Belyeu named Big 12 baseball player of the year

Texas sophomore outfielder Max Belyeu saw a remarkable transformation in his performance this season, fueled by a newfound confidence that propelled him to excel on the baseball field.

Despite a slow start to his sophomore season after playing only 15 games as a freshman, Belyeu emerged as a standout player, ultimately earning recognition as the Big 12 player of the year. His impressive statistics speak volumes about his contribution to the team’s success, with a .703 slugging percentage, 17 home runs, and 49 RBIs in 185 at-bats.

Belyeu’s journey this season wasn’t without its challenges. He initially struggled to find his rhythm, enduring a hitless series against San Diego and a minor slump during the Washington series. However, he persevered and soon became one of the Longhorns’ most consistent hitters, showcasing his talent and resilience on the field.

Joining Belyeu on the All-Big 12 First Team are infielders Jalin Flores and Jared Thomas, along with relief pitcher Gage Boehm. Flores, who experienced a remarkable turnaround after a challenging previous season, leads the team with 21 doubles and boasts a batting average of .348. Thomas, with a batting average of .363 and 82 hits, has been a consistent performer throughout the season, earning him the title of the Big 12’s hit king. Boehm’s impressive performance as a relief pitcher, with eight saves to his name, solidifies his place as one of the conference’s top back-end arms.

Third baseman Peyton Powell earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team, while pitchers Max Grubbs and Ace Whitehead, outfielder Will Gasparino, and catcher Ryan Galvan received honorable mentions. Gasparino also secured a spot on the all-freshman team, highlighting his promising talent and contribution to the team.

As Texas prepares to face Texas Tech in the Big 12 Conference tournament, Belyeu’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in achieving success on the baseball diamond.