Baseball | 2/10/2026 10:00:00 AM

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Mississippi Valley State University baseball program has a certified stud to build its foundation upon heading into the 2026 season as Tanner Aoki earned recognition on the Perfect Game All-Conference Team as well as the Preseason All-SWAC First Team.
 
Aoki, a senior infielder from Mililani, Hawaii, finished the previous campaign sixth in the league with an on-base percentage of 0.485 while slotting just outside the top-ten regarding batting average (0.354) and steals per game (0.46)
 
The switch-hitting former transfer from Mount San Jacinto Community College and Cal State San Marcos led the Diamond Devils in games played (41), walks (27) and steals (19) whereas he is the top returner from the 2025 squad regarding at bats (127), hits (45), starts (39), runs scored (36), multi-hit outings (11), and longest hitting streak (10).
 
Head Coach CJ Bilbrey, Aoki, and the rest of the Itta Bena Nine begin their four-month quest towards the SWAC Tournament in Birmingham this Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Nacogdoches, Texas vs. Stephen F. Austin, live on ESPN+.
 
Follow the Mississippi Valley State baseball program on Twitter / X (@ValleyStateBSB) and Instagram (@ValleyStateBSB).
 
Follow the Delta Devils / Devilettes on Facebook (Valley State Athletics), Twitter / X (@MVSUDevilSports), and Instagram (@ValleyStateAthletics).