Fitzpatrick Named SLIAC Freshman of the Year; Three Red Devils Earn All-Conference Honors

ST. LOUIS, MO. – For the first time since 2022, the Eureka College baseball team landed multiple players on the All-SLIAC teams, highlighted by Conor Fitzpatrick (North Barrington, Ill./Barrington) being named the SLIAC Freshman of the Year — the first in program history.

Fitzpatrick made an immediate impact in his debut season with the Red Devils, leading the team with a .356 batting average and 22 RBIs. He also posted a .449 on-base percentage and a .416 slugging percentage, adding 13 stolen bases and 16 walks. The freshman standout elevated his performance even further in conference play, batting .382 against SLIAC opponents.

Senior utility player Mike Dunne (Bartonville, Ill./Limestone) earned Second Team All-SLIAC honors. Dunne was second on the team with a .339 batting average and 20 RBIs. He led the team in slugging percentage (.488), doubles (10), and was tied for the team lead with 2 home runs. He also drew 17 walks and maintained a .430 on-base percentage. On the mound, Dunne logged 30.2 innings, finishing with a 4.99 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and a 1.70 WHIP.

Freshman pitcher Emilio Villanueva (Houston, Texas/Milby) was selected to the All-SLIAC Third Team after a strong first season on the mound. He led the Red Devils in ERA (1.57) and WHIP (1.12) over 28.2 innings of work, striking out 25 batters in the process.

Freshman TJ Bolden (Mount Juliet, Tenn./Brentwood) was selected as Eureka's representative on the SLIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.