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| Baldwin Wallace missed the D-III World Series, which was the first one held in Ohio since 1987. The Yellow Jackets will have a goal of reaching the final series for the third time in four years. d3photography file photo by Steve Frommell |
By Jim Dixon,
D3sports.com
A quick look at the teams from Region 7 shows just a single team from the region with a national championship. Marietta always is a threat to win on the national stage but they are not the favorites coming out of the region this year. Baldwin Wallace has had quite the run in the post COVID era and are one of three teams that we could see playing in East Lake in June. Case Western Reserve will have a short trip to the D-III World Series if they can break through this season. Expect the same strong schedule that Spartans always plays to get them considered when at-large bids (Pool B and C) are awarded. The final team in the big three is Denison. A victim of sentimental favorites Birmingham-Southern in the Super Regional round in 2024, most D-III insiders think they have everything to win it all. Adrian and Washington & Jefferson, along with Marietta have also caught the eye of region insiders.
New Faces
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| Matt Rix took over for Scott Carden as the head coach of Albion this summer. Albion athletics photo |
Matt Rix, Albion - Rix, who has been Scott Carden's assistant for the last 12 seasons, has been named interim head coach through the 2025 season. Rix has been an integral part of the staff, working primarily with the pitchers during his tenure. Since 2019, Albion has seen at least one pitcher named All-MIAA under Rix's leadership. "I want to thank Scott for having me on his staff for the last 12 years …I know we will see him catching a game from the Carden Corner," said Rix. "I'm proud of the teams we have coached and the work we did together. I will miss coaching with him. I am thankful for the opportunity given to me by Jen (Rushton) and Dr. Webster to step into the Interim Head Coach role. I'm thrilled to continue working with our Briton Baseball team as we move into the fall and beyond."
Joel Schipper, Calvin - Schipper takes over the program from Kevin Van Duyn, who announced his retirement from coaching in May after five seasons as the head coach. Prior to taking the head coaching position at Calvin, Schipper spent the last three seasons as the head coach at Hastings College (Neb.). Schipper also was an assistant coach at Davenport in 2021 and spent two seasons as an assistant coach under Van Duyn at Calvin in 2019 and 2020. "Six years ago, Coach Van Duyn hired me as one of his assistant coaches and I am grateful for all he taught me," Schipper said. "Returning to Grand Rapids, my hometown, is very special to me. Calvin University's rich athletic tradition and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics deeply resonate with my coaching philosophy. The opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Calvin's baseball program, while reconnecting with the community and high school coaches I've long admired, is incredibly exciting."
Jordan Niespodziany, DePauw - Niespodziany, former assistant coach at DePauw and current associate head baseball coach at Wabash has been selected as DePauw's head coach. Niespodziany replaces Blake Allen who moved to an assistant coaching position at Indiana University after eight seasons with the Tigers. "I am extremely excited to return to DePauw and lead the baseball program," Niespodziany said. A 2013 DePauw graduate, Niespodziany was the assistant director of athletics communications for two years at his alma mater while also volunteering as an assistant baseball coach for the Tigers. He continued as the Tigers' pitching coach until June 2018.
Ryan Dorow, Hope - Dorow, who rose to play Major League Baseball after a decorated career at the NCAA Division III level, will lead the Hope team into a new era. The former Texas Rangers infielder has been selected as the Flying Dutchmen's 10th head coach. Dorow follows Stu Fritz, Hope's most successful and longest-tenured baseball coach, who is retiring after 674 victories and 31 seasons. Dorow, a three-time All-American at Adrian, worked with Fritz the last two seasons, including in 2024 as an assistant coach and the Flying Dutchmen's recruiting coordinator. "This program has a history that is rich and is well respected by many. I'm honored to be chosen as the next head coach," Dorow said. "Stu has made a remarkable impact on my life and coaching career. He will always be a true mentor to me on and off the field. He has been a true ambassador for this beautiful game. I will strive to honor his legacy and to enhance it as I lead the program. As we look at the future of this program, I believe that we have everything we need to compete at a national level and to provide an experience that these student-athletes will remember for a lifetime."
