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| In 2023, there was room for one Hornets team in the championship round as No. 7 Shenandoah lost to the eventual National Champions, their ODAC rival No. 6 Lynchburg, in the Super Regional round. In 2024, Shenandoah are loaded again and have their sights on the ultimate prize. Shenandoah athletics photo |
By Jim Dixon
D3sports.com
Holy Hornets Bat Man. The Hornets of Lynchburg and Shenandoah are the top ranked teams in the south region - wait Region 6. Last year these two teams finished 1-2 in the ODAC regular season, then were the last teams standing in the ODAC tournament, then opponents in a Super Regional. It is no secret that No. 6 Lynchburg came out on top in all three then preceded to finish first in the DIII World Series. In the preseason D3baseball.com/NCBWA Top 25, Lynchburg again ahead of No. 7 Shenandoah but wait a minute. Shenandoah has the most experienced squad they have had while key members of the National Champions opted for draft rehearsals, as in the MLB amateur draft, with DI teams. There is a third team in the ODAC that has designs on the end of the year spoils and that is Randolph-Macon. The Yellow Jackets was also in the Regional round last year and are hoping deep pitching will be enough to get them above the Hornet teams.
While the ODAC is having its moment with two highly ranked teams and another receiving votes, there are other teams that should merit mention as the best in region. No. 12 Birmingham Southern and No. 20 Christopher Newport are picked to finish first in their conferences. While this is familiar territory of the BSC Panthers, it is new to the CNU Captains who have been second fiddle to No. 2 Salisbury for much of the post-Covid era.
With the split in the USA South in 2022, this leaves champions for the USA South and the offshoot CCS. The projected champions are receiving votes with the La Grange Panthers edging out the N.C Wesleyan Bishops. La Grange was hit by a team tragedy in 2022, that had the team reeling in 2023 and failing to get a Regional Playoff bid. This year, they are back on track with all their stars back for a shot at the top prize. If any unranked team is ready to win a walnut and bronze trophy, it is La Grange.
New Faces
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| New Belhaven head coach Andrew Gipson is a 2011 graduate of the Blazers having played for the Blazers for four seasons where he was a part of three Conference championship. Belhaven athletics photo |
Andrew Gipson, Belhaven - Gipson has been named the eighth head coach in program history. "This is an extremely special place to me. Having spent time here as both a player and coach, I know that the expectations are high," said Gipson. "We are going to assemble a roster year in and year out that will compete for championships. Our goal is to make Belhaven the household name of Division III baseball." Gipson most recently served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the NCAA Division I program Southeastern Louisiana in 2022, part of a seven-year tenure with the Lions' program. Prior to joining the staff at Southeastern Louisiana, Gipson spent three years on the coaching staff at Belhaven directly following his playing career.
Travis Beazley, Lynchburg - Head coach Lucas Jones stepped down from his position, and associate head coach Beazley became the program's next head coach, "The decision to step down as the head coach here at Lynchburg was not easy but it was made with hope," Jones said. "Unfortunately, these last 17 years of collegiate coaching have worn me down mentally and physically. This felt like the best time to take a step back from my leadership role to focus on my own personal health." Jones, Beazley, and the Hornets reached college baseball's pinnacle in 2023, winning the NCAA Division III Baseball National Championship. Beazley steps into the head coaching role after spending six seasons as Lynchburg's associate head coach. "I cannot thank Lucas enough for the last six years," Beazley said. "I am incredibly proud of what we've built together at Lynchburg, and I'm excited to continue building on our success."
Nate Burns, Sewanee - Announced this summer, Burns was promoted to head coach at the University of the South. After spending the last three seasons as an assistant, Burns becomes the 29th head coach of the oldest sport in the athletic department's history, dating back to 1875. During his time as pitching coach, Burns has seen his staff set new records on the mound. "I will give my all to this University and its community," said Burns. He arrives on the Domain after working as the pitching coach at Swarthmore College for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. While with the Garnet, he was responsible for recruiting efforts, developed a year-round throwing program for pitchers and gathered data for team scouting reports. Along the way, Burns has had coaching stops at Elizabethtown and Davis & Elkins.
