Russell Sage College’s baseball team had a fantastic week, sweeping four of the five major Empire 8 Conference awards and securing their spot as the 2026 league champions. Head Coach Matt Marsh and his staff were recognized as the Empire 8 Coaching Staff of the Year, leading the Gators to their first conference title with an impressive 21-1 record in league play.
The individual honors were all but monopolized by Russell Sage, who claimed Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Senior Jack Griffin (Clifton Park, NY) earned Player of the Year honors, while Evan Grimes (Clifton Park, NY) was named Pitcher of the Year. Catcher Collin Casey (Marlboro, NY) earned Defensive Player of the Year, and outfielder Nick Irizarry (South Plainfield, NJ) took Rookie of the Year.
All four award winners are from Saratoga County: Griffin, Grimes, and Casey are Clifton Park natives, and Irizarry is a native of South Plainfield, New Jersey, but close by. Their impressive performances helped propel the Gators to the NCAA Division III Tournament, where they enter with an overall record of 36-6.
Congratulations to Russell Sage, Coach Marsh, and all the honored individuals for their outstanding contributions to Empire 8 baseball this season!