Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletics

Lincoln native Chris Costello made his mark on the NWU baseball program in many ways, but most obviously as the school’s all-time leader in stolen bases for a season and career. During his junior campaign, Costello led NCAA Division III in steals by nabbing 48 of 52 bases. His 38 steals in 1992 and 22 thefts in both 1989 and 1990 also rank among the best in team history. Costello’s 130 career stolen bases are more than twice that of the next closest NWU player, and he was caught stealing just 12 times during his career.

In addition to his prowess on the base paths, Costello ranks on the team’s all-time charts in a handful of other categories, including first for triples in a season (5), tied for third in career runs scored (126), tied for fifth in career triples (7), ninth in both career games played (132) and fielding assists in a season (75) and 10th in career fielding assists (188).

Costello was named All-Conference First Team as both a junior and senior after earning Honorable Mention as a first-year player. In 1990, the second baseman helped NWU to its best overall record in school history (25-12), a No. 30 ranking in the NCAA Div. III poll and the first of three conference championships. A four-year starter, Costello was named to the All-Midwest Region Second Team as a senior and helped the team win 85 games during his career.