3 Takeaways from the CornBelters first week in action
Author: Devin Witson | @Witson___
With one week wrapped up of Normal Cornbelters action, it’s been a mixed bag of results to start the 2026 Prospect League. Currently sitting at .500 with a 3-3 record so far this season, the Belters sit in a three-way tie for 1st place in the Northwest Division. Here’s some things to note from the first week of action for the Cornbelters.
- Cool, Calm, and Coty.
One player that’s turned heads and stood out has been center fielder Dylan Coty. Hitting nearly .300, Coty has been a threat to deal with at the plate. He was named as the player of the game after the Belters’ home opener where he went 3-4 at the plate and recorded two runs, 2 RBI’s and 3 Stolen Bases. Coty has been a thorn in the side of any infielder or pitcher, having stolen five bases so far this season, putting the Merville native in the top five of the of the league in bases stolen and also in the top 10 of home run leaders.
- Smooth Sailing on the Mound
On the mound, the Cornbelters have shined so far. Leading the Prospect League in strikeouts with a whopping 61 in just six games, opposing teams have not been able to catch the Belters at the dish so far. Only allowing for a top-10 average .264 for opposing teams facing any Cornbelters pitcher on the mound, it’s been another place where Normal have shined throughout the first week back in play.
- Consistency is the Key
At the plate, the Cornbelters have remained consistent at the dish. Even with a batting average of .250, the Belters have been able to have an on-base percentage of .357 and have a top 10 slugging percentage of .365. The Cornbelters come in 5th in the entire league in Extra Base Hits and in Total Bases, while coming in 7th with home runs with five on the season so far. The Belters also find themselves in the top 10 of hits in the league with 48.
The Cornbelters return back to action against the Quincy Doggy Paddlers