Shippensburg University baseball players, junior Austen LaBarre from Nazareth, Pa./Pen Argyl, and freshman Mike Heckman from Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township, received well-deserved recognition on Wednesday as they were named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-Atlantic Region Team.
LaBarre’s outstanding performance as a relief pitcher earned him a spot on the All-Atlantic Region Second Team. Meanwhile, Heckman’s versatility on the field led to his selection as All-Atlantic Region Honorable Mention in the utility player category. This marks the first All-Region recognition for both athletes, signifying their impressive contributions to the team.
LaBarre, known as the Raiders’ closer, currently ranks sixth among NCAA Division II players with nine saves to his name. Displaying his pitching prowess, the right-hander maintains an impressive 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings and boasts a 3.52 earned run average over 30.2 innings pitched. In 11 of his 17 relief appearances, LaBarre has struck out two or more batters, showcasing his skill and effectiveness on the mound. Earlier, he was also named to the All-PSAC East Second Team, further highlighting his contributions to the team’s success.
On the other hand, Heckman has displayed his versatility by excelling in multiple positions in the infield. As a freshman, he has not only made a significant impact with his defensive abilities but has also been a valuable asset to the Raider lineup. Leading the team with an impressive .353 batting average and a .441 on-base percentage, Heckman has consistently performed well against strong competition, recording at least one hit in 20 out of the 23 conference games played. Similarly, Heckman was previously honored with a spot on the All-PSAC East Second Team, underscoring his outstanding contributions to the team’s achievements.
The recognition received by LaBarre and Heckman on the NCBWA All-Atlantic Region Team serves as a testament to their exceptional skills, dedication, and contributions to the Shippensburg University baseball team. Their performances on the field have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in the team’s success this season.
