Western Kentucky relief pitcher Mason Burns was named to the NCBWA All-American Third Team, the association announced Wednesday.

The three teams feature the finest NCAA Division I standouts at the plate, the field and on the mound.

Burns is the fourth Hilltopper named an NCBWA All-American, joining Matt Wilhite (2003), Chad Cregar (2008 and 2009), and Jake Sanford (2019).

The senior closer finished off a historic 2024 campaign as the go-to guy out of the Hilltopper bullpen following an outstanding junior season in 2023. The right-hander’s 15 saves marked the most in a single season in program history, breaking the record previously held by Ian Thompkins, who had 14 in the 2014 season. His 19 career saves are the second-most by a Hilltopper pitcher in program history. Overall, the Bloomington, Illinois native held a 3-3 record with 52 strikeouts in 32 innings and a 4.00 ERA.

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Burns was known as one of the top relief pitchers in the country as he was recognized by multiple media outlets including being named to Perfect Game USA’s “Top 75 College Seniors,” coming in at No. 48 on the list, as well as being selected to the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference Team as a relief pitcher.

The recognition continued following the end of the 2024 season as Burns was one of 10 players selected as an NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist, an award given annually to the top relief pitcher in Division I baseball. The Stopper of the Year recipient will be announced via a news conference on Friday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.