this year
NEW YORK — Columbia baseball head coach Brett Boretti has announced the 2026 team awards that consist of Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, the Mr. Hustle Award, the Joseph Allen Award, and the Alexander Aurrichio Core Values Award.
Lou Gehrig Most Valuable Player: Jack Kail
Kail picked up ABCA/Rawlings All-Northeast Region Second Team honors and All-Ivy League First Team. The McMurray, Pennsylvania, native anchored Columbia's offense throughout the season, finishing fourth in the Ivy League with a .337 batting average. Kail totaled 57 hits, 15 doubles, two home runs, and 37 RBI, while striking out just nine times in 169 at-bats. He was a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts.
Cy Young: Thomas Santana and Evan Kleinhans
Kleinhans anchored Columbia's bullpen throughout the 2026 season, earning Ivy League Pitcher of the Week honors after a standout performance during conference play. The senior made 23 appearances, posting a 3-2 record with two saves and a 4.44 ERA over 48.2 innings pitched. Kleinhans struck out 40 batters and consistently delivered on the mound.
Santana was a workhorse for the Lions in 2026, serving as one of Columbia's go-to starters throughout the season. The senior right-hander made 12 starts, posting a 5-5 record while logging 59.2 innings pitched. Santana struck out 51 batters and held opponents to a .270 batting average, finishing the year with a 5.28 ERA.
Rookie of the Year: Charlie Slabaugh
Slabaugh appeared in 25 games with 19 starts, recorded 15 hits, including four doubles, while scoring 12 runs and driving in three RBI. The Lexington, Kentucky native drew 10 walks and posted a .326 on-base percentage.
Mr. Hustle Award: Jack Kail
The Mr. Hustle Award recognizes a player who consistently displays the most hustle on the field, in practice and in games.
Kail started all 39 games in the infield and led the team by example. He was one of the nation's toughest to strike out and a unanimous first team All-Ivy League selection for the second year in a row. Additionally, Kail inked his name in the program record books with 127 career RBI, ranking fourth.
Joseph Allen Award: Cole Fellows
The Joseph Allen Award is presented annually to a member of the team who has made the greatest contribution in terms of inspirational leadership, sportsmanship, college loyalty, and service as a player.
Fellows was one of the leaders on and off the field for the Lions during the 2026 season, starting all 42 games and batting .325. The senior outfielder posted a .566 slugging percentage and .408 on-base percentage, totaled 54 hits, including 14 doubles and eight home runs, while driving in 36 RBI
Alexander Aurrichio Core Values Award: Ben Seminara
The Alexander Aurrichio Core Values Award is presented to the player who upholds the Columbia Baseball core values (family, character, passion, pride, and presence) more than any other player.
Seminara appeared in six games and made one start. Seminara's leadership, selflessness and commitment made him a team leader.
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