Left fielder Tim Kuzniar was named the MIAC Most Valuable Player Wednesday.

Kuzniar led the MIAC in RBI (44) and total bases (91). He was second in both doubles (15) and slugging percentage (.700). His batting average (.400) was third in the MIAC rankings.

Kuzniar said he wasn’t expecting to win the award as many Tommies had strong regular seasons.  

“After the MIAC season and everything, people were just speculating, going back and forth,” Kuzniar said. “It was just kind of a toss up to see who was going to get it. Now that the awards came out, it’s a great accomplishment.”

Along with Kuzniar’s MVP honor, pitcher Dylan Thomas was named MIAC Pitcher of the Year for the second straight year. Coach Chris Olean was voted MIAC Coach of the Year for the second straight year.

Olean said Kuzniar’s MVP honor was because of hard work day in and day out.

“He is just steady,” Olean said. “He is one of the most consistent hitters. He generally doesn’t go on any long slumps. He is just one of the those guys that can carry an offense.”

Kuzniar’s batting average is not an anomaly this season. He entered this season as a career .340 hitter with back-to-back 40-plus hit seasons.

Thomas, who played hockey and baseball in high school with Kuzniar, said he was not surprised Kuzniar won MVP.

“‘Kuz’ is one of the best guys on the team,” Thomas said. “He works hard everyday. He’s in the outfield getting reads every practice. He does his drill work everyday; He works his butt off.”

Thomas and Kuzniar have a great relationship off the field as well. Thomas said Kuzniar always makes sure he’s is having fun while playing the game.

“The one thing that me and him always try and make each other do is just certainly have fun,” Thomas said. “Everytime I go up there and I’m having a tough time or I’m struggling at the plate, he looks at me and says ‘Dylan, you having fun yet?’ He always makes sure that I’m having fun.”

Jesse Krull can be reached at krul7386@stthomas.edu.