Ryan Konkle’s banner 2016 season with the Hope College baseball team has been recognized with his first All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First-Team Selection.
The senior leftfielder from Marshall, Michigan (Marshall HS) is one of 12 members and three outfielders on the All-MIAA First Team.
Five Hope players received second-team recognition: pitchers Jake Chipka and Coty Franklin, first baseman Landon Brower, catcher Nick Glowacki and utility player Luke Brower.
Konkle led the MIAA with a .511 batting average in 28 league games. With 48 hits in 94 at-bats, Konkle recorded the highest league average among Hope’s batting champions.
Konkle is the 15th Hope player to claim a MIAA batting title. The Flying Dutchmen have been claimed the top spot a total of 17 times, dating back to 1959.
Konkle hit six home runs and collected 43 RBIs in MIAA games to help the Flying Dutchmen tie for third place with a 17-11 league record. He walked 20 times while striking out only eight times.
Luke Brower hit .320 in MIAA play with 31 hits and 17 runs in 97 at-bats. The senior from Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS). homered three times.
Landon Brower batted .364 in MIAA games. The sophomore from Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS) collected 26 RBI and scored 19 runs
Chipka was Hope’s No. 1 starter. The senior from Waterville, Ohio (Anthony Wayne HS) posted a 3-4 record in MIAA games with four complete games. He struck out 42 batters in 43 innings of league play.
Franklin was Hope’s No. 2 starter. The senior from Vermontville, Michigan (Maple Valley HS) went 4-2 in MIAA play with 16 strikeouts and just three walks in 41 1/3 innings.
Glowacki threw out 12-of-23 baserunners in MIAA games. He hit .256 with 13 RBI and 22 runs scored.