HOUGHTON, NY — Following a record-setting spring season, Houghton baseball senior utility player Wayne Rode received ABCA/Rawlings Second Team All-New York Region honors.
 
In his final season as a Highlander, Rode established new single-season records in batting average (.434), slugging percentage (.818), OPS (1.326), homeruns (7), total bases (81), and RBI (38).  His outstanding season also helped propel him to the top of the career leader board in both slugging percentage (.567) and homeruns (10).

Gifted with excellent athleticism, Rode started the year as the number one catcher, but due to injuries and unforeseen circumstances, played multiple positions throughout the year.  Perhaps most impressively, Rode played only 27 of the team's 34 games this season, missing seven games due to contact-tracing protocols.
 
The all-region recognition is the third such distinction bestowed upon a Houghton baseball player in the past three seasons (awards were not given in 2020) after Victor Cavalieri and Ben Closson earned Third-Team honors in 2018.
 
"This is a well-deserved honor for Wayne, our program and all of the alumni who helped us build to this season," stated Head Baseball Coach Brian Reitnour.  "There were times this year when Wayne seemed absolutely unstoppable.  There wasn't a single pitcher we faced who overmatched him. He put our team on his back multiple times.  I'm incredibly proud of his work and leadership, both on the field and off.  He worked incredibly hard for four years and it's great to see him honored for his accomplishments."

FULL ABCA/RAWLINGS RELEASE