Roch Cholowsky and John Savage from UCLA receive important Big Ten honors.

UCLA Baseball Celebrates Big Ten Success

On Monday, the UCLA baseball team received accolades for completing their Big Ten Conference schedule and winning an impressive 25 games to start the season.

Rock Cholowski, a junior shortstop, earned the title of Big Ten Player of the Year, while Jon Savage was recognized as Coach of the Year. Additionally, a remarkable seven Bruins made the conference’s first team, the highest number among teams.

Cholowski, who is strongly anticipated to be the top pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft, is now the third player to achieve back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year honors, alongside Luke Appert of Minnesota (2002-03) and Barry Larkin from Michigan (1984-85).

Mason Edwards from USC, boasting an 8-0 record and a 1.49 ERA, was named Pitcher of the Year. Nebraska’s Dylan Carey was awarded Defensive Player of the Year, and Drew Grego, also from Nebraska, took home the Rookie of the Year honor.

Cholowski led the conference with a .330 batting average and hit 21 home runs, all while demonstrating solid defensive skills. Alongside him on the Big Ten’s first team were UCLA’s ace Logan Redman, closer Easton Hawk, versatile reliever Wylan Moss, first baseman Moulibai Lev, outfielder Will Gasparino, and third baseman Roman Martin.

The first team also included Edwards, Grant Goebel from USC, Tanner Bradley from Oregon State, catcher Weber Neals from Minnesota State, second baseman Colby Turner from Michigan State, Oregon State’s third baseman Drew Smith, outfielder Hogan Denney from Indiana State, Jackson Hotchkiss from Washington State, utility man Michael Anderson from Penn State, and Nebraska’s Carey.

In a historic season, Savage was unanimously voted Coach of the Year, as he led UCLA to become the first college baseball team to maintain its top ranking throughout the regular season. The Bruins set a program record with 48 wins, achieving their first 25 victories in Big Ten play and finishing with a 28-2 conference record.

Some players from USC, including pitcher Adam Troy and outfielder Jack Bashir, earned spots on the All-Conference second team along with UCLA catcher Cashel Dugger. UCLA’s Cal Randall made the third team, and Dugger, Rev, Gasparino, and West were included in the All-Defense Team, along with USC’s Goebel.