Key Games
Birminghan Southern Spring Classic: If you find yourself in Birmingham Alabama on February 16th-18th, you will see four teams with votes in the early poll playing a round robin tournament. The No. 12 Panthers will host No. 5 East Texas Baptist, No. 6 Lynchburg and Millikin who received votes in the Preseason D3baseball.com/NCBWA Top 25. The staff at BSC have made this one of the top classics in the early part of the season.
Shenandoah at Lynchburg: If your an DIII fan, nothing is better than a clash between the ODAC, regional and National powers, Lynchburg and Shenandoah. Lynchburg gets hosting duties on April 20th and this is a game I will be sure not to miss as it is always good baseball with plenty on the line.
La Grange at NC Wesleyan: Former conference mates, before the USA South broke into two conference, play each other with La Grange traveling to Rocky Mount, N.C. for this three game set on March 9th-10th. There will be plenty of challenging games for both teams but this series is as good as it gets south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Randolph Macon at Christopher Newport: These teams will have more important games in their respective conferences but on March 14th, the Yellow Jackets travel 83 miles to Christopher Newport for the first of two games this season. The Captains return the favor on May 1st for the final non-conference game for both teams.
Conference Previews
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| Joe Ruth is poised to make his mark on the NCAA record book in several key statistics including hits, runs and RBIs. d3photography.com photo by Steve Frommell |
Collegiate Conference of the South: La Grange (27-15) ) was once again at the top of their conference but without an automatic conference bid, needed a Pool B or an at-large bid but none came their way. There is an large amount of talent returning this season and this could be a monumental year. The starting nine will see big-time playmakers back in Joe Ruth (.402, 3 HR, 50 RBI), Rhett Mixon (.341, 2 HR, 38 RBI), David Smigelski (.310, 4 HR, 24 RBI) and Curt Bonner (.400, 3 HR, 33 RBI). Look for Ruth to rewrite the record book as several career marks are in reach. He needs 11 hits and 119 at-bats to set the new standards. A career year also brings the RBI and possibly the runs record in play as well. A key pitcher on the bump is 2023 CCS Rookie of the Year Eduardo Peralta (7-1, 3.11 ERA, 60K).
Belhaven (21-18) finished second in the inaugural year of the CCS and new head coach and alum Andrew Gipson is looking for a first place finish in 2024. What you need for a winning season is a great pitcher and the Blazers have a good one in 2023 D3baseball Pitcher of the Year Brett Sanchez (6-2, 1.81, 110K). By the end of the season Sanchez is expected to etch his name in a number of program bests. At the plate, Hunter Estes (.344, 27 RBI) is back as a graduate student but it is a newcomer that might make the biggest impact. Shortstop Noah Foster (.320 average at Mississippi JC) will fill the spot opened with the graduation of Dawson Albin and is expected to help help put up big numbers at the plate.
Huntingdon (25-14) and Piedmont (26-17) were the middle seeds in the CCS tournament in 2023 and it was Piedmont who captured the end of the season tourney. Since the conference was not yet qualified for an automatic bid to the playoffs, Piedmont sat out of the playoffs. To defend the 2023 CCS championship, Piedmont returns 80% of their AB and 84% of their innings from last season. Bodie Eilertson (7-2, 2.67 ERA, 44K) and Zeke Swartz (6-1, 4.84 ERA, 68K), the 1-2 starters combined to go 13-3 on the mound last year and will be throwing to catcher Tyler Nelson (.279, 1 HR, 31 RBI), a regional gold glove winner who handled all 181 chances without an error, and threw out 28% of runners attempting to steal a bag. All-Regional infielder Kolton Hicks (.335, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 30 SB) returns for his second season with Piedmont and 6th season of college baseball. A challenging non-conference schedule should do them well in preparing for conference competition and possibly ear an at-large bid on selection Sunday. Huntingdon returns six All-CCS players with five on offense and reliever Seth Killam (5-3, 4.73 ERA, 45K, 3 Saves). Daniel Phillips (.400, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 15 SB) is the best swinging the bat. Joining Phillips at the plate are Cade Morgan (.384, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 12 SB), Daniel Patton (.365, 3 HR, 34 RBI), Noah Phillips (.299, 1 HR, 29 RBI, 16 SB) and Matthew Robinson (.349, 2 HR, 23 RBI). The Hawk's pitching staff combined for a 6.33 ERA and to compete at the next level, this will have to improve.
