Gainesville, FL – The NJCAA #3/FCSAA #1 Santa Fe Saints were well represented on the All Mid-Florida Conference team after their record setting regular season.Troy Bacon took home the most hardware, winning MFC Pitcher of the Year and Fireman (closer) of the Year. Johnny Wiggs won his sixth MFC Coach of the Year award in 10 years, and seven others were honored on the first or second team.
Bacon, a freshman, was nearly unhittable during the regular season, finishing with a school record 14 saves and a 0.47 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched. He struck out 51 batters, walked seven, and surrendered just 16 hits with batters hitting .124 against him.
First Team MFC: Freshman third baseman Stephen Smith hit .359 in 40 games, including two homeruns (one grandslam), 30 RBI, and 12 stolen bases to earn first team honors. Sophomore Hugo Valdes joins him on the first team, hitting a team best .386 with team highs in homeruns (5) and RBI (36).
Second Team MFC: Sophomore outfielder Cole Parks earned second team honors, hitting .326 with five doubles, four triples, a homerun, and 17 RBI. Freshman shortstop Brandon Hernandez (.296, 9 2B, 5 HR, 20 RBI), sophomore outfielder Robbie Hanlon (.307, 7 2B, 3 HR, 18 RBI), sophomore pitcher Trent Johnson (6-2, 2.30 ERA, 74 K), and sophomore catcher Matt Allen (.335, 11 2B, 2 HR, 35 RBI) round out the members of the second team.
“I’m proud of all the guys that made all-conference,” said Coach Wiggs. “But we have had a great year because of our depth and everyone on our team.”
The Saints will compete in the FCSAA Tournament from May 15-21 at Henley Field in Lakeland, with their first game coming against Eastern Florida State College at 7:00 PM on May 15. Fans can watch every game on the FCSAA YouTube channel.
Watch WCJB Channel 20 News Video Here: Coach Wiggs Coverage