CARY, N.C. - The 2023 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. II All-America Teams have been released as the University of Tampa outfielders E.J. Cumbo and Jordan Lala were recognized by the national organization.
The All-American teams were announced at the Opening Banquet of the NCAA Division II College World Series on Friday night in Cary, N.C. The 2023 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. II All-America teams feature 10 student-athletes participating in this year's NCAA Div. II College World Series.
Cumbo, a junior from East Meadow, N.Y., was selected as a first-team All-American by ABCA/Rawlings. The 2023 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year was also named a second-team All-American by D2CCA. Also a first-team all-region selection by ABCA/Rawlings, D2CCA and NCBWA, Cumbo was a first-team all-SSC choice as well. He concluded the 2023 campaign with a .416 batting average, six home runs and a team-leading 63 RBI. His 91 hits and .603 slugging percentage also ranked as team highs. Cumbo Ranked second in the SSC in batting average and third in OPS (1.063, .460OB%-.603SLG%). Defensively, he posted a .978 fielding percentage with four outfield assists.
Lala, a senior from Tampa, Fla., was presented as a third-team All-American by ABCA/Rawlings. The top hitter in the SSC was also a third-team D2CCA All-American. Finishing the season with a .445 batting average, Lala was also a first-team all-SSC selection. He was also named first-team ABCA/Rawlings, NCBWA and D2CCA all-region. He set a school record with 79 runs scored in 2023 while his batting average went down as third in Spartan history. Lala was also the team leader with 32 stolen bases, 54 walks and a .569 on-base percentage. His walks also place him fifth in the nation, and first in the SSC. Lala also led the SSC in on-base percentage, OPS (1.109, .569OB%-.540SLG%), runs and stolen bases (32). He also excelled defensively with a .972 fielding percentage as his 104 putouts led all UT outfielders. He performed against top competition, hitting .435 with a .565 on-base percentage against ranked opponents.
The ABCA/Rawlings All-America teams are selected by members of the ABCA All-America committees. ABCA/Rawlings All-Region First Team selections, which were announced Wednesday, were nominated for All-America honors.
The Chair of the ABCA NCAA Div. II All-America & Coach of the Year Committee is Rudy Garbalosa of Lynn University. Also on the committee are Randy Betten (Cal Poly Pomona), Jamie Detillion, Jim Gantt (Catawba College), Rick Giannetti (Dominican College), Dave Hajek (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs), Alex Koch (Wayne State College) and Joe Spano (Mercyhurst University).
The ABCA Region All-Defensive teams for all divisions will be announced on Monday, June 19. The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams for all divisions will be announced on Wednesday, June 21. ABCA/Rawlings National Pitchers and Position Players of the Year for all divisions will be announced on Monday, June 26.
The ABCA All-America team was first recognized in 1949 and now includes nine divisions: NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, Pacific Association Division, and high school. ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were first recognized in 2007.
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 40 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
Courtesy of Tampa Athletic Communications