Martha’s Vineyard Sharks head coach Peyton “Skip” Fuller was named the 2026 Manager of the Year by the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) last week.

The decision by the NECBL came after the Sharks finished this year’s season with 29 wins and 11 losses. The team was first overall in the league, lost to the Mystic Schooners during game three in the first round of the playoffs earlier this month. Despite the playoff loss, Coach Fuller felt the season was a success, and he was honored to win the award.

“It was cool to be given that honor, but honestly, it’s less to do with me and more to do with the organization as a whole and our team this past summer,” said Coach Fuller. “It was a great group of guys who came in every day and worked really hard.”

Two players from the Sharks were also recognized by the league.

Kevin Hall, the Sharks center fielder who plays for the University of Alabama Birmingham during the school year, was named the 2026 Most Valuable Player. With 75 at bats, Mr. Hall finished the 2026 summer season with a .413 batting average and a .535 on base percentage. He also earned 13 runs batted in and stole a total of 17 bases. According to Coach Fuller, Mr. Hall ended the season without any errors on defense.

Additionally, Jackson Taylor, the Sharks third baseman who plays for Clemson University during the school year, was named the 2026 Rookie of the Year. He finished the season with a .319 batting average, a .500 on base percentage and a total of 21 runs batted in. Mr. Taylor redshirted at Clemson and did not play in spring, but his production throughout the summer was outstanding, said Coach Fuller.  

“It’s a difficult challenge bringing 45 guys together from all over the country that don’t know each other,” said Coach Fuller. “They’ve got to get to know each other really fast and start winning baseball games at the same time. So, we’re very fortunate to have a great group this summer.”

Coach Fuller, who spends the fall season in Alabama working as an assistant coach at Coastal Alabama Community College, will return to lead the Sharks next summer.

“It’s such an awesome place to be during those summer months,” said Coach Fuller. “Everybody is so friendly. The fans that come to the games, they’re awesome. It really is just a great experience, not only for me, but also for our players.”