Brett Ratcliffe, Trine - Brett Ratcliffe will serve as head coach of the Trine program. Ratcliffe has served his second stint as an assistant coach with the program since 2020, after a previous tenure during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. That first stint saw the Thunder win 25 games each year, one of the winningest stretches in program history. "I am honored and excited to be the next head coach of the Trine baseball," said Ratcliffe, "My previous experience combined with my time with the program as an assistant have prepared me to continue the pride and tradition at Thunder Baseball."
Michael Impellittiere, Waynesburg - Michael Impellittiere was hired as the Yellow Jacket's new head coach. Impellittiere spent the last seven seasons as the head coach of Hood where he is the Blazers' winningest coach in program history with a 129-112-1 record and is a two-time Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth Coach of the Year. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this role as the new head baseball coach at Waynesburg University," said Impellittiere. "It's an honor to lead a program with such a strong winning culture, and I am excited to build on that success. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to President Douglas Lee, Athletic Director Tim Fusina, and the hiring committee, for having the confidence in me to lead this program.
Mitchell Griffiths, Wittenberg - After eight seasons as the head coach of the Wittenberg program, Brian McGee has announced his resignation. Griffiths has accepted the position of interim head coach after two seasons as the program's assistant head coach, recruiting coordinator, and pitching coach. A 2018 graduate of Alderson Broaddus University, Griffiths coached the Tiger pitching staff to numerous records in his first two seasons after previous coaching stops at Adrian College and Coker College.
Conference Previews
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| The fortunes of Mount Aloysius changed when they recruited Tyler Quade, Quade has collected a lot of hardware for the Mounties as a two-time All American and the 2022 D3baseball.com Rookie of the Year. Mount Aloysius athletics photo |
Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference: Mount Aloysius (21-18) wants to remain at the top of the standings and have a team that can do just that. The Mounties return a lot of experience with seven starters back and we return 263 innings off the mound. The success of Mount Aloysius starts with two-way player Tyler Quade (.421, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 19 SP; 4-2, 3.99 ERA, 65k). He is expected to rewrite the record book in his senior year. Pitchers Zachary Breeden (5-3, 2.20 ERA, 69K) and Brady Hansen (7-1, 3 saves, 2.10 ERA, 61K) will join Quade in the rotation and will look to surpass the program record for wins in a season (27).
Penn State-Behrend (29-13-1) earned the conference playoff pass in 2024 and along with the momentum from last year also has a lot of potential going into the season. Shortstop Silvio Ionadi (.387, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 25 SB) is impactful in all facets of the game and compliments the play of Mac Ciocco (.450, 11 2B, 31 RBI). On the mound, look for Colin Bolla (4-2, 1 save, 3.10 ERA, 60K) to front the starting rotation. The PSB head coach wants his team to go out and earn it.
Hilbert (21-18) made it two winning records in a row but an early exit in the AMCC tournament was not the way the team wanted to end the season. In 2025, they returned most of the impact players and brought in a talented group with a ton of college experience, along with a hungry freshmen class. With 13 seniors walking in May, the Hawks have the most talent and depth in program's history. The coaching staff has lofty expectations in 2025. To meet these expectations, SP Dylan Moorhouse (6-2, 3.25 ERA, 51K) will have to have another outstanding season. All indications is that he will reach his full potential this upcoming spring.
Penn State-Altoona (17-20) returns their entire starting lineup after a disappointing down season from last year and six starters from 2023 AMCC championship team. Outfielder Tyreke Green (.325, 1 HR, 28 RBI) was an All-Region player in 2023 and is expected to rebound from his 2-24 season. Jake Hillard (.312, 3 HR, 23 RBI) also had a down yer but will want to end his career at Altoona on a high note. Add in three conference starting pitchers from last season with two pitchers returning from injury and you have a squad that is expected to compete for an AMCC title and return to the NCAA tournament.