Maryville (26-17) started out strong with a 12 game win streak to open the 2023 season but a 6-12 conference record was not enough to get any postseason attention. Maryville returns a veteran team that finished as strong as they started last season, advancing to the conference tournament championship game. The top position players are Jimmy Meredith (.307, 27 RBI) and Christian Carlton (.351, 1 HR, 31 RBI). You can count on them to produce, are great defenders and team leaders. Injuries were an issue and if the team stays healthy, the Scots' will make a name for themselves. Berea (9-32) and Covenant (16-18) also finished at the bottom of the standings. Berea continues to grow their junior heavy line-up that has gained a ton of experience playing every day the last two years. Michael Vazquez (.339, 1 HR, 25 RBI, 19 SB), Jayden (.381, 2 HR, 38 RBI) and Ricky Serra (.369, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 13 SB) are the best of this junior class. The 2024 recruiting class was heavy on pitching to help this offense to allow the team to take a big step forward. The 2024 squad has the potential to surprise some teams and if the Mountaineers can get some early wins, it has the potential use the momentum to have a very good season.
FAVORITE: La Grange
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| Brandon Garcia (pictured) and Ben Jones have been a double play combo since high school and are set to help Lyncburg defend their National Championship. d3photography.com photo by |
Old Dominion Athletic Conference: For the first time, the ODAC had a baseball National Champion. Lynchburg (48-8) will open the season as the defending National Champions with a series win over Johns Hopkins in 2023. First time head coach Travis Beasley will take over for Lucas Jones and will not need to changes a lot. The team learned to put in he work and as a result came home with all the season ending hardware. The 2024 squad will be younger, but with some experience at the highest level of competition. The two top pitchers have graduated and have taken their talents to D-I programs elsewhere in Virginia as did top hitter Avery Neaves. Look for another good year from the double play combination of shortstop Brandon Garcia (.337, 0 HR, 33 RBI, 13 SB) and second baseman Ben Jones (.314, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 9 SB) and their fifth-year first baseman Josh Gjormand (.398, 0 HR, 23 RBI). The top reliever in DIII last year, Jack Bachmore (9-1, 2.44 ERA, 98K, 13 Saves), will be key if Lynchburg has dreams of back-to-back titles.
Shenandoah (42-10) will have plenty of experience with eight players staying for a graduate degree. Every one of the graduate students have played significant roles so look for this class to rewrite the record books. A few years ago, the games played record of 213 looked unreachable with 40 game seasons but Covid years allowed Webster's Ben Swords to eclipse this mark with 249 games. Shenadoah's Frankie Ritter (.347, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 22 SB) opens the year with 191 games played and a deep run in the playoffs could see him pass Swords a year after the new high water mark was set. Joining Ritter is Gavin Horning (.409, 7 HR, 60 RBI, 22 SB), who like Ritter has been a mainstay in the lineup. Add to this experienced offense, head coach Kevin Anderson has recruited some outstanding young arms that have the potential to develop to star players. Expectations are high for the Hornets.
A spectacular season for Randolph-Macon (32-15) got lost in the success of the top two teams and while there are key losses for Lynchburg and Shenandoah, the Yellow Jackets have their own holes created by graduation. Pitching is the strength of the program and head coach Ray Hedrick is looking for them to keep the team competitive early in the season while he figures out the lineup. A pair of senior twirlers Drew Ramos (6-2, 5.43 ERA, 47K) and Wyatt Stanley (1-1, 5.60 ERA, 20K) are the top returning starters backed by a bullpen led by junior Bere Bauers (1-4, 4.79 ERA, 42K, 2 Saves). Chaz Harvey (.263, 1 RBI) will get an expanded role in the offense and once he adjusts to being main a run producer, he should have a solid year.
