Hammack named Jayhawk East Most Valuable Player, Gold Glove recipient

Cowley College sophomore centerfielder Ty Hammack hauled in the Jayhawk Conference and Region VI awards after leading the Tiger baseball team in numerous categories during the 2023 campaign.

Hammack led Cowley with a batting average of .379 to go along with 17 home runs, 20 doubles, 20 stolen bases, and 72 runs batted in. Along with being named the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division Most Valuable Player, Hammack also received the Region VI Gold Glove for his stellar play in the outfield, as he did not commit an error in 61 games.

"Ty was our one steady offensive force most of the season," Cowley head coach Darren Burroughs said. "He had a great year, and I am very proud of the growth he made."

Hammack, also a First Team all-conference and all-region selection, was joined on the First Team list of all-conference selections by freshman shortstop Jadyn McNealy, who batted .345 with 16 stolen bases and 23 runs batted in.

"What is even more impressive is that Jadyn was hurt in the fall, so we expect him to grow even more," Burroughs said. "He has got a chance to be a special player."

Sophomore Chance Cox was named a Second Team all-conference selection after going 8-1 with a 2.72 earned run average.

"Each time he took the ball, he gave us an opportunity to win," Burroughs said.

Tiger freshmen first baseman Cooper Schwindt (.327 average, 60 RBI), starting pitcher Cade Perkins (6-3, 48 strikeouts), and relief pitcher Cole Abbott (3-2, 3.51 ERA) were named Honorable Mention all-conference.

"It was a joy to watch them grow," Burroughs said. "We expect them to make a jump and be even more consistent next season."

Conference and region champion Johnson County swept most of the awards, with Luc Fladda (12-0, 2.63 ERA) named Pitcher/Player of the Year in the conference, while Cavalier head coach Eric Horner was named Coach of the Year. Johnson County designated hitter Dagen Brewer (.406 average, 10 home runs, 56 RBI) shared Freshman of the Year honors with Coffeyville second baseman Carson Schrack (.404 average, 55 RBI).