Pirate Trio Garners Perfect Game Postseason All-America Accolades

Three of East Carolina’s top performers from the 2025 season were honored Tuesday afternoon as Perfect Game released its 2025 Postseason All-America teams. Ethan Norby, Austin Irby, and Braden Burress each earned national recognition following standout seasons that helped power the Pirates to the Conway Regional final.

Ethan Norby – Third Team (All-America)

ECU’s Friday night workhorse was as steady as they come, earning Perfect Game All-America Third Team honors after anchoring the Pirates’ rotation. Norby tossed 90.0 innings in 2025, finishing with an 8-5 record, 3.80 ERA, and 119 strikeouts to just 22 walks. Opponents hit just .239 against him, and he allowed only five home runs all season. Norby’s command and durability made him a fixture atop ECU’s weekend rotation, and his return for 2026 gives the Pirates an experienced ace to build around once again.

Austin Irby – First Team (Freshman All-America)

A major spark for the Pirates in his first year, Austin Irby earned Perfect Game Freshman All-America First Team honors after an impressive all-around campaign. Appearing in 61 games, Irby batted .303, racked up 63 hits, 12 home runs, 10 doubles, and drove in 35 runs. He also added seven stolen bases and showed a mature approach at the plate that made him one of ECU’s most consistent offensive weapons. With his mix of power, contact, and versatility, Irby is poised to be a centerpiece of the lineup for years to come.

Braden Burress – Second Team (Freshman All-America)

Already a two-time Freshman All-American this offseason, Braden Burress added Perfect Game Second Team honors to his growing list of accolades. The Snow Hill native led all Division I freshmen in batting average (.389) and ranked Top 60 nationally in on-base percentage (.488) and hits (82). Burress also earned AAC All-Freshman and Second Team All-Conference honors, but he saved his best for Clearwater hitting .450 with two home runs en route to being named the AAC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. With his return to Greenville already confirmed, Burress will once again be a central figure in the Pirates’ 2026 campaign.

With postseason awards piling up, ECU’s mix of veteran leadership and breakout freshman talent is turning heads nationally. Norby, Irby, and Burress represent not only the foundation of the program’s recent success but the key pieces for its bright future.