Roanoke (28-17) last made the DIII World Series in 1027 when they were the darkest of dark horses and since then lightning has not struck again. Every year since then, they have been a bubble team, only to see the bubble burst when bids are doled out. In a strong conference like the ODAC, you might only need to be the third or fourth best team to make the Regionals. Although the Maroons placed five players on the All-ODAC squads, only one player is back in uniform in 2024. Gone are three seniors and freshmen designated hitter Brody Langlotz who returned home to Panama City, Florida. Senior shortstop Jonny Wall (.366, 3 HR, 44 RBI) is the lone 2023 all-star and will be see a lot of new faces in the everyday lineup and on the mound. Roanoke will return only two starters with more than two starts but head coach Zach Ullrich has had 12 different players start a game in 2023 and he has certainly found candidates for the rotation. 2024 might not be another bubble year for the Maroons but if you travel to spacious Memorial Stadium, don't think the game will be a cake-walk.
Guilford (20-19-1), Hampden-Sydney (20-19) and Washington and Lee (18-17), Bridgewater (17-26) were all bottom seed in the 2023 tournament and were eliminated in the first round. Bridgewater gave the eventual National Champion an early loss but in the only series that went three games fell 1-2 to the Hornets. Bridgewater brings a mixture of experienced veterans and young players who are both expected to play key positions. The Eagle's best is designated hitter Brandon Hartman (.400, 3 HR, 42 RBI) who is a clubhouse leader, will be an experienced bat in middle of the lineup and can play multiple positions (catcher, outfield). Washington and Lee will start the season with depth at the right positions. The senior class doesn’t have a lot of seasons under their belt and are still growing. By tournament time, this team will be playing above their seeding. Tops on the team is Evan Blair (3-1, 2.77 ERA, 51K) who is your prototypical right handed starter with a three pitch mix.
Out of the conference tournament were Averett (5-23-1), , Eastern Mennonite (10-28), Ferrum (15-23) and Virginia Wesleyan (5-30-1) In this quartet only Virginia Wesleyan has an OCAC Championship to its name and neither team is poised to break the lock the rival Hornets have on the title chances. Back this year are just two All-ODAC players, Ferrum's Bryce Thacker (.301, 8 RBI; 1-0, 7.29 ERA, 15K, 1 Save) and Eastern Mennonite's Nick Arnold (.388, 4 HR, 36 RBI). The biggest news in the Ferrum program has been off the field as Billy Wagner failed narrowly to be the first DIII Player in the MLB Hall of Fame. It was different for two former Ferrum All-Americans, Roy Clark '77 and Randy Lawrence '92 who were inducted into the local Hall of fame. Also last year the former long term Ferrum head coach Abe Naff was enshrined in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Likewise for Eastern Mennonite off the field news was that current assistant coach Jaylon Lee signed a pro contract. From a program that has never won an ODAC title, they are at the top of the conference in developing MLB players (Erik Kratz).
FAVORITE: Lynchburg
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| Birmingham-Southern's Ian Hancock will be counted on to continue to provide a big bat in the middle of the Panther lineup as the offense is rebuilt. Birmingham-Southern athletics photo |
Southern Athletic Association: Birmingham-Southern (39-11) has lived in the rarified air at the top of the SAA. Eight contributors graduated and they all need to be replaced but year in and year out, head coach Jan Weisberg always has someone in the wings ready to contribute. Most of the graduating players were on offense but plenty of stars remain. Back for another year are Jackson Webster (.368, 8 HR, 38 RBI), Ian Hancock (.305, 15 HR, 68 RBI) and Andrew Dutton (.273, 1 HR, 32 RBI). Josh Leerssen (8-2, 2.38 ERA, 87K) will anchor the rotation and transfer Drake Laroche (son of MLB Adam Laroche) will be a very solid 2 with returning SAA Pitcher of Year Hansen MCCown (5-2, 1.86 ERA, 72K, 4 Saves) taking the role of a hybrid reliever/starter again in 2024. More help on the mound will come from some young arms that impressed in the fall practices and a transfer from D1 Tulane.
