Greensboro, N.C. - The American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings announced their All Region teams and Regional Player of the Year for all eight regions of NCAA Division III on Tuesday afternoon. Franciscan outfielder Brendan Burke earned Mideast All-Region Third Team recognition. Burke becomes the second Franciscan Baseball player to receive such an honor.

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Burke (Jr. Pinckey, Mich. / Detroit Catholic Central) had a breakout year for the Barons, as he was slotted into the cleanup spot in the Franciscan lineup day in and day out. He proved to be up for the challenge, as he batted .417 over 36 games this season to lead the team. He was one of three batters in the PAC to hold a batting average above .400. He also led the Barons with 55 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, five home runs, and 46 RBIs. His RBI mark was the best in the conference, and most in a season by a Baron all-time. He is program leader in RBIs with still another year of competition to expand on the record. His slugging percentage of .652 was second best in the conference, and his on base percentage of .474 was in the top five of all players in the conference. Burke had a massive day at Saint Vincent this season, as he hit three home runs and drove in eight runs. It was the first eight-RBI game in PAC history since 2016. Burke played primarily in right field all season after catching the majority of the 2021 season. He held a .983 fielding percentage with two outfield assists, as he flashed his strong arm on numerous occasions.

"We are very proud of Brendan, and he is deserving of this honor," said Head Baseball Coach Rick Carver. "There are some very talented outfielders in our region and to have a Baron be part of this elite group is great for our program. When it is a young man like Brendan Burke with his character and all that he stands for, it becomes a bit overwhelming. Congrats 19!" 

Seven other fellow Presidents Athletic Conference athletes also received All-Region honors. Tate Ostrowski of Grove City was the lone First Team All-Region player out of the PAC. Four members of Washington & Jefferson were named to the Second Team and two additional members joined Burke on the Third Team.

The ABCA All-America Team was first recognized in 1949 and now includes nine divisions: NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, Pacific Association Division, and High School. ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were first recognized in 2007.

The Chair of the ABCA NCAA Div. III All-America & Coach of the Year Committee is Paul Hesse of the University of Mount Union. Also on the committee are Justin Beach (Brockport State University), Derek Carlson (Brandeis University), Brian Casey (U.S. Coast Guard Academy), Dean Glus (The College of New Jersey), Ray Hedrick (Randolph-Macon College), Luke Johnson (North Park University), Scott Laverty (Chapman University), Yogi Lutz (Alvernia University) and Kevin Tomasiewicz (University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh).

The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 13,000 members represent all 50 states and 25 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include eight divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School and Youth.

About Rawlings
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. Rawlings' unparalleled quality and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and an approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.

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