Williamson with a Summer for the AgesWilliamson with a Summer for the Ages

Williamson with a Summer for the Ages

by Ryan Ladika

BETHESDA, Md. – Andrew Williamson wasted no time establishing himself as a consistent offensive presence in the Knights’ lineup throughout his freshman 2024 campaign.

In preparing for a strong sophomore season, the outfielder continued to come through in key moments for his squad, the Bethesda Big Train, throughout the summer Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League slate, culminating in his Championship Series Most Outstanding Player selection last month.

The Big Train toppled the opposing Southern Maryland Senators in two games, aided by six hits and three runs scored by Williamson in the series to help lead Bethesda to its second consecutive title and 11th overall.

“It meant a lot to win. Being able to (take an early lead) is huge, especially when we have a good pitcher on the mound,” Williamson said postgame.

Williamson produced a game-high four hits in game one of the Championship Series on July 24, scoring a pair of runs and adding a stolen base to his final line. With a title on the line, he recorded a 2-for-6 showing with a run scored, including an RBI single, that helped push Bethesda to its 12-3 victory on July 25.

The two-game showing represented a microcosm of the rising sophomore’s standout summer, as Williamson registered an aggregate .452 average (61-for-135) between the regular season, All-Star Game and the League Championship Series, accompanied by 18 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 41 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

His .462 average (49-for-106) during the regular season also set a new single-season league record, as did his .906 slugging percentage and 1.452 OPS. Williamson’s nine regular-season home runs were good for a share of the league’s top spot in the category, and he also ranked within the league’s top three in RBI (33).

Williamson capped his stellar summer by earning first team all-league honors as well as being recognized as the 2024 Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Most Outstanding Hitter.

“It meant a lot. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season, and we were able to show up when it counted,” he added.

Throughout his spring freshman campaign with the Knights, Williamson recorded a .258/.333/.411 (39-for-151) line, adding six doubles, one triple, five home runs, 62 total bases, 25 RBI and 15 walks while appearing in 50 of UCF’s 58 total games.

He ranked within the top 10 players on the team in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored (28), total hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI and walks, and notably came through with a key first-inning three-run home run in UCF’s 9-6 upset victory over the then-No. 4 Florida Gators March 6.

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