Release courtesy of Johns Hopkins Athletic Communications

BALTIMORE, MD – Johns Hopkins junior Clay Hartje has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Division III Hitter of the Week, and to the D3Baseall.com Team of the Week following a stellar performance in the Centennial Conference Tournament, announced Wednesday. He becomes the ninth Blue Jay in program history to be honored by the NCBWA, and it marks the second time this season, Hartje has earned national recognition.
 
Named the Centennial Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player, Hartje powered the Blue Jays to an undefeated run through the tournament, securing the program's fourth straight—and 20th overall—conference title. Across three games, Hartje torched opposing pitching, going 9-for-14 (.643) with 18 RBIs, six home runs—including two grand slams and two three-run shots—and two doubles, good for an astounding 2.671 OPS.
 
He homered twice in each game and delivered his most impactful performances in the semifinal and championship, driving in eight runs in both contests.
 
In an 18-3 semifinal win over McDaniel, Hartje went 3-for-4 with eight RBIs, a grand slam, a three-run homer and a sacrifice fly. He followed that with another 3-for-5 effort in the 11-2 championship victory over Ursinus, again recording eight RBIs behind a grand slam, a three-run homer and a double.
 
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters, and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates, and official votes in the Dick Howser Player of the Year Award, Regional Player of the Year, and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication contests, and writing contests.
 
Hopkins will now await its postseason path, with the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament Selection Show scheduled for Monday, May 11.