Baseball Places Trio On ABCA All-Midwest Region Teams

2023 ABCA DIVISION II ALL-REGION TEAMS

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University baseball team placed a trio of players on the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Midwest Region teams.

The teams were announced Wednesday (May 31). The teams were selected by the head baseball coaches from around the Midwest Region.

Junior starting pitcher Derek Clark was named First Team All-Region. Senior centerfielder Jacob Rybicki were named Second Team in the outfield while junior Blake Salamon claimed Second Team honors at Designated Hitter.

Clark's record-breaking career continued this season, ending the year 10-2 overall with a 2.78 ERA. A three-time All-Region honoree, Clark set Northwood records for strikeouts in a seaons (104) and innings pitched (103 2/3) this season. Clark also holds the NU career records for wins (22), strikeouts (259) and innings pitches (264.0).

Northwood's leadoff hitter, Rybicki currently stand with a .336 batting average with seven home runs and 49 RBIs. He was named First Team All-Great Midwest this season. Rybicki has 24 doubles this season, which ties him for second on the NU all-time single-season list. He currently ranks in the top-five in school history in career hits (200), doubles (50), triples (11), home runs (28), runs (185), stolen bases (82) and walks (126).

Salamon has turned in a remarkable breakthrough season at the plate for the Timberwolves in 2023, currently batting .314 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs. He has set Northwood single-season records this year in home runs, RBIs and total bases (158). He finished the year leading the G-MAC in home runs and RBIs and currently ranks sixth nationally in home runs.

Northwood finished the year 42-19 overall, winning both the Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles.