Austin Hear, a senior catcher from Concord University, has been named to the ABCA Atlantic Region All-Defensive Team, highlighting his exceptional defensive skills. With an impressive fielding percentage of .997, Hear committed just one error in 321 chances. He excelled at throwing out base stealers, successfully catching 22 of 46 attempts, which equates to a 47.8% rate. His performance not only led the Atlantic Region but also placed him in the top 10 nationally in Division II. Hear is the first player from Concord to receive this honor since the inception of the ABCA All-Defensive Team in 2023.

By the Numbers
  • Fielding percentage: .997, committing only 1 error in 321 chances.
  • Threw out 22 of 46 base stealers, achieving a 47.8% success rate.
State of Play
  • Hear was a standout in the Atlantic Region and recognized as the only MEC representative on the All-Defensive Team.
  • In his final 24 games, only 22 attempted steals against him, indicating teams were cautious in testing his arm.
What's Next

As the first Concord player to earn the ABCA All-Defensive honor, Hear's achievement sets a standard for future Concord catchers. His defensive skills could attract attention from professional scouts as he moves beyond collegiate baseball.

Bottom Line

Austin Hear's defensive prowess distinguishes him as a leader on the field, showcasing his potential for future opportunities in professional baseball. His recognition emphasizes the importance of defensive capabilities in contributing to a team's success.