Eastern Michigan Athletics
Matt Kirk Named 2022 MAC Baseball Player of the Year
5/24/2022 12:11:00 PM | Baseball
Daniel Warkentin also garners Second Team All-MAC honors
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University baseball standout Matt Kirk (Milford, Ohio-Milford (Toledo)) became just the third EMU player to take home Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors, as the league office announced its postseason awards Tuesday, May 24. Kirk was also given First Team All-MAC honors and named to the All-MAC Defensive Team while senior Daniel Warkentin (Leamington, Ontario-Leamington District (Parkland)) garnered Second Team All-MAC honors.
Kirk joins Brian Bixler (2004) and Greg Ryan (1997) as the only players to collect the MAC's ultimate award while donning the script E.
"I am extremely proud of Matt and what he accomplished this year," said Head Coach Eric Roof. "He had a monster year, put up video game-like numbers, and is deserving of the MAC Player of the Year. It shows you what hard work and determination can achieve when you have a player like Matt. I know he is also very proud to be a part of the First team All-MAC squad and All-MAC Defensive Team because of the hard work he has put in. He will get more recognition as the weeks proceed. On top of the on-field achievement, Kirk is an even better person."
In his first season in Ypsilanti, Kirk finished the 2022 regular season tied for first in the NCAA Division I ranks in total doubles (25). Additionally, Kirk had some of the best numbers in the Mid-American Conference this season. The Milford, Ohio native led the league in hits (80 - 37th nationally), doubles (25), home runs (17 - 44th nationally), and total bases (156 - 14th nationally).
Moreover, Kirk ranks top-10 in the MAC in slugging percentage (.693 - second in the MAC; 45th nationally), OPS (1.101 - second), RBIs (49 - seventh), and runs scored (50 - sixth). Furthermore, Kirk's 25 two-baggers this season tie the EMU single-season program record (Greg Ryan - 25, 1997). When it came to power at the plate, Kirk's 17 round-trippers in 2022 is tied for fourth all-time in EMU's single-season history.
A testament to his mastery at the plate, Kirk finished sixth in the league in batting average (.356) all while leading the MAC in at-bats (225). The BA mark of .356 is the best single-season batting average by an Eagle since 2014. Kirk's First Team All-MAC selection is the first of his career, along with his All-MAC Defensive Team honor. Kirk is just the second Eagle (Zachary Owings - 2018) to earn the All-MAC Defensive Team nod since the award was first given in 2015. The transfer from Toledo had just 21 combined hits and one home run in two seasons in the Glass City prior to joining the Green and White.
As for Warkentin, the second baseman's Second Team All-MAC selection is his first career on-field postseason award. Warkentin earned Academic All-MAC honors last season.
"Daniel Warkentin had a tremendous year," Roof stated. "Danny is the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker. He was a staple at the top of our lineup and was a force to be dealt with in our conference. Proud of his year, his career, and his best days are still ahead of him."
The Leamington, Ontario native had a career year, earning a batting average of .291 including 52 hits and 15 home runs for 41 RBIs and 106 total bases. Warkentin finished his senior campaign top-10 in the MAC in home runs (15 - second), slugging percentage (.592 - eighth), and runs scored (48 - 10th).
A season filled with highlights at the plate, one of the most notable moments for Warkentin came versus Bowling Green State University, May 1, when the second baseman belted a career-high three home runs in the team's 19-4 victory. Additionally, Warkentin concluded the season with three multi-home run games in the 2022 campaign. Moreover, the second baseman is the first Eagle to round the pillows three times in a game since 2017.
Warkentin also served up the team's lone walk-off win in 2022 when he notched an RBI single to defeat BGSU in the same weekend, April 29.
To stay up to date with all things EMU baseball throughout the offseason, continue to check EMUEagles.com, or follow the team on Twitter, @EMU_Baseball.
2022 MAC Baseball Specialty Award Winners
Player of the Year: Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Schweitzer, Ball State
Freshman of the Year: Dylan Nevar, Western Michigan
Freshman Pitcher of the Year: Ryan Brown, Ball State
Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Peltier, Ball State
Coach of the Year: Rich Maloney, Ball State
2022 All-MAC First Team
C – Connor Charping, Western Michigan
1B – Trenton Quartermaine, Ball State
2B – Mario Camilletti, Central Michigan
3B – Colin Kasperbauer, Ohio
SS – Justin Simpson, Central Michigan
OF – Zach Cole, Ball State
OF – Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
OF – Justin Kirby, Kent State
SP – Tyler Schweitzer, Ball State
SP – Jonathan Brand, Miami
SP – Andrew Taylor, Central Michigan
SP – Kyle Jones, Toledo
RP – Sam Klein, Ball State
DH – David Novak, Miami
At-Large – Jakob Marsee, Central Michigan
2022 All-MAC Second Team
C – Mason Minzey, Ohio
1B – Cade Sullivan, Western Michigan
2B – Daniel Warkentin, Eastern Michigan
3B – Ryan Peltier, Ball State
SS – Mike McNamara, Kent State
OF – Amir Wright, Ball State
OF – Drew Lechnir, Central Michigan
OF – Josh Johnson, Kent State
SP – Ty Johnson, Ball State
SP – Jordan Patty, Central Michigan
SP – Zach Maxey, Miami
SP – Connor Brandon, Toledo
RP – Ryan Brown, Ball State
DH – Garret Pike, Toledo
At-Large – Kyle Gurney, Bowling Green
2022 All-MAC Defensive Team
C – Justin Miknis, Kent State
1B – Cade Sullivan, Western Michigan
2B – Mario Camilletti, Central Michigan
3B – Ryan Peltier, Ball State
SS – Jeron Williams, Toledo
SS - Ryan Johnston, Bowling Green
OF – Zach Cole, Ball State
OF – Jakob Marsee, Central Michigan
OF – Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
P – Eddie Kutt IV, Ohio
Kirk joins Brian Bixler (2004) and Greg Ryan (1997) as the only players to collect the MAC's ultimate award while donning the script E.
