Incoming Alabama Player Named Junior College Position Player of the Year

Kade Snell of Wallace College-Dothan lands top honor from Rawlings Sports and the American Baseball Coaches Associatio

Brandon Phillips / Jacksonville State Athletics

Kade Snell, who earlier this month was named the state’s Community College Athlete of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association, added another trophy to his collection Monday when he was named the NJCAA Division I position player of the year by Rawlings Sports and the American Baseball Coaches Association.

He's the first player from an Alabama community college to win the award. The former Wicksburg High School standout went 10-0 in 14 games, with a 1.86 earned run average and 87 strikeouts, which both topped the state.

The Alabama Crimson Tide signee was named a first-team All-American on June 12 as a left-handed pitcher, but the Wallace-Dothan standout was arguably just as effective as a hitter. While in the lineup at first base, designated hitter and left field, he hit .393, drove in a state-best 70 runs and 13 home runs. He also stole nine bases.

Snell guided Wallace to a 42-19 record and runner-up finish in the state tournament. 

Snell, who started his collegiate career at Auburn in 2021, was also named the All-South District Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year for the Alabama Community College Conference after previously being named the All-South Division Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and first team All-South Division designated hitter.

The ABCA/Rawlings Players of the Year are selected by ABCA coaches committees from nine divisions of amateur baseball: NCAA Div. I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Div. I, II & III, Pacific Association Division, and high school. ABCA/Rawlings First-Team All-America selections were eligible for Player of the Year honors.

SEE ALSO: Alabama Baseball 2023 Offseason Tracker