Hammonds Headlines USCAA Baseball All-Americans with 2nd Team
NORFOLK, Va. – On Sunday during the pre-tournament banquet the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) released the Baseball All-American Teams. Headlining a trio of members from the University of Dallas baseball team was Ryan Hammonds (Cedar Hill, Texas) on the Second Team. Jordan Stickler (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and Seth Hanson (Apache Junction, Ariz.) received nods on the Honorable Mention Team. It is the first time these players have received USCAA All-Americans, and is the first time since 2014 three players were tabbed with the accolades.
Hammonds delivered some of his best career performances in his senior season. Hammonds tied the team lead in wins (3) and was the only pitcher to spin an earned run average below 3.00 (2.96). Hammonds anchored the starting rotation with 12 appearances (all starts) on the mound and logged a career-high 76 innings pitched. He fanned 60 batters for a personal-best on the season and that total ranked 2nd in the USCAA and 4th in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Hammonds matched career-longs eight innings pitched in his final two SCAC outings this year. Hammonds also was part of both of UD's shutouts, which included one above the minimum in a one-hitter on opening day versus Sul Ross State University (Scheduled 7 innings).
Stickler, who previously earned an SCAC All-Conference Second Team Award a few weeks ago, added to his collection of postseason recognition after being a catalyst most of the campaign. Stickler broke out in his sophomore season with team-highs in batting average (.344), - Tied most on squad with 43 hits - runs scored (42), and stolen bases (24). His total amount of steals ranked second in both the USCAA and SCAC. The outfielder was mostly distinguished by his ability to get on base. Displaying an On Base Percentage of .491, Stickler reached safely in 39-of-40 games started this season.
Hanson rounds out the unit of players to be named with an All-American this spring for the baseball program. He also adds his second postseason accolade to his All-SCAC Honorable Mention recognition. Hanson held sophomore eligibility this season and quickly cemented his mark in the middle of the Dallas lineup. Hanson batted .314 and matched Stickler with a team-high 43 hits. Hanson led the squad in doubles (10) and runs-batted-in (31). He was one-of-two players with four home runs.