2026 Heart Baseball Postseason Awards and All-Conference Lists Announced  

The Heart of America Athletic Conference announced its 2026 Heart Baseball Postseason Award winners and All-Conference lists. Each of the award winners were selected by the Heart head coaches. 

Individual Awards:

Pitcher of the Year: Camden Karlin —Baker  

Camden Karlin was a dominant presence on the mound for Baker, finishing the season with a 13-5 record across 11 starts. He logged 66 innings pitched with a 4.66 ERA, tossing seven complete games and three shutouts. Karlin also recorded 55 strikeouts while contributing in 49 total appearances, showcasing durability and versatility throughout the season. 

Player of the Year: Ryan Malzahn — Central Methodist  

Ryan Malzahn led Central Methodist with an outstanding offensive season, posting a .388 batting average across 49 games. He totaled 61 RBIs, 58 runs scored, and 13 home runs in 170 at-bats, while adding 16 stolen bases. Malzahn's .735 slugging percentage and .470 on-base percentage highlighted his ability to consistently produce and impact the game in multiple ways. 

Newcomer of the Year: Ronnie Rowley — MidAmerica Nazarene  

Ronnie Rowley made an immediate impact for MidAmerica Nazarene, hitting .448 across 42 games with 64 hits, 58 runs scored, and 37 RBIs. His .916 slugging percentage underscored his offensive firepower throughout the season. Defensively, Rowley recorded 47 putouts and 37 assists, finishing with a .944 fielding percentage to round out an impressive all-around debut campaign. 

Freshman of the Year: Ryan McDougal — Benedictine  

Ryan McDougal emerged as a key arm for Benedictine in his freshman season, posting a 2.85 ERA over 42.1 innings pitched. Appearing in 11 games with six starts, he delivered consistent performances on the mound, including a season-high 11 strikeouts in a single outing. 

Co-Head Coach of the Year: Eddie Uschold — Missouri Baptist   

Eddie Uschold led Missouri Baptist to an impressive 39-10 overall record and a 24-4 mark in conference play during the 2025-26 season. In his 26th season at the helm, Uschold guided the Spartans to a .796 winning percentage and a No. 7 national ranking, continuing a long-standing tradition of success for the program. 

Co-Head Coach of the Year: Jack Dahm — Mount Mercy  

Jack Dahm guided Mount Mercy to a strong 35-13 overall record, including a 20-4 mark in conference play during the 2025-26 season. Since taking over the program in 2014-15, Dahm has continued to build a consistent contender, with this season standing out as one of the program's most successful. 

Assistant Coach of the Year: Beau Franklin — Baker   

Beau Franklin played a key role in Baker's success during the 2025-26 season, helping guide the team to a 29-20 overall record and a 16-12 mark in conference play.  

All-Conference Teams: