Cain, the male recipient of the Lion of Valor, is an outfielder for Bryan baseball and comes to Dayton from Lebanon, Tennessee. He's one of four members from the Cain family to call Bryan home. Older brother John Cain is a '15 graduate and former pitcher for the Lions, sister Sarah Cain (SO/Jacksboro, Tenn.) is wrapping up her sophomore year on the women's basketball team, and sister Anna Cain will be making her way to campus this fall as a freshman on the volleyball team. Tucker will be graduating next month with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Christian Ministry with an emphasis in youth ministry. The Christian Ministry program at Bryan is rooted in a blend of strong biblical and theological emphasis, spiritual formation of the individual, and knowledge of time-tested and contemporary ministry principles.


While Cain and the Lions are currently working on an impressive 2019 campaign, Bryan baseball is following up an outstanding 2018 season that saw a trio of Lions earn AAC Coach of the Year, AAC Player of the Year, and AAC Pitcher & Newcomer of the Year while producing the program's most successful regular-season in history. The Lions fought for a remarkable 38-13 overall record and 21-6 mark in conference play en route to capturing their first-ever AAC regular-season championship. Bryan also battled their way to a No. 9 ranking in the final NAIA Coaches' Top-25 poll, which was the highest the Lions had ever seen. Bryan performed as a true NAIA powerhouse, eliminating the No. 2 seed and host team before falling on day two of the 2018 Baseball National Championship Opening Round—Williamsburg Bracket. At the conclusion of the season, the Lions posted a 41-17 overall record, which tied the team for the second most wins in a season in program history.


Cain has been a vital part of the team's success, serving as a constant leader both on and off the ballfield. He's also been an exemplary student in the classroom, garnering Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors last season and being named a two-time All-Academic honoree. Last year he was also baseball's lone representative to the AAC Champions of Character Team, which is comprised of student-athletes who best represent the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character Program: respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.


Head baseball Coach, Clint McAuley had this to say about Cain, "Tucker Cain is the type of ballplayer that changes the culture of a team. His attitude, leadership, and overall character have made an incredible impact on his teammates and coaches during his time here. This year he was voted a team captain by his teammates, and no matter what his role is on the team, he is a constant source of energy, positivity, and leadership. One of the most likeable guys we have ever had, he is always a pleasure to be around and will be deeply missed next year."


Despite one of the more challenging schedules in the NAIA, 23rd-ranked Bryan baseball currently stands at 32-13 overall and 16-8 against conference foes, which is good enough for third place in the AAC standings behind second-place 18th-ranked Truett McConnell University (Ga.) (26-15, 17-7) and first-place 2nd-ranked Tennessee Wesleyan University (41-8, 18-6). Three more contests stand between the Lions and the end of regular-season play/start of post-season play.