La Roche (16-24) secured the final AMCC playoff spot and took advantage of it with a sweep of Hilbert to advance to the double elimination round and shook off a day one loss to get to the conference final. Despite a loss in that game, the Red Hawks served notice that they were back in pre-2020 form. Alfred State (18-25), like La Roche won their playoff series and proceeded to knock off the top seeded Mount Aloysius. That was all they had as two losses sent the Pioneers home. Alfred State will need to fill quite a few holes as most of their top players were seniors in 2024. How they retrofit the team will dictate how they finish in 2025.
Pitt-Greensburg (11-25-1) and Pitt-Bradford (12-24) finished last. Pitt-Greensburg is expecting to be a very competitive program this year. Part of the optimism on campus is the leadership and play of OF/RHP James Domer (.392, 6 HR, 34 RBI; 1-1, 4 saves). They had a young roster the last few year's and had a lot of guys gain valuable experience at the collegiate level. Building off of those experiences the Panthers look to take a step forward as program. There is one less team in 2025 as Wells closed in 2024
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| Ryar Rinehart earned D3baseball.com Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. Kalamazoo athletics photo |
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association: Kalamazoo (30-11) has a veteran offense who will be the cog of this year's program. The rise in the MIAA standings came with the enrollment of Ryar Rinehart (.259, 6 HR, 28 RBI). The first baseman played through two really bad injuries in '24 and is healthy and in top form. Robert Newland (.341, 44 R, 17 RBI, 31 SB) will patrol centerfield. He is coming off a good summer in the Northwoods and had a tremendous fall. With a few new pieces inserted into the lineup, this squad could keep KZoo atop the MIAA. There is great depth in the pitching staff from SP Jacon Davis (7-2, 1 save, 3.71 ERA, 48K) to RP Owen Schihl (3-1, 2 saves, 17K).
Adrian (33-16) will return a veteran group that have progressively improved their win totals over the last three years. The question is will they be the heir apparent to Kalamazoo. The offensive has a good versatility with speed (59 SB) and power (26 HR) and will be counted on to win some games. Head coach Craig Rainey raves about his infield from 2B Ro Jimenez (.397, 7 2B, 15 RBI) to SS Nic Bruder (.385, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 16 SB) to 3B Ryan Davis (.325, 4 HR, 39 RBI). The pitching staff will have to improve to be more competitive after the loss of Jakob Charles and to do this Danny Gutierrez (4-3, 5.56 ERA, 61K) and Jaxon Clark (7-3, 3.39 ERA, 58K) will have to elevate their game. With a nice mix of LHP and RHP, the bullpen is a strength.
Alma (24-18) is a younger team with lots of potential and strong upperclassman presence. They will be looking for new faces to become leaders and rise to the occasion. Tyler Johnson (3-2, 3.36 era, 75K) and Klyer Warren (3-1, 8.47 ERA, 20K) will provide senior leadership on the mound. Hope (22-20) was one of the four teams in the MIAA tournament but was unable to give departing long-time head coach Stu Fritz a championship sendoff. Ryan Dorow, who stater with rival Adrian will take over as head coach this season.
Calvin (18-21) will have a mix of veterans and youth. The established players will provides leadership and stability with energy and a fresh potential from the younger players, pushing the team to grow. Cam Seth is an example of an incoming player who has a lot potential. He is a lefty stick that competes in every opportunity, limiting his K's and excelling in situational hitting. Early indications suggest that the pitching staff headed by Nolan Coil (5-2, 1 save, 4.09 ERA, 40K), Evan Steinbacher (5-3, 4.02 ERA, 34K) and Matt Reynolds (2-0, 2 saves, 3.52 ERA, 23K) could be one of the best seen at Calvin in recent years. Finishing at the bottom of the standings were Albion (16-22), Olivet (11-27), and Trine (11-27). Albion will have a new leader who is well known by the student athletes. His team will be led by Kris Stojanovski (.387, 9 HR, 22 SB) and Braeden Emery (.269, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 14 SB) at the plate with Cole Giesige (2-3, 3.41 ERA, 74K) in the starting rotation.
