The Longhorns 2021 baseball season is almost upon us as the team prepares to open the season at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
In a press release from the University, a total of four Longhorns have been named to the Big 12’s preseason all-conference teams. It’s headlined by pitcher Ty Madden, who served as Saturday’s pitcher last season.
Big 12 Conference preseason honors
Austin Todd and Ty Madden were the two Texas players named to the Big 12 preseason All-Conference team. Two other Longhorns were named to the Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors for the preseason.
Ty Madden, Pitcher
Madden, who shares the recognition with K-State LHP Jordan Wicks, served as the Saturday starter for the Longhorns in 2020, pitching 25 innings and posting a 1.80 ERA with a 3-0 record. He struck out 26 batters and walked just four in 25 innings, while holding opponents to a .196 average.
Austin Todd, Outfielder
Todd got off to a scintillating start to the 2020 season, leading the team with a .375 batting average and 14 runs scored. He finished with four doubles, one triple and one home run, driving in 15 runs. He started all 17 games, reached base safely in every game and had nine multiple-hit games.
Mike Antico, Outfielder
Antico comes to Austin after an accomplished career at St. John’s from 2017 to 2020. He was a career .332 hitter with 22 doubles, seven triples and 13 homers along with 108 runs scored, 67 RBI and 44 career stolen bases. He was a 2019 unanimous first team All-BIG EAST selection and earned ABCA/Rawlings second team All-Region honors.
Tanner Witt, Pitcher
A right-handed pitcher and infielder from Houston, Witt was a four-year starter at Episcopal High School. He was a two-time All-State player and 2019 VYPE Private School Player of the Year. He was ranked the No. 1 shortstop in Texas, No. 4 overall player in the state and No. 18 nationally by Prep Baseball Report. In 2019, he participated in the Under Armour All-American Game and was a member of the 2017 USA Baseball 15U National Team.