LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates senior outfielder Gibby Sullivan is the only NESCAC representative and one of just 10 players from NCAA Division III on the inaugural Small College Baseball Player of the Year watch list, released this week. 

Sullivan (Yarmouth, Maine) is tearing the cover off the ball to start the 2026 campaign, going 10-16 at the plate with nine runs scored, two doubles, two triples, a home run, 14 RBIs, seven walks, and a stolen base through five games. His OPS (On-Base + Slugging Percentage) is a startling 1.927.

Sullivan has already twice been named to the D3baseball.com Team of the Week this year and has earned the NESCAC Player of the Week award as well. 

New this season, the Small College Baseball Player of the Year award unifies NCAA D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA, and other associations to recognize the nation's top small college talent. The selection process evaluates players based on statistical dominance, impact on their team's success, and overall performance throughout the season. By casting such a wide net—covering junior colleges, and four-year small universities—the award aims to become the gold standard for small college baseball excellence.

The Bobcats (4-1) are off to their best start since 2013 and host Plymouth State in a doubleheader this Sunday at Leahey Field. First pitch of game one is set for noon.