WINTER GARDEN – With four home runs and a .991 fielding percentage in 2026, catcher
Leo Suarez's value to Polk State Baseball as a freshman was undeniable. This summer, that value extended to the Florida Collegiate Summer League.
On Tuesday, Suarez was named the league's 2026 winner of the
David Eckstein Sportsmanship Award. Criteria include performance on the field, respect for the game, umpires and opposing players, a willingness to work hard and a demonstration of high moral character, according to a release.
"Winning the Sportsmanship Award is a huge honor for me, and it means a lot to know that my teammates, coaches and the league recognized me in that way," Suarez said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Florida Collegiate Summer League alongside so many great players and teammates."
For the Winter Garden Squeeze, Suarez posted a .400 on-base percentage this summer with one home run and eight RBIs in 22 games. He added 12 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases.
"Leo came to the field every day with a great positive attitude and was always smiling and willing to do any and everything that I asked of him," Winter Garden Head Coach Steven Crabtree said. "Not once did he ever complain about anything, from playing time to helping set up our field to anything that had gone on this summer."
Set to be a sophomore in 2027, Suarez batted .259 for the Eagles as a freshman. The Lake Nona native had eight of his 21 hits go for extra bases.
The lone current Polk State player to compete in the league this Florida Collegiate Summer League, Suarez was joined by several former Eagles. Pitcher
Jason Sawyer, a recent Polk State graduate, was his teammate with the Squeeze this summer. Former Polk State infielder Roberto Odor, catcher
Mason Mojica and pitcher Gage Allen each played for the Winter Park Diamond Dogs. Outfielder Nick Upperman was with the Sanford River Rats.
"I'm proud that the way I try to carry myself on and off the field was recognized.," Suarez added. "I'll bring that same mentality into my sophomore season at Polk State, and hope to make a difference for my teammates, coaches and the program. This experience is something I'll always appreciate and remember."
