Walker Janek, the talented catcher from Sam Houston, has been named to the prestigious first team of the 2024 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I All-America Teams. This recognition comes after Janek’s outstanding performance this season, where he hit .368 with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs while displaying strong defensive skills behind the plate.
Janek’s journey to the All-America first team began when he was selected to the All-Central Region first team earlier in the week. This honor was followed by being named a first team all-American by Perfect Game and to the all-America third team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association (NCBWA). Janek’s impressive achievements have solidified his place among the top college baseball players in the nation.
Notably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that a player from Sam Houston has received an All-America honor from the ABCA, with Janek being the seventh player in the program’s history to achieve this recognition. His exceptional performance on the field has not gone unnoticed, as he was also named the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Buster Posey Award honoring the top catcher in college baseball.
The selection process for the ABCA All-America Teams involves members of the American Baseball Coaches Association, with the final decisions made by the ABCA NCAA Div. I All-America & Coach of the Year Committee. This year, the committee is led by Chair Tommy Raffo and includes respected baseball coaches from various universities across the country.
Looking ahead, the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove winners in all divisions will be announced on June 19, followed by the announcement of the ABCA/Rawlings National Pitchers and Position Players of the Year on June 24. These awards recognize the top defensive players and overall performers in college baseball across different divisions.
The ABCA All-America Team has a rich history dating back to 1949 and now includes nine divisions, highlighting the top talent at the collegiate level. Additionally, the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams, which recognize defensive excellence, have been a prestigious honor since 2007.
Walker Janek’s inclusion in the ABCA All-America first team is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills on the baseball field. As he continues to excel in his career, Janek’s name will surely be remembered among the elite players in college baseball history.
