Accolades Rain Down On Hagerstown CC Baseball Team After Historic Season
There were numerous Hawks baseball players that were awarded individual honors for a job well done this past season and it is no surprise given their team's overall achievements in 2025. Hagerstown CC Baseball tied the record for the most wins in a season in their school's history with 42 and reached the DII Region 20 Western Conference Championship in the first year of the Region's new format. The Hawks finished ranked #25 in the NJCAA DII Poll which marks the first time they've been ranked nationally since 2021.
Leading the way in accolades was the heart and soul of the starting pitching rotation, LHP Peyton Castellow. Not only was he a 1st Team All Region 20 selection, but he earned 2nd Team All-American honors for the entire country. The southpaw fanned an impressive 98 batters and won 9 games for the Hawks, all while maintaining a 2.59 ERA. Castellow will be transferring to Georgia Gwinnett University (NAIA) in the fall to help the Grizzlies vie for yet another national championship for their trophy case.
1B Ethan Shimmel was another 1st Team All-Region 20 selection and was selected to the All-Region 20 Tournament team for the entire postseason. Shimmel led the team in batting AVG (.371), hits (70), doubles (15), and RBIs (52). The sophomore remains uncommitted but plans to continue playing baseball at a 4-year school.
2B Quinn Illig earned 2nd Team All-Region 20 honors along with the All-Region 20 Tournament team selection. As a freshman, Illig led the Hawks in runs scored (76), triples (4), HRs (7), and BBs (39). Known for his prowess in the batter's box, Quinn will be returning to HCC in the fall to help guide the Hawks back to postseason prominence as they search for their first World Series invitation since 2008.
SS Braylon Conner was an All-Region 20 Honorable Mention selection as a stellar HCC career draws to a close. Conner was the Hawks leadoff hitter for the past 2 seasons and was known for his reliable glove in the field, consistent offense, and being a speed merchant on the base path. Speaking of speed, Braylon led the team in stolen bases with 44 on the year, narrowly edging out second place teammate, Quinn Illig. Conner will be transferring to Shepherd University to continue his baseball career a bit closer to home in his native state of WV.