Bradford, Pa. -- Despite a difficult 2021 season for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford baseball team, senior Sam Dreistadt was able to set himself apart from the competition as he was named First-Team All-AMCC on Friday.

Dreistadt was selected as the best shortstop in the AMCC after a season that saw him lead the Panthers in most offensive categories. In conference play, Dreistadt hit .396 with 13 RBIs, 8 runs scored, and 2 home runs. he also stole two bases. 

Dreistadt also had one of the strongest single game performances for the Panthers this year. In game two of the conference championship against eventual champions Penn State-Behrend, Dreistadt led the Panthers to a 13-2 victory. He was 3-4 in the contest and was a double shy of the cycle. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. He also drew a walk. 

"I'm so proud of the complete body of work Sam has put in over his time with us," said head coach Zach Foster. " He was extremely consistent this year which not only garnered this award, but also the opportunity to keep playing the game."

Dreistadt is the first Panther to be named to the first team since Austin Parent won player of the year in 2018. He is the first Pitt-Bradford shortstop to make the first team since Derek Smith in 2012 & 2013.

While Sam's collegiate career is coming to an end, he is looking to continue playing the game at the professional level. He will travel to Alpine, Texas this summer where he has an opportunity to play for the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League. The Pecos League is an independent professional baseball league that operates in the desert and mountain regions of the Southwest.

The full press release from the AMCC can be found on their website, here.