BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2017 All-Conference Baseball Team on Monday and two Gusties were honored with postseason accolades. Right fielder Josh Chatfield (Sr., Apple Valley, Minn.) and pitcher Casey Lewandoski (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska) were named to the All-Conference Team, both making their first appearance on the All-MIAC team.
Chatfield finished the season having played in all 38 games with 37 starts. He hit .348 and led the team with 49 hits, 141 at-bats, 33 runs, 10 doubles, and 32 RBI. The Eastview product also led the team with 16 multi-hit games and posted seven multi-RBI games. In the field, Chatfield made 79 putouts, six assists, and just one error for a fielding percentage of .988. Chatfield capped his impressive Gustavus career as one of the top players in program history. He ranks sixth in RBI (90), seventh in hits (167), seventh in doubles (34), eighth in at-bats (484), 11th in games played (139), and 13th in batting average (.345). Chatfield was also recognized as a CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree for the second consecutive season.
Lewandoski was the Gusties’ top option out of the bullpen this season, making a program record 19 appearances. The West Valley product posted a 2.95 ERA and a 5-1 record after 36 and two-thirds innings. He led the team with two saves, while striking out 17 batters compared to 18 walks. Opponents hit .244 off Lewandoski as he allowed 33 hits and 12 earned runs.
As part of a conference-wide sportsmanship initiative, the MIAC announced the 11th-annual All-MIAC Sportsmanship team for baseball. Members of the All-MIAC Sportsmanship team are selected by their coaches and teammates as individuals who demonstrate ideals of positive sportsmanship both on and off the field of competition. Gustavus’s representative this season is Logan Thomas (Sr., Lake City, Minn.).
Wyatt Ulrich of Saint John’s was named the Max Malock Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Henry DeCaster of St. Thomas was named the Mike Augustin Pitcher of the Year, and Matt Parrington of Macalester was named the Jim Dimick Coach of the Year.