Karsten Sweum and Mikey Bell have received recognition from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) as second team All-West region selections. Sweum, the WCC Pitcher of the Year, excelled with 110 strikeouts this season, including a no-hitter that tied for the second most strikeouts in a single game in Gonzaga history. Bell, repeating as WCC Player of the Year, boasted an impressive .430 batting average in conference play and tallied 85 hits throughout the season, ranking him among the top players in Division 1 baseball.

By the Numbers
  • Sweum recorded 110 strikeouts, placing him 28th in Division 1 baseball.
  • Bell finished the season with a .396 batting average and 85 hits, which is 25th in Division 1.
  • Bell's 24 doubles rank fifth among Division 1 players.
Yes, But

While both players excelled, the competition in the ABCA/Rawlings awards is intense, with many talented athletes from the West region vying for the same recognition. Their achievements may not be enough to secure spots in the upcoming professional drafts, where performance consistency is critical.

State of Play
  • Sweum is coming off a strong season with the best ERA in conference play at 2.62.
  • Bell has now been recognized four times in his college career: twice as WCC Player of the Year and twice on the ABCA/Rawlings All-West Second Team.
What's Next

Both players are expected to continue their careers at Gonzaga, with potential aspirations to enter the MLB Draft after the next season. Their performances could increase their draft stock, provided they maintain or improve their current level of play.

Bottom Line

Sweum and Bell have solidified their status as key players in Gonzaga's baseball program, showcasing top-tier talent that could have lasting implications for their future, both in collegiate sports and potentially in professional baseball.