Troy catcher Caleb Bartolero has garnered preseason Second Team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball, the publication announced Tuesday. Bartolero was one of two Sun Belt players to be recognized.
"Caleb is deserving of this preseason recognition from Collegiate Baseball," head coach Mark Smartt said. "He has established himself as one of the best hitters in the Sun Belt and one of top catchers in the nation and is prepared for another strong showing this season. His growth and development since he joined the program is a testament to his hard work."
Bartolero, a Collegiate Baseball Third Team All-American in 2020, showed remarkable consistency at the plate after hitting safely in all 17 games of the shortened season, a career-long hitting streak for the sophomore. A .394 hitter in 2020, Bartolero recorded 28 hits and nine doubles which ranked 12th and sixth in the nation, respectively, and were both league bests.
The Woodstock, Ga., native also hit a triple and two home runs, including a grand slam against Northern Kentucky on Opening Weekend. He drove in 18 runs and registered 45 total bases on the season, the 23rd-most in the country.
Troy is scheduled to open its season at Riddle-Pace Field February 19 against Youngstown State.