Western Michigan's baseball team celebrates the achievement of five players being selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team® for the fourth consecutive year. Center fielder Tanner Mally and shortstop Michael Maloney are repeat honorees, while Sam Carlisle, Ricky Kidd, and Drew Howard are recognized for the first time. Mally leads NCAA Division I in batting with a .446 average, marking WMU's best season since 1965, and also ranks highly in on-base percentage and hits. Maloney, an MBA student, was named co-MAC Defensive Player of the Year, contributing significantly on both defense and offense. The Academic All-District honors highlight the dual commitment of these athletes to their sport and academics.

By the Numbers
  • Tanner Mally has a .446 batting average, leading NCAA Division I.
  • Michael Maloney posted a .977 fielding percentage, helping WMU rank 33rd nationally.
  • Drew Howard had a .349 batting average, placing 11th in the MAC.
  • Sam Carlisle achieved 67 strikeouts in 60 innings, ranking third in the MAC.
State of Play
  • Five Western Michigan players have been named to the Academic All-District Team, underlining the program's academic excellence.
  • Mally and Maloney are finalists for the CSC Academic All-America® award, with national voting upcoming.
  • The team has shown strong performance both academically and athletically, setting records and achieving honors.
What's Next

The focus will now shift to the national ballot for the Academic All-America® award, where Mally and Maloney will compete against top student-athletes nationwide. The team looks to maintain their momentum for next season, aiming for further athletic and academic achievements. This recognition could attract future talent to the program, enhancing both its competitive and academic standing.

Bottom Line

Western Michigan baseball exemplifies a successful balance of academic prowess and athletic excellence, with players not only achieving personal records but also contributing to the team’s reputation. Their accomplishments reinforce the importance of student-athlete performance in both the classroom and on the field.