WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League office announced its 2022 baseball league honors on Thursday, May 12. The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team had six members receive honors for their performances throughout the season.
The honors were highlighted by Head Coach Keith Veale as he was named the Crossroads League Coach of the Year. Veale, in his 33rd season with the Cougars, led the team to a 37-17 record and a regular season Crossroads League title. Veale also reached a large milestone in his career this season, earning his 1,100th career coaching win on April 29 against Huntington University.
Overall for his career, Veale boasts a record of 1,105-568. MVNU’s 30-plus win season in 2022 marks the 25th time that MVNU has won 30 or more games in a season with Coach Veale at the helm.
This season marks the second year in row that MVNU has reached the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round, and the eighth time total the Cougars have qualified for the NAIA National Tournament under Veale.
Senior Andrew Miller received All-Crossroads League First Team honors for his efforts in the 2022 season. The shortstop led the team in batting average (.365) and homeruns (12). He also drove in 48 RBI, scored 67 runs, and stole 13 bases, while being a defensive stalwart at short.
Sophomore closer Cruz McFadden was also named to the All-Crossroads League First Team. The righthander threw 29.0 innings, finished with a 2-0 record, and had an NAIA-leading 15 saves. He posted a 3.10 ERA and struck out 34 batters, while only allowing 27 hits and seven walks.
Senior Jake Glover was an All-Crossroads League Second Team recipient as he led the MVNU team in runs batted in (56). The first basemen also hit 11 homers and 16 doubles on the season while slashing .278/.433/.540 from the lefthanded batter’s box.
The next Crossroads League award winner for the Cougars is freshman pitcher Jarin Bertke, who received All-Crossroads League Second Team honors. The righthander had a great freshman campaign, posting a 7-1 record and 3.13 ERA, whilst picking up 43 strikeouts in 54.2 innings pitched.
Lastly, Zackary Hoop received a spot on the Crossroads League Gold Glove Team due to his excellent play in the field at second base. Hoop finished with 98 assists in the field, 79 putouts, and helped turn 20 double plays. Hoop had a fielding percentage of .952 in 2022.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,200 students from 31 states and 22 countries/U.S. territories.
