Charlotte, NC – Following one of the most historic offensive performances at the NJCAA level, Wabash Valley’s (IL) Cael Baker has been named the 2019 Spalding® NJCAA DI Baseball Player of the Year. Baker led all DI participants in six major offensive statistical categories.
A transfer student-athlete from the University of Cincinnati, Baker powered the Warriors to a 55-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2019 NJCAA Northern District Tournament. Baker’s offensive prowess served as the catalyst for Wabash Valley who led the nation as a team in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, extra base hits, and RBI – the same six categories Baker led the country in individually.
Personal
- Position: INF/C
- Height: 6-1
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Columbus, OH
2019 Statistics (NJCAA DI rank)
- .506 batting average (1)
- .596 on base percentage (1)
- 1.051 slugging percentage (1)
- 101 RBI (1)
- 25 home runs (1)
- 46 extra base hits (1)
- 185 total bases (2)
- 80 runs scored (7)
2019 Accomplishments
- NJCAA Division I First Team All-American
- Led the nation in five offensive statistical categories
- 28 multi-hit games, including 10 with at least three hits
Wabash Valley's head coach Rob Fournier on Baker
"We couldn't be more proud of Cael and what he stands for on and off the field. He represents what Wabash Valley College baseball is all about. It was truly special to watch his growth and hard-work payoff to garner this incredible award."
Next up for Baker
Baker will attend the University of Mississippi in the fall