KALAMAZOO, Mich. – After a standout year in 2016, Ryan Orr's receiving national attention heading into the 2017 season.

In a release from D3baseball.com Thursday evening, Orr was one of 42 players in the country named a Division III preseason All-American. He was placed on the honorable mention list.

"I am extremely proud of Ryan for the Preseason All-American nod," Kalamazoo Head Coach Mike Ott said. "It is well deserved as he is a fantastic baseball player and, in my opinion, is in the company he belongs as he is one of the best baseball players in the country.  His efforts on the field here at Kalamazoo, and in the Northwoods League in the summer, have showcased his talent.  He has continued to push himself, and his teammates, to develop and grow and this honor is indicative of all the work he has put in."

As a sophomore in 2016, Orr tossed 90.1 innings of work while compiling a record of 8-4 and also recorded three saves. His overall ERA of 1.99 was tops in the MIAA, besting second team preseason All-American selection, Tommy Parsons, of Adrian College. Orr also led the conference with 78 strikeouts.

The Hornets' ace is the first player in program history to be named a preseason All-American.

For the full list of D3baseball.com preseason All-Americans, click here.