North Coast Athletic Conference: Last year Denison (42-8) looked like a lock for their first DIII World Series appearance but they earned a date with Cinderella - Birmingham -Southern. True to the fairy tale, the Big Red lost out in the uSper-Regional. The hunger is even greater in this team with plenty back that should give Denison fans another 40+ win season. A talented pitching staff should help Denison find their footing as new starters get use to their positions. Will Rettig (9-1, 3.23 ERA, 66K), Peter Lemke (9-1, 2.58 ERA, 55K) and Jack Rollo (5-1, 2.57 ERA, 31K) is as good as a rotation for any team at this level. Two offensive players who do not need the time to be ready are Eric Colaco (.420, 6 HR, 59 RBI) and Jack Lutte (.407, 3 HR, 41 RBI). The best of the new players coming into the program is catcher Andrew Fazio who is expected to be the regular catcher when the season opens in Newport News, Virginia.
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| Despite finishing ahead of Denison in the NCAC in 2024, Wittenberg is still the regions best kept secret. Wittenberg athletics photo |
Wittenberg (26-17) tied with Denison and held the tie breaker to grab the top seed. It was not enough to get pass Denison as the two teams met three times in the conference tournament with Denison taking the playoff bid with a 17-7 win. The Tigers will continue to be one of the best offensive teams in the region as they have an abundance of talent and experience. Alex Nemunaitis (.386, 6 HR, 40 RBI), Luke Thomas (.376, 38 R, 20 RBI), Rocco Royer (.361, 4 HR, 30 RBI), Xander Rodriguez (.365, 8 HR, 48 RBI) all hit better than the .340 team average. Wittenberg will have more pitching depth than previous years, having added pitching in a 14 man recruiting class. The Tigers feel like they are the best kept secret in the region but another season like 2024 and the secret will be out.
DePauw (23-17) was not the top Tigers in the conference and last year lost their tournament games by identical 10-2 scores. New head coach Jordan Niespodziany will have his work cut out for him. Three All-NCAC players, including the Pitcher of the Year are off the roster for 2025. Third baseman Grady Johnson (.394, 27 RBI, 33 R) is the only returning all-star and is coming from the third team. With one of the best seasons by a first year, Johnson will be a key piece for this and the following two years.
Kenyon (22-17) and Wabash (22-18) finished even in the conference with Kenyon earning the NCAC tournament bid as they held the tie breaker. The playoff berth was the first postseason berth for the Owls since 2018. You should expect more postseason games as all the top players are back. Dustin Lee (.333, 3 HR, 25 RBI) led Kenyon in batting average during the regular season with Gio Giuliani (.350, 14 RBI) and Nate Rosen (.343,2 HR, 23 RBI) not far behind. On the mound, Theo Canning (5-1, 3.40 ERA, 46K) led the Owls followed by freshman Peyton Hodges (4-3, 4.04 ERA, 36K). Wabash will have big shoes to fill in the 2025 season with Camden Scheidt (.355, 2 HR, 46 RBI) as the top returnig offensive player and Caleb Everson (6-2, 5.23 ERA, 48K) as the top pitcher.
Ohio Wesleyan (20-19), Wooster (15-20), Oberlin (15-24), and Hiram (14-26) finished well off the pace in 2024. the 2025 version of the Wooster Scots is much improved in terms of talent and culture. Junior Ryan Kramer (.437, 10 HR, 53 RBI) will lead the O and juniors Devin Anthony (2-1, 7.20, 30.0, 15K) and Jack Spring (3-1, 4.50 ERA, 27K) from the rubber. Oberlin is looking forward to seeing growth from 2024 season. Sophomore 1B Kyle Baxt (.429, 4 HR, 32 RBI) is their best hitter and team leader. With football finished Ohio Wesleyan safety Sammy Stoner (.338, 43 R, 22 SB) and put away his pads for a glove and cap.