"I am extremely proud of Matt and what he accomplished this year," said Head Coach Eric Roof. "He had a monster year, put up video game-like numbers, and is deserving of the MAC Player of the Year. It shows you what hard work and determination can achieve when you have a player like Matt. I know he is also very proud to be a part of the First team All-MAC squad and All-MAC Defensive Team because of the hard work he has put in. He will get more recognition as the weeks proceed. On top of the on-field achievement, Kirk is an even better person."
In his first season in Ypsilanti, Kirk finished the 2022 regular season tied for first in the NCAA Division I ranks in total doubles (25). Additionally, Kirk had some of the best numbers in the Mid-American Conference this season. The Milford, Ohio native led the league in hits (80 - 37th nationally), doubles (25), home runs (17 - 44th nationally), and total bases (156 - 14th nationally).
Moreover, Kirk ranks top-10 in the MAC in slugging percentage (.693 - second in the MAC; 45th nationally), OPS (1.101 - second), RBIs (49 - seventh), and runs scored (50 - sixth). Furthermore, Kirk's 25 two-baggers this season tie the EMU single-season program record (Greg Ryan - 25, 1997). When it came to power at the plate, Kirk's 17 round-trippers in 2022 is tied for fourth all-time in EMU's single-season history.
A testament to his mastery at the plate, Kirk finished sixth in the league in batting average (.356) all while leading the MAC in at-bats (225). The BA mark of .356 is the best single-season batting average by an Eagle since 2014. Kirk's First Team All-MAC selection is the first of his career, along with his All-MAC Defensive Team honor. Kirk is just the second Eagle (Zachary Owings - 2018) to earn the All-MAC Defensive Team nod since the award was first given in 2015. The transfer from Toledo had just 21 combined hits and one home run in two seasons in the Glass City prior to joining the Green and White.
As for Warkentin, the second baseman's Second Team All-MAC selection is his first career on-field postseason award. Warkentin earned Academic All-MAC honors last season.
"Daniel Warkentin had a tremendous year," Roof stated. "Danny is the ultimate competitor and a tireless worker. He was a staple at the top of our lineup and was a force to be dealt with in our conference. Proud of his year, his career, and his best days are still ahead of him."
The Leamington, Ontario native had a career year, earning a batting average of .291 including 52 hits and 15 home runs for 41 RBIs and 106 total bases. Warkentin finished his senior campaign top-10 in the MAC in home runs (15 - second), slugging percentage (.592 - eighth), and runs scored (48 - 10th).
A season filled with highlights at the plate, one of the most notable moments for Warkentin came versus Bowling Green State University, May 1, when the second baseman belted a career-high three home runs in the team's 19-4 victory. Additionally, Warkentin concluded the season with three multi-home run games in the 2022 campaign. Moreover, the second baseman is the first Eagle to round the pillows three times in a game since 2017.
Warkentin also served up the team's lone walk-off win in 2022 when he notched an RBI single to defeat BGSU in the same weekend, April 29.
To stay up to date with all things EMU baseball throughout the offseason, continue to check EMUEagles.com, or follow the team on Twitter, @EMU_Baseball.
2022 MAC Baseball Specialty Award Winners
Player of the Year: Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Schweitzer, Ball State
Freshman of the Year: Dylan Nevar, Western Michigan
Freshman Pitcher of the Year: Ryan Brown, Ball State
Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Peltier, Ball State
Coach of the Year: Rich Maloney, Ball State
2022 All-MAC First Team
C – Connor Charping, Western Michigan
1B – Trenton Quartermaine, Ball State
2B – Mario Camilletti, Central Michigan
3B – Colin Kasperbauer, Ohio
SS – Justin Simpson, Central Michigan
OF – Zach Cole, Ball State
OF – Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
OF – Justin Kirby, Kent State
SP – Tyler Schweitzer, Ball State
SP – Jonathan Brand, Miami
SP – Andrew Taylor, Central Michigan
SP – Kyle Jones, Toledo
RP – Sam Klein, Ball State
DH – David Novak, Miami
At-Large – Jakob Marsee, Central Michigan
2022 All-MAC Second Team
C – Mason Minzey, Ohio
1B – Cade Sullivan, Western Michigan
2B – Daniel Warkentin, Eastern Michigan
3B – Ryan Peltier, Ball State
SS – Mike McNamara, Kent State
OF – Amir Wright, Ball State
OF – Drew Lechnir, Central Michigan
OF – Josh Johnson, Kent State
SP – Ty Johnson, Ball State
SP – Jordan Patty, Central Michigan
SP – Zach Maxey, Miami
SP – Connor Brandon, Toledo
RP – Ryan Brown, Ball State
DH – Garret Pike, Toledo
At-Large – Kyle Gurney, Bowling Green
2022 All-MAC Defensive Team
C – Justin Miknis, Kent State
1B – Cade Sullivan, Western Michigan
2B – Mario Camilletti, Central Michigan
3B – Ryan Peltier, Ball State
SS – Jeron Williams, Toledo
SS - Ryan Johnston, Bowling Green
OF – Zach Cole, Ball State
OF – Jakob Marsee, Central Michigan
OF – Matt Kirk, Eastern Michigan
P – Eddie Kutt IV, Ohio
Players Mentioned
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