Rhodes (27-15) has played second fiddle to Birmingham-Southern most of their time in the SAA with the exception of 2018, the year of their last regional playoff appearance. This might be the year they top the Panthers with a more experienced squad this season. Talented, deep, experienced are words that describe this team. While the Lynx have a great mix of returners and newcomers, there will be few spots in the lineup for the freshmen unless they prove themselves and steal a starting role. Senior Dante Messina (.364, 1 HR, 48 RBI) has 159 career hits and is well on his way to 200 for his career. Keep your eye on Ben Burkhart (.340, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 16 SB) who is the speed threat along with fellow junior Quinn Blackman (.361, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 12 SB). Zac Sohosky (6-3, 4.02 ERA, 54K) is the best of a pitching staff that is very deep with a great defense behind them.
Centre (28-17) and Hendrix (27-15) are headed in different directions. In the preseason SAA poll, Centre is expected to finish fifth, a drop from the third place finish in 2023, despite returning five of six All-SAA players. Hendrix is on the rise with an expected second place finish to Birmingham-Southern, garnering two first place votes. Centre will return the bulk of their All-SAA performers with Chase Austin (.301, 2 HR, 39 RBI), Josh Cunningham (.386, 3 HR, 332 RBI, 15 SB) batting leadoff and Ben Prather (.373, 2 HR, 32 RBI; 6-2, 5.18 ERA, 37K) doing it at the plate and on the mound. In the pen sits Zach Heavern (1-1, 3.14 ERA, 26K, 2 Saves) and David Kinsbrunner (4-0, 2.25 ERA, 25K, 3 Saves). Hendrix puts a premium on team speed with 107 stolen bases last season and this year should be no different. Hendrix has one of their top starters back in the rotation - David Blackburn (6-3, 4.14 ERA, 44K), one of their power hitters - Zach Marriott (.306, 5 HR, 32 RBI) and their leadoff hitter - Adam Bland (.327, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 16 SB).
Berry (22-23), Millsaps (22-23), Sewanee (20-22-1) and Oglethorpe (7-35) finished at the bottom of the SAA standings and will need a change of fortunes to move up. Sewanee is learning to win and posted their highest win totals since 2019 and this year has a lot of confidence going into the season. The Tigers will return and fair amount of experience in the field and on the mound starting with Blake Pou (.307, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 10 SB). He is a catalyst for the Sewanee offense and a mainstay in right field with great leadership qualities. Their top starting pitcher is another junior Matt Munn (7-3, 4.70 ERA, 62K).
FAVORITE: Birmingham Southern
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| N.C. Wesleyan outfielder Tyler Bass has batted over .300 with double digit home run totals in each of the last two years for the battling Bishops. d3photography.com by Dave Hilbert |
USA South Athletic Conference: N.C. Wesleyan (36-10) will once again be solid in 2024 with a lot of experienced upper classmen returning. The Bishops will bring back the majority of a lineup and Tyson Bass (.329, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 27 SB) will be a big part of it. He has a chance to be top five all time in most statistical categories. Also back are Jackson Hobbs (.391, 11 HR, 61 RBI), the 2023 USA South Conference Player of Year and Davie Morgan (.305, 6 HR, 46 RBI), a 2022 All-American second baseman. Dylan Cheeley (6-0 4.50 ERA, 52K) is back at the top of the starting rotation and if the starters falter, there is a senior laden bullpen to get the team out of trouble.
Methodist (27-13) spent eight weeks in the D3baseball.com/NCBWA Top 25, ranking as high as No. 16 last year but failed to reach the NCAA Regionals since last appearing in 2015. Head coach Tom Austin, entering his 45th year, will lead a Monarchs team that plays ten of their first eleven games at Armstrong-Shelley Field in Fayetteville. Sophomore reliever Kyle Molivas (2-3, 2.73 ERA, 36K) is the lone of the All-USA South to return. Methodist will need to upgrade their offense that was out hit in 2023, overall and in conference if they want to top N.C Wesleyan.
