WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University senior outfielder Bernie Socarras has been selected as a 2026 ABCA/Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove winner, the organization has announced.
Also a KCAC Gold Glove performer, Socarras was spotless in right field for Adam Neisius's Falcons this past season, making no errors in 111 chances while recording three assists.
A first-team All-KCAC selection, Socarras was similarly an offensive anchor for Friends, leading the team for the second straight season in hitting with a KCAC-high .423 batting average. The Hobbs, N.M. native also tied for the team lead with 61 RBIs along with eight home runs and a team-high .523 on-base percentage.
Socarras marks the third national gold glove selection in the past four years for the Falcons, with Buster Hardman earning back-to-back honors from 2023-24.
For the full list of ABCA-Rawlings NAIA Gold Glove winners and more information about the award, check out the official ABCA/Rawlings release HERE.
About the ABCA
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
About Rawlings Sporting Goods
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. Rawlings' unparalleled quality and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and an approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.
