COLONIA, N.J. – D'Youville University baseball was picked fifth out of six teams in the 2026 East Coast Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. Senior pitcher and infielder, Billy Morris (Lancaster, N.Y.), was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year.

The ECC released its annual preseason poll and individual awards as voted on by the league's head coaches, with D'Youville earning 11 points overall. The Saints' placement reflects a competitive conference landscape as multiple programs look to contend for postseason positioning in 2026.

Morris' selection as Preseason Player of the Year underscores his impact and leadership within the Saints' lineup after a standout 2025 campaign, posting a .361 batting average and a 2.67 ERA for DYU last season. The senior has been a consistent presence for D'Youville and is expected to be a key contributor as the Saints open the season with playoff aspirations.

The Saints hit the field for the first time in 2026 on February 20th in Myrtle Beach, S.C. as they'll take on Chestnut Hill College in a doubleheader.

2026 East Coast Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Molloy University – 36 points (6 first-place votes)

2. Mercy University – 27 points

3. Queens College – 26 points

4. College of Staten Island – 16 points

5. D'Youville University – 11 points

6. St. Thomas Aquinas College – 10 points

Preseason Player of the Year: Billy Morris, D'Youville
Preseason Pitcher of the Year: James Sill, Molloy