Behrend Baseball Announces 2025 Team Awards

ERIE, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend baseball team has announced its awards for the 2025 season as voted on by the players and coaches. Head coach Paul Benim shared, "This spring season was tremendous. Our players stayed together, focused on the team mission, they stepped up. Our coaching staff is really proud of them. The season was cemented by the team earning the 2025 AMCC Regular Season and Tournament Championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament again." The team posted an impressive 31-11 record.

The Most Improved Player Award goes to junior pitcher Jack Baumgartel (Sewickley, PA/North Allegheny) who led the team in appearances with 16. In 23 innings of work he struck out 23 and walked only eight while holding opponents to a .211 batting average against. "Jack was terrific when we needed him most this spring," said Benim. "He did not allow an earned run over his last seven regular season outings, and then the four innings in the AMCC Championship game was memorable for all of us. 

The Rookie of the Year Award is always a competitive vote and first year player Tyler Burick (Erie, PA/Harbor Creek) was bestowed this honor. Burick, who was also tabbed to the AMCC All-Conference first team, hit .330 with 13 extra base hits while driving in 28. "Tyler made an impact every day he was between the lines for us," said Benim. "Everyone loves offensive statistics, however we love how he plays with so much energy and his defense helped us win as many games as he did in the box." Burick was also named the team's Golden Glove winner for his high level defense.

Senior Chase Palmer (Brookville, PA/Brookville) earned the Herb Lauffer Leadership & Scholarship Award. "Chase really stepped up and led this spring," said Benim. "He has always been all-in and really came out this year, by providing an example of what it takes every day." Palmer influenced the line up with nearly a .300 average, was second on the squad in stolen bases, and made only one error while closing gaps in the outfield.

Senior Mac Ciocco (Venetia, PA/Peters Township), who played first base and served as designated hitter was voted the Most Valuable Player. He was named to the All-AMCC First Team while leading the blue and white in hits, home runs, extra base knocks, walks, and RBI. Ciocco was among the top 10 hitters in the country throughout the year and finished hitting .452. This average nudged him to the fifth best average in single season history, right in front of former Major Leaguer, Tom Lawless (.448). Ciocco's hit total tied for the third most in a single season with Adam Best (2003) and ranks behind only Josh Fyffe's (2010) 87 hits and Scott Sada's (2018) 73.  "When dissecting Mac's season it was nothing but spectacular," said Benim. "He competes in each and every at-bat, giving you a professional approach. Mac is a huge reason we have won the league the past two seasons."

Senior Joe Lang (Pittsburgh, PA/North Allegheny) earned the Hustle and Spirit Award. Coach Benim said, "Joe brought it every day. He was dependable, accountable. He impacted throughout his four years in a positive way. His teammates learned from his high compete level." Lang was selected as a First Team All-Conference performer after his lock down performance from the bullpen. He logged a 1-1 record with five saves, and 34 K's versus seven walks in 26 innings. Opponents hit only .187 against him in the box.

Andrew Bredel (Clinton, PA/Burgettstown), a sophomore left hander who was named to the AMCC All-Conference first team squad, was picked as the Most Valuable Pitcher of the Year. Bredel led the team in wins with eight, tying for the third most in a single season. He made 11 starts and was clutch when his team needed him throughout the year. "Andrew is a really tough on the mound. He came back this year an improved pitcher. We all are excited to see his evolution during the next two seasons. He gives our program a chance to compete and win every day he takes the ball.

The Lions finished with a 31-11 record this spring and will look to keep growing and improving as they enter next season. "It was a tremendous season," said Benim. "We are proud of our players. The seniors will be missed deeply. They had a high level of care for our coaches, teammates, and the program. We think all of Behrend Baseball Nation remains excited about the future of the program and what is to come."