Arkansas Baseball: The All-2010s team

So far, we’ve traveled back in time to examine the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s decade teams, but the 2010s squad could probably be the best of them all.

During the 2010s, the Diamonds Hogs had three College World Series appearances. They had eight 40-win seasons during the decade, compared to the three they had during Van Horn’s first seven years as manager of the program.

The decade also gave rise to 10 All-Americans, nine Freshman All-Americans, and 29 All-SEC players. All three are the most of any decade.

The lineup is complete with big bats, stud defenders, great starting pitching, and a matching bullpen. Let’s take a look at the All-2010s team.

Catcher: James McCann

McCann started as a freshman and eventually became a captain in his junior season. He is also the only Arkansas player to catch an MLB no-hitter when Lucas Giolito sat down 27 batters in 2020.

1B: Dominic Ficociello

Ficociello played three years for the Razorbacks and all over the diamond. He did it in the pros, too, but spent most of his time at first base there, so we are putting him there for college, too. His best season was his first when he had 50 RBI with 15 doubles.

2B: Carson Shaddy

Shaddy was a consistent four-year player in the lineup at second base. He batted less than .330 one time and hit 55 RBIs and 13 home runs in senior season which earned him All-American honors. He’s an icon.

SS: Casey Martin

Jun 15, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks shortstop Casey Martin (15) avoids a sliding Florida State Seminoles outfielder Reese Albert (23) to complete a double play in the third inning in the 2019 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Martin is recognized as one of the best players in Arkansas baseball history. His freshman year is probably the best when he batted .345 with 13 home runs.

3B: Matt Reynolds

Reynolds was a great utility player for the Razorbacks, but his best season was in 2012 when he named an All-American as a shortstop. He’s been kicking around the pros ever since.

OF: Heston Kjerstad

Kjerstad was lights out as a freshman in 2019. He batted .332 with 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 16 doubles. He proved his freshman season wasn’t a fluke, posting identical numbers in his sophomore season.

OF: Andrew Benintendi

Benintendi is one of the best players in Arkansas history, normally featured on Arkansas’s all-time list. He has also had the most consistent MLB career from an Arkansas player.

OF: Dominic Fletcher

Fletcher was a top center fielder for the Razorbacks, earning freshman All-American honors in 2017, also All-SEC honors in 2018 and 2019.

SP: Ryne Stanek

Stanek was a two-year starter and became an All-American in his junior season with a 1.39 ERA and 10-2 record.

SP: Blaine Knight

Knight was lights out in his junior season, going 14-0 and striking out 102 batters in 19 starts, earning All-SEC Honors.

SP: Isaiah Campbell

Campbell didn’t find his stride until his redshirt junior year in 2019. After a couple of rough years on the mound, Campbell went 12-1 on 18 starts with a 2.13 ERA and 125 strikeouts, earning himself All-American honors.

Closer: Matt Cronin

Cronin was an All-Ameican closer for the Diamond Hogs, earning 26 combined saves in his sophomore and junior season.

Reserve: Tyler Spoon

Spoon was a freshman All-American in 2013, batting .288 with 49 RBIs.

Reserve: Jake Wise

Wise was more known for his defensive fielding than his bat at the plate.He was named All-SEC 2nd team in 2014.

Relief: Zach Jackson

Jackson was a first team All-SEC pitcher in 2015 as a closer and relief pitcher, also earning pre-season All-American honors.

Reserve: Jack Kenley

Kenley could very much be a starter in this lineup, but he makes a killer reserve too. Kenley was an All-American in 2019, batting .319 with 53 RBIs.

Relief: Barrett Astin

Astin was a lights-out reliever, with sub-2.00 ERAs in his sophomore and junior season and a combined 135 strikeouts.

Story originally appeared on Razorbacks Wire