KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Friends University junior shortstop Buster Hardman has earned the 2023 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)-Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove, the organization announced today (June 21).
According to the NAIA's official release, Hardman's national gold glove award is the first in program history.
"One of the nine best defenders in the country, that's an incredible honor for Buster," said Friends baseball head coach Adam Neisius. "He only made five errors in 256 chances and was a part of 36 double plays this year. I can't think of a better young man on and off the field to represent our baseball program as the first ever national gold glove winner at Friends University."
Consistently making dazzling plays look ordinary throughout the 2023 campaign, Hardman was key to the Falcons' advancing to the KCAC tournament and coming one game shy of playing for a berth in the conference title game.
Hardman compiled a stellar .980 fielding percentage in his first season as the Falcons' primary shortstop after playing second base his first season with the program.
The American Fork, Utah native is the only KCAC player to receive this honor for the 2023 season.
For the full list of ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove winners, check out the official NAIA release HERE.
About the ABCA
The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. It has over 11,000 members representing all 50 states and 25 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include eight divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School and Youth.
About Rawlings
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. Rawlings' unparalleled quality and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and an approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.