William Peace (25-21) and Greensboro tied with Methodist with a 13-8 conference record. William Peace will be young on the mound in 2024 with only one returning starter, Jack McIntosh (5-2, 3.66 ERA, 43K). A solid defensive should alleviate some of the early nerves in the starting ranks. Offensively, the Pacers will need to play an aggressive style that should play well with the amount of team speed available. Jake Dacunto (.374, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 7 SB), Nick Tyler (.320, 1 HR, 33 RBI, 5 SB), Cam Barefoot (.316, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 17 SB), Ian Turner (.285, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 3 SB) are the top returners on offense who all stole more bases (32) than hit home runs (7) in 2023. The sky is the limit for Greensboro (19-21). They bring back much of the team and large group of 18 transfer students will fill the holes with players ready to go. First baseman Nick Marshall (.362, 3 HR, 10 RBI) comes to the Pride from Westfield State and is penciled in the cleanup spot in the lineup. Evan Sykes (.307, 5 HR, 19 RBI) is the best back from the 2023 squad. If this team remains healthy look for them to climb the standings.
Brevard (22-21) and Pfeiffer (18-20) also made the 2023 conference tournament. Brevard is a mature group with a lot of talent and a lot to prove with an injection of young talent. Logan Clark (.369, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 20 SB) has been a staple in the lineup since winning region rookie of the year as a freshman and in his senior year the offense will run through him and he is up to the task. Also expect big things from junior first baseman Cale Oehler (.318, 4 HR, 40 RBI). Back on the mound for the Tornados are two five game winners in Jacob Thompson (5-2, 3.71 ERA, 36K) and Connor Crosby (5-2, 5.55 ERA, 46K).
Mary Baldwin (4-34) and Southern Virgnia (13-24) finished last in 2023 and are not expected to improve in 2024. Mary Baldwin catcher Josh Lallo (.3443, 5 HR, 14 RBI), the first all-conference selection in program history, returns. Lallo is back for his second graduate year after graduating from Methodist in 2022. Mary Baldwin is also changing fields as they leave John Moxie Stadium, their home since 2019, for Shifflett Field. Maybe Southern Virginia should be called Southern Utah. Thirteen players hail from the Bee Hive State including the 2023 USA South Rookie of the year, Ty Martinez (.378, 8 HR, 29 RBI).
FAVORITE: N.C. Wesleyan
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| CNU's Dylan Webber is 18-10 with a 4.17 ERA and 264 strikeouts in 211.2 innings pitched in his four year career for the Captains. Christopher Newport athletics photo |
Independents: Everyone from the Capital Athletics Conference made the Regional round. Sure - there are only three teams playing baseball but quite the accomplishment. Only Salisbury made it to the final round but Christopher Newport (33-11) and Mary Washington had great seasons despite missing the Super-Regional round. Christopher Newport is on a short list of teams in the region expected to do big things. Having seven starters back and a bakers dozen of pitchers with significant roles is a luxury for head coach John Harvell. Last year, the Captains took away some end of the year hardware as Dylan Weber (8-3, 3.45 ERA, 103K) was tabbed Pitcher of the Year and Josh Reinhold (.344, 1 HR, 24 RBI) took home Rookie of Year honors and all are back in 2024. If experience trumps promise, look for a tough competition between CNU and conference rival Salisbury for the top of the conference and when Pool B bids are awarded.
Mary Washington (28-16) is poised to make a return to the NCAA Playoffs with the top of their pitching staff back for another season. Seniors Brendan McComber (8-1, 4.47 ERA, 57K, 1 Saves) and Justin Ritz (4-5. 4.14 ERA, 46K) will be joined by sophomore Jackson Myers (4-6, 5.53 ERA, 63K). This rotation was 1-2-3 in innings, strikeouts and most importantly, wins. A senior closer, Ty Lowe (3-1, 3.25 ERA, 18K, 2 Saves), will be waiting to close out the games. Lowe (.364, 5 HR 47 RBI) will also be swinging a bat and is one of three seniors back in 2024, batting above .350.
Emory (28-11) secured the University Athletic Association title but without the auto bid, fell short when Regional bids were distributed. In 2024, Jack Halloran (.366, 11 HR, 52 RBI) will be a cornerstone of the Emory lineup but not the only dangerous bat. Jacob Grossman (.357, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 14 SB),Zach Wasserlauf (.330, 1 HR, 17 RBI) and Matthew Sicoli (.356, 2 HR, 22 RBI) will also be slotted into starring roles for the Eagles. Ryan Reynolds (6-2, 5.62 ERA, 35K) is the top starter.