Vicksburg native Shane Lewis named as the Sun Belt Player and Newcomer of the Year

Vicksburg native Shane Lewis has been named as the Sun Belt Player and Newcomer of the Year.

Story from Troy Athletics:
One of the top hitters in the country and an NCBWA Dick Howser Award Semifinalist, Lewis has had a historic season for Troy. His 27 home runs are second in the nation, and he became the Trojan record holder for most home runs by a Troy player in a single season; it is the first time since 2010 a Trojan has hit more than 20 home runs in a season and most in the Sun Belt Conference since 2009.

Lewis was the only position player to take home two Sun Belt Player of the Week awards this season. His 75 RBIs on the year lead the conference and is ninth in the nation; they are the most by a Trojan since 2018 and are second for most in a single season in program history.

Lewis finished the regular season ranking among the top 10 in the Sun Belt Conference in seven offensive categories, including leading the conference in Slugging Percentage (.784), OPS (1.225), RBIs, runs scored, walks, and home runs he has totaled 149 bases this season, good for most in the Sun Belt Conference and 25th in the nation.

“What else can possibly be stated about the storybook year he has put together,” Meade said. “There is zero doubt that he earned being the 2023 Sun Belt Player and Newcomer of the Year. He is an amazing teammate, a true superstar, and one of the most talented players in college baseball.”

Lewis was named the NCBWA National Hitter of the Week and the Collegiate baseball national player of the Week for his eight RBI performance against USC Upstate. In the 15-9 victory, Lewis hit two home runs and scored three runs. His eight RBIs in a single game were the most by a Trojan since 1999.