Kavadas Named First Team All-American

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — After one of the most prolific offensive seasons in program history, senior first baseman Niko Kavadas was named a first team All-American by Baseball America on Thursday. The very next day, Kavadas was named a first team All-American by Perfect Game. He is the first Irish two-time first team All-American since Steve Stanley back in 2002.

“Niko has been an integral part of our team,” said head coach Link Jarrett. “His consistent power to all fields in key moments has provided us with runs in bunches. His intensity pitch for pitch is great, and the ability to handle a variety of pitches makes him all the more dangerous. We are very proud of him.”

Kavadas broke the single season record for home runs with 22 on the season, surpassing Frank Jacobs record of 20 back in 1991. The 22 home runs ranks third nationally and heading into the College World Series, he leads the NCAA in home runs per game (0.47). He broke Jacobs’ record during the South Bend Regional when he hit five home runs in three games on the way to earning the Most Outstanding Player of the regional.

He currently sits at 66 home runs for his career which is tied for second all-time with Brant Ust. Kavadas also ranks second all-time for single season slugging percentage as he finished the 2021 season with a .767 mark.

This is the third and fourth All-America honor for Kavadas this season and the fifth total for his career. He was a preseason All-American by Baseball America (Third Team) and Perfect Game (Second Team) heading into the 2021 season. Kavadas was also named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Award for his play this season.

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