UMES Baseball 2026 Season Recap: Jonathan Gonzalez Perez’s Record-Breaking Year Highlights Hawks’ Season

The 2026 season proved challenging for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore baseball program, but it also featured several individual accomplishments that provided optimism for the future. Competing in the Northeast Conference, the Hawks finished with a 9-39 overall record and an 8-25 mark in conference play while continuing to build under head coach Danny Acosta.

Although the win-loss record was not where the program hoped to be, UMES showcased offensive improvement throughout the spring and saw several players emerge as cornerstone pieces for future success.

Jonathan Gonzalez Perez Leads the Way

No player had a bigger impact on the 2026 Hawks than senior catcher Jonathan Gonzalez Perez.

Gonzalez Perez put together one of the best offensive seasons in modern UMES history, earning First Team All-Northeast Conference honors after hitting .319 with 58 hits, 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, 37 runs scored, and a 1.004 OPS across 48 starts. His 14 home runs established a modern-era UMES single-season record, surpassing the previous mark of 11 set in 1998.

The senior catcher consistently delivered in big moments. Gonzalez Perez recorded two multi-home run games during the season and drove in seven runs in a victory over Delaware State. He also became just the second player during the Danny Acosta era to reach 100 career hits at UMES.

His outstanding season earned national recognition, including a spot on the Buster Posey Award Midseason Watch List, given annually to the nation’s top catcher.

Julian Jimenez Breaks Out

Junior outfielder Julian Jimenez developed into one of the conference’s most dangerous offensive players.

Jimenez finished second on the team with a .299 batting average while leading UMES with 58 runs scored. He added nine home runs, 24 RBIs, 55 hits, five triples, 39 walks, and 12 stolen bases. His .440 on-base percentage ranked among the team’s best.

Jimenez started all 48 games and became one of the most consistent table setters in the Hawks lineup.

Ansel Carson Provides Stability

Shortstop Ansel Carson continued his development into one of the program’s most complete players.

Carson hit .288 with 42 hits, 22 RBIs, 46 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. He also posted an impressive .490 on-base percentage thanks to 49 walks, the highest total on the team.

Defensively, Carson handled a heavy workload at shortstop while recording 99 assists and helping turn 14 double plays.

Diego Aponte’s Veteran Leadership

First baseman Diego Aponte provided experience and production in the middle of the order.

Aponte batted .278 with 45 hits, 10 doubles, two home runs, and 36 RBIs. His 36 runs batted in ranked second on the team behind Gonzalez Perez. Defensively, he posted a .990 fielding percentage while leading the Hawks with 278 putouts.

Darrius Brown’s Versatility

Few players contributed in as many ways as Darrius Brown.

Brown hit .255 with five home runs, 22 RBIs, 33 runs scored, and a team-leading 14 stolen bases. His athleticism allowed him to impact games both offensively and defensively throughout the season.

Offensive Progress

While UMES struggled to consistently win games, the offense showed signs of growth.

The Hawks featured:

• Four players with at least 40 hits.
• Three players with at least five home runs.
• Two players with at least nine home runs.
• Four players with 20 or more RBIs.
• Four regulars with an OPS above .775.

The lineup became especially dangerous late in the season.

One of the team’s most impressive offensive performances came on May 9 against Le Moyne when UMES launched a season-high six home runs and scored 15 runs despite falling 16-15.

Pitching Remained the Biggest Challenge

The primary obstacle throughout the season remained pitching depth.

Richard De Jesus emerged as the team’s innings leader, throwing 71 innings while striking out 45 batters. Esteban Torres led the staff with three victories and recorded 36 strikeouts in 56.2 innings. Cade Williams added two wins while making 10 starts.

The Hawks frequently remained competitive offensively but struggled to contain opposing lineups, particularly in conference play.

Season Highlights

Several moments stood out during the season:

• Jonathan Gonzalez Perez set the modern UMES single-season home run record with 14.
• Gonzalez Perez earned First Team All-NEC honors.
• Gonzalez Perez surpassed 100 career hits at UMES.
• Henry Clausell earned NEC Rookie of the Week honors late in the season.
• UMES defeated Delaware State in a rivalry victory highlighted by Gonzalez Perez’s seven-RBI performance.
• The Hawks finished the year with 65 multi-RBI games and 108 multi-hit performances as a team.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The final record does not fully reflect the progress made by several players throughout the season.

Replacing Gonzalez Perez will be difficult after one of the best offensive seasons in school history. However, Carson, Jimenez, Brown, and several younger contributors provide a foundation for the future.

If UMES can improve its pitching depth and defensive consistency, the Hawks could take a significant step forward in the Northeast Conference standings next season.

Final Grade: C

2026 Record: 9-39 Overall, 8-25 NEC

Team Leaders

Batting Average: Jonathan Gonzalez Perez (.319)

Home Runs: Jonathan Gonzalez Perez (14)

RBIs: Jonathan Gonzalez Perez (58)

Runs Scored: Julian Jimenez (58)

Hits: Jonathan Gonzalez Perez (58)

Stolen Bases: Darrius Brown (14)

Wins: Esteban Torres (3)

Strikeouts: Richard De Jesus (45)

The Hawks did not achieve the record they wanted in 2026, but several players delivered outstanding individual seasons and established a foundation that could help UMES become more competitive moving forward.