Big Ten announced the 2021 All-Big Ten award recipients this week. Illinois can be proud of their representatives.
They are…
1B/DH Justin Janas – All-Big Ten First Team
In 2021, Justin Janas hit. And hit and hit. He went 3 for 3 in the third game of the season. Since then, his batting average never fell below .310. He collected at least three hits in seven games in the 2021 season.
In the last weekend against Rutgers, he went 6 for 9 to boost his average to .391 to take the Big Ten batting title. Janas also led the Big Ten with a .506 OBP.
3B Jackson Raper – All-Big Ten First Team
Senior transfer thirdbaseman Jackson Raper is making the most of his time at Illinois.
Aside from hitting .311, he led the team in homeruns (13), rbis (44). Batting second for much of the year, he also led the Illini in runs as well (39). Seven of those rbis came against Michigan on May 2nd.
According to FightingIllini.com, Raper has one more year of eligibility left for Illinois so here’s hoping.
SP Andrew Hoffmann – All-Big Ten Third Team
It wasn’t until April 23rd when John A. Logan product Andrew Hoffmann received his first win of the season. That said, it can hardly be his doing. He had given up just four runs in his first three starts. Once he got some support, he was unstoppable. The team went 8-3 in games that he started.
Hoffmann’s start against Maryland was one of best starts I have seen at Illinois Field. He struck out 12 batters and shut down the Terp offense over 7 2/3 innings. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Hoffmann in the future.
SS Branden Comia – All-Big Ten Third Team
Branden Comia batted .323 which was second best on the Illini. He was one of the most stable influences on the Illinois team.
He concluded his team third best 37-game on-base streak in April. That contributed to his .457 OBP which was fifth best in the Big Ten.
C Ryan Hampe – All-Big Ten Third Team
With eight multi-hit games, Ryan Hampe contributed with both the bat and behind the plate. He slugged .457 with six homeruns in his role as the backstop.
Hampe also caught all nine innings of the April 25th no-hitter against Purdue.
SP Riley Gowens – All-Big Ten Freshman Team
Riley Gowens’ story was one of the best in 2021. He missed two years due to Tommy John surgery and this was his year to return. On April 25th, he had the right stuff as he contributed seven innings to a no-hitter against Purdue.
For his effort, he received Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s National Player of the Week honors.
SP Nathan Lavender – Illinois Sportsmanship Award
Finally, congratulations to Nate Lavender who took the Sportsmanship Award for the team!
Honestly, I’m wondering if the Big Ten missed Lavender (7-2, 4.11 ERA) when doling out the All-Big Ten awards. Not only was he tied for the Big Ten lead for wins but also struck out 86 (8th in the Big Ten) in 57 innings.
You would have gotten my vote, Nate.
Congratulations to all of the Illinois honorees!