HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton University senior catcher Christian Tortorici has been recognized among the top collegiate baseball players in the nation, earning NCCAA Second Team All-America honors and ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division III Region III Third Team All-Region recognition following an outstanding 2026 season. 

A native of Schenectady, Tortorici put together one of the finest offensive seasons in the Empire 8 Conference. The senior batted .408 with 53 hits, 16 doubles, four triples, 37 RBI, 29 runs scored and a .615 slugging percentage across 35 games. He also posted a .490 on-base percentage and threw out 16 baserunners from behind the plate. 

Tortorici finished among the Empire 8 conference leaders in batting average, doubles and total bases while earning First Team All-Empire 8 honors at catcher for the second consecutive season. His consistent production at the plate and leadership behind it helped anchor the Highlanders throughout the spring. (thenccaa.org)

The NCCAA honored Tortorici as one of just 12 players selected to its 2026 Second Team All-America squad, recognizing his performance among Christian colleges and universities across the country. 

In addition, the American Baseball Coaches Association named Tortorici to its NCAA Division III Region III Third Team, placing him among the top players in a region that includes many of New York's premier Division III baseball programs.

Tortorici closes his Highlander career as a two-time First Team All-Empire 8 selection and one of the program's most accomplished catchers, earning regional and national recognition for his exceptional senior campaign.