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A versatile and dynamic player, Mick Fennell was a two-way standout at California from 2013–16. A left-handed leadoff hitter, he blended a combination of speed, power and aggressiveness at the plate while also serving as a mainstay on the pitching staff as both a starter and reliever. An All-American outfielder as a junior, Fennell developed into one of the top all-around players in NCAA Division II during his career.
Fennell made an immediate impact as a freshman, as the Vulcans finished with a 35-18 overall record and earned a share of the PSAC West title. He started 46 games across the outfield and on the mound, batting at a .322 clip with 22 runs scored and 21 RBI. On the mound, Fennell earned five wins and posted a 2.64 ERA while tossing five complete games. In 2014, Fennell continued to excel as a two-way player, starting every game while seeing time primarily at third base and on the mound. He earned All-PSAC West Second-Team honors after posting a .336 average, eight triples and 37 runs scored. On the mound, he recorded four wins with a 2.63 ERA in 10 appearances, including a pair of complete-game shutouts.
Fennell elevated his game as a junior when he was named an ABCA Third-Team All-American. He started every game, primarily in center field, and finished with a .422 average, 73 hits, 12 doubles, eight triples, seven home runs and 59 runs scored. His 59 runs scored rank second-most in school history, while his 73 hits marked a career high. Fennell again ranked among the national leaders in triples while posting a .705 slugging percentage and a .469 on-base percentage. On the mound, he added a 1.69 ERA over eight relief appearances.
As a senior, Fennell was named PSAC West Athlete of the Year and a Tino Martinez Award semifinalist, recognizing him as one of the top players in NCAA Division II. He posted a .385 average with 57 runs scored, 33 RBI and 22 stolen bases, while leading the PSAC in triples for the third-straight year. As a pitcher, he added a 5-1 record and was unbeaten in PSAC West play.
Fennell finished his career tied for the all-time school record with 175 runs scored and sits tied for third with 223 hits, just three shy of the current record. He also ranks second all-time in NCAA Division II history with 27 triples.
Fennell earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2016. He was selected in the 22nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and went on to play professionally, winning the New York-Penn League Championship with the State College Spikes. Fennell becomes the third two-way standout inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in the last four years.
updated April 22, 2026
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