The University of Minnesota Duluth baseball team announced the recipients of their 2024 season team awards this afternoon, as well as the next group of Bulldogs set to lead the pack as captains throughout the 2025 season.
Most Valuable Player - Jack Puder
Veteran Bulldog infielder Jack Puder ends his collegiate career at UMD receiving the team's MVP honors. The Blaine, Minn. native started in 43 and played in 44 of the Bulldogs' 49 games throughout his senior campaign, posting a .354 batting average and leading the team in on-base plus slugging (1.043), runs batted in (46), total bases (104), and slugging percentage (.634). Puder also ended the season tied for first on the team with the most total triples (2) and total home runs (10). The lockdown middle infielder proved to be productive on the defensive side of the ball as well, posting 88 putouts and 61 assists on 158 total chances for a .943 FLD% this season.
Rookie of the Year - Sam Kliber
Dual threat freshman Sam Kliber earns this year's Rookie of the Year award, producing strong numbers for the Bulldogs from both the plate and the mound. The Maple Grove, Minn. native ends his 2023-24 campaign posting a .308 batting average along with seven runs batted in, two doubles, and one home run on 24 hits. The rookie also took to the mound for the Bulldogs, posting a 14.00 earned run average with four strikeouts on 9.0 innings pitched.
Most Improved Player - Oran Hinkle
This season's Most Improved Player award goes to sophomore outfielder Oran Hinkle who started in 45 and appeared in 46 games for the Bulldogs this year. The added playing time out on the field helped the Delano, Minn. native see an increase in batting average (.337), on-base plus slugging (.772), total hits (56), and runs batted in (13) this season from the plate.
Bulldog Award - Jack Nemetz
Senior catcher Jack Nemetz completes his storied career under the UMD banner with earning this year's Bulldog Award, given to the player that best represents what it means to be a Bulldog. The Chanhassen, Minn. native closed out the 2024 season hitting .221 with a .928 on-base plus slugging, finishing fourth on the team for home runs (7) and sixth on the team for slugging percentage (.544).Â
2024-25 UMD Baseball Captains
A strong mix of young presence and veteran experience look to characterize the 2024-25 captains group for the Bulldogs. Infielder Ethan Cole will serve as the only senior captain, surrounded by the strong junior presence of catcher Michael Gabbard, third baseman Gabe Richardson, and pitcher Henry Wilkinson.
