Brendan Vela, designated hitter for Texas Wesleyan, has been named the 2026 SABR Metroplex Carroll Beringer College Division Player of the Year. This award recognizes his outstanding season, in which he led the Sooner Athletic Conference with a .453 batting average, marking one of the best single-season performances in the school's history. Vela's accolades also include being named SAC Player of the Year and contributing significantly to Texas Wesleyan's overall success, which included a regular-season championship. He is the fourth player from the university to receive this recognition since 2016, continuing the school's legacy in collegiate baseball.

By the Numbers
  • Vela achieved a .453 batting average, the second-highest in Texas Wesleyan history.
  • He recorded 85 hits, including 20 doubles and seven triples, with a .761 slugging percentage.
  • He stole 20 bases in 24 attempts during the season.
State of Play
  • Texas Wesleyan concluded the season with a 42-12 record, setting a program record with 22 conference victories.
  • Vela's performance has placed him among the program's all-time leaders in several offensive statistics.
What's Next

Following his impressive college career, Vela may pursue opportunities within professional baseball, where his skills could attract scouts and teams looking for talent from the collegiate ranks.

Bottom Line

Brendan Vela's achievements on the field exemplify not only individual excellence but also highlight Texas Wesleyan's commitment to developing top-tier baseball talent, setting a benchmark for future players in the program.