Ohio Athletic Conference: With the 2024 DIII World Series in Ohio for the first time since 1987, the organizers were looking to see if an Ohio team could boost attendance and Baldwin Wallace (36-10) was one of two teams that could have drawn some big crowds. They should get another shot in 2025 as they are one of the top teams entering the spring season. Three All-OAC performers are back for another shot at a national championship - Joey Marousek (.351, 1 HR, 35 RBI, 23 SB), Mally Kilbane (.349, 3 HR, 34 RBI) and Dennis Ritlinger-Nirider (.328, 12 2B, 15 RBI). Add Sean Kolenich (2023 stats: .402, 3HR, 38 RBI, 10 SB) back from an injury last yer and you have an offense that can deliver at the highest levels. OAC Pitcher of the Year, Tyler Walker (9-1, 3.31 ERA, 57K) and All-OAC pitchers Vince Dolcemaschio (7-2, 4.23 ERA, 64K) and Jake Heatherington (5-1, 8 saves, 2.55 ERA, 43K) will be able to deliver from the mound.
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| Otterbein had a lot of reasons to celebrate in 2024. The Cardinals will be looking to repeat a top two finish in the OAC this spring. Otterbein athletics photo |
Otterbein (26-15) managed a 1-2 record in the OAC tournament in 2024 and will be looking to improve on this in 2025. The Cardinals have three plus offensive players in graduate 1B Jamie Perebzak (.368, 10 HR, 4 RBI), senior C Logan Ullom (.338, 2 HR, 24 RBI), and senior OF Max McCann (.323, 1 HR, 30 RBI). Senior SP Bryson Bell (5-2, 5.10 ERA, 43K) and junior RP Sam Sethna (5-1, 3 saves, 5.56 ERA, 14K) are the top pitchers coming back this spring.
Marietta (24-19) came with in a win of an OAC title in 2024, coming out of the elimination bracket to put a scare into the top OAC team. Even with the lowest win total in four year, the Pioneers are always a dangerous team and should be again in 2025. Job one for head coach Brian Brewer is to find regulars for many spots with Nick Bonnizzio (.337, 11 2B, 13 RBI) and Jeremy Tonelli (.373, 19 2B, 25 RBI) as the only OAC all-statrs to return this year. Ohio Northern (24-17) will open its 2025 season in late February with a doubleheader against Rose-Hulman under 14th-year head coach Gene Stechschulte. Junior C Andrew Stechschulte (.314, 40 RBI) and sophomore 1B Chase Armstrong (.288, 33 RBI) headlines the returning offensive players. Junior pitcher Blake Peterson (2-3, 3.41 ERA) is the top starting pitcher back for the Polar Bears.
Mount Union (27-13) and Heidelberg (23-16) were the first teams out of the OAC tournament. Mount Union is looking to surpise a couple teams as they eye a spot in the OAC tournament. They will have key players returning and potential in the crop of newcomers. The feature a veteran and experienced infield and pitching staff. Alex Stegman (.307, 6 2B, 19 RBI, 22 SB), Andrew Witte (.404, 6 2B, 24 RBI, 16 SB), Chris Viamonte (.327, 16 2B, 18 RBI, 13 SB), and Jaired Lehman (.282, 6 2B, 27 RBI, 9 SB) will play on the dirt while the outfield is being built from scratch. Brady Hansen (7-1, 2.10 ERA, 61K), Zachary Breeden (5-3, 2.20 ERA, 69K) are the top pitchers for the Raiders. The Student Princes will have more holes to fill than are filled with returning players. Just two of six All-OAC players are back in third baseman Braedy Limke (.333, 3 HR, 35 RBI), and closer Corey Brafford (4-3, 3 saves, 28K).
Muskingum (20-19), John Carroll (15-24), Wilmington (6-28), and Capital (10-28) round out the rest of the OAC. Offensively, Muskingum will feature an athletic group that can win in multiple ways. Leading the way with a bat is junior Sam Palmieri (.315, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 20 SB) who will also be counted on for his leadership skills and solid defensive. The pitching staff is led by some older guys like Erik Cover (4-4, 4.45 ERA, 55K) with some new blood fighting for time.
Presidents' Athletic Conference: Washington & Jefferson (34-14) has a lock on the PAC playoff spot with nine appearances in the last eleven years. It is easy to spot the President's best player, three-time captain senior SS Jacob LaDuca (.366, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 21 SB) and he is expected to add to his previous accolades. Add in senior All-Region OFs Scout Zaas (.433, 8 HR, 43 RBI) and Drew Garth (.388, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 10 SB) and you have one of the most dangerous 1-2-3 in DIII nation. They are just three of seven players from last years starting nine and this offense should roar from the opening inning of the season to the last. The W&J pitching is not as stocked as the hitting but there should be a gem or two in any of the 39 players from last year's squad or the dozen players playing in Ross Memorial Park for the first time.
Grove City (27-14) was the bridesmaid to W&J in 2024, finishing second in the standings and in the PAC tournament. This has been a common theme over the last five full seasons, where Grove City has stayed at the top of the standings but never getting past W&J. Gone is the Wolverines record setting pitcher (Nick Guidas) but two other All-Region players are eligible to return. 2024 PAC Freshman of the Year Sam Bevin (.361, 3 HR, 25 RBI; 7-3, 3.87 ERA, 59K) quickly became a key contributor for Grove City at the plate, in the field (second and third base) and on the pitcher's mound. Senior OF Josh Minnich (.386, 18 2B, 46 RBI) is a two-year starter for Grove City. Grove City should once again challenge the status quo in 2025.
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| 2025 D3baseball.com Preseason All-American Dane Camphausen has hit 44 home runs in his career split between Wooster and CWRU. Case Western athletics photo |
Waynesburg (23-19) and Allegheny (26-15) made an early exit from the PAC tournament in 2024. Allegheny features a veteran offense (seven returning starters) and is coming off a huge offensive year. Add three really competitive starters on the mound, Dawson Thomas (6-1, 3.08 ERA, 30K), Mark Schweickert (7-3, 4.29 ERA, 49K), and Walker Cunningham (2-1, 6.55 ERA, 38K), and a bullpen that should throw a lot of strikes under pressure and you have a team looking to pressure the Presidents. It is not all rosy as Brent Herrmann, the ace of the staff has graduated and spending his extra year of eligibility at D1 Highpoint. The last team in the PAC that earned an NCAA playoff spot other than W&J was Waynesburg in 2012. After working hard in the offseason, the Yellow Jackets are determined to stay at the top of the PAC standings. Staff ace, Dalton Lucey (6-4, 3.92 ERA, 48K) was a big part of a program record for wins in 2024 and the goal is to raise the bar in 2025.
Westminster (Pa.) (20-22) and Thiel (15-24) rounded out the PAC playoff teams. While Westminster found some late season success, Thiel ended their tenure in the tournament early. The Tomcats return a veteran team, 36 returning players from 2024, with goal to improve on last year. Key to a better year will be the play of senior OF/IF Nick Jacobs (.429, 4 HR, 35 RBI). When Thiel gets in trouble late, senior RP Ethan Bintrim (0-0, 4 saves, 4.02 ERA, 12K) will be ready in the bull pen. Out of the 2024 postseason were Chatham (18-21), St. Vincent (11-25), Geneva (16-20), Franciscan (10-26) and Bethany (10-28).
University Athletic Association: Case Western Reserve (32-9) will bring back an experienced group of proven hitters and is primed for another run to the NCAA Tournament with the potential to exceed last year's campaign. Four returnees are now doing graduate work with an additional three in their senior year of eligibility. A top offensive threat and defensive catcher is 2025 D3baseball.com Preseason All-American Jack Anderson (.419, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 10 SB). He is joined by graduate student 1B Dane Camphausen (.408, 13 HR, 57 RBI) and senior OF Nick Harms (.271, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 15 SB) and we are just scratching to surface of quality bats in the lineup. Significant pitching is returning and is supplemented by one of the most talented first-year classes of pitchers in the program's history. All three returning starters, Quinn Saunders (5-1, 3.52 ERA, 79 K), Archer Stankowski ((5-3, 5.40 ERA, 49 K) and Tyler Stillson (6-0, 4.36 ERA, 38K), still have two years of eligibility. If they get in trouble, catcher Jack Anderson (1-1, 6 saves, 1.08 ERA, 11K) can jog out to the mound and lock down the win.