GRINNELL, Iowa – With several key pieces returning, Grinnell College's baseball team is looking for a strong campaign in 2025.
Coach
Tim Hollibaugh's squad, which was 16-23 overall and 9-14 in 2024, is slated to open the season Saturday at Greenville University.
Here is a look at the 2025 Pioneers:
PITCHING
Ian Feld '25 is the team's top returning pitcher after starting 10 games last season, going 5-2 with a 5.02 ERA and 51 strikeouts. Other top starters are
Jakob Runkel '26 (2-2, 4.14 ERA, 72 strikeouts and led NCAA D-III in strikeouts per nine innings) and
Jackson Gutta '27 (40 strikeouts). Other returnees are
Ben Cerrato '25,
Kenji Kajita '25,
Matthew Nakamoto '25,
Neill Natori '25,
Augie Ros '25,
Daniel Shaul '26,
Campbell Plishker '26,
Connor Goodson '26,
Ajay Griffin '27 and
Holden Rath '27. Newcomers aiding the cause will be
Shea Goel '28,
Carter Wright '28,
Joshua Chung '28,
Adam Gallegos '28,
Jonathan Gaynor '28 and
Paul Shortridge '28. "We have a lot of healthy arms and some great experience coming back," said Hollibaugh. "We'll also have some good help in the bullpen and can slot guys in where we need them."
CATCHING
The top two catchers are returnees
Ethan Crawford '25 (.351 batting average along with team-highs of nine homers and 39 RBIs) and
Cole Philpott '25, and they'll get added depth from newcomers
Ben Skiles '28,
Crew McDonald '28,
Conor Tashjian '28 and
Sam Koehler '28. "Ethan and Cole have plenty of games under their belts and manage our pitching staff well," said Hollibaugh. "That experience will help a lot since we have a large staff this season."
INFIELD
Goodson (.273 batting average and 21 RBIs) returns at first base and is joined by
Kelton Watts '25 (.500 batting average),
Wyatt Raymond '28 and
Jackson Waters '27.
Ben Kelly '25 (.297 batting average and 23 RBIs) returns at second along with
Nikolas Ruden '26 (.376 batting average and 10 doubles), while others who will see time are
Yujin Soga '28 and
Preston Yoshino '27. There is plenty of experience at shortstop with
Stuart Cash '27,
Mac McCain '25 (team-leading .364 batting average and 16 doubles along with 35 RBIs) and
Joe Chanis '27 (.295 batting average), while McCain, Cash, Ruden and
Daniel Lee '28 will be at third. "We have the ability to move guys around," said Hollibaugh. "All the positions have great depth with a lot of college experience."
OUTFIELD
Returning in the outfield are
Nathan McCurdy '25 (.321 batting average and 14 RBIs),
Sean Tashjian '25 (.272 batting average and 17 RBIs) and Philpott, with
Jack Stoll '25,
Jacob Gaynor '28,
Ian Gunn '27,
Christopher Gulley '27 and
Brandon Chung '27 adding depth. "All of these guys will have the opportunity to see playing time," said Hollibaugh. "We've got some solid game experience and good athleticism."
DESIGNATED HITTER
Watts, Raymond and Ruden lead the charge at this spot, along with a host of other Pioneers.
CONCLUSION
"This team has been extremely focused and hard working with outstanding upper class leadership," said Hollibaugh. "There is a strong desire to be successful and improve."
Hollibaugh said the MWC race should be interesting. "It could be wide open," he explained. "A lot of teams graduated good players, but there are plenty of strong younger guys returning, too. Every series will be a battle. I'm hoping our non-conference schedule will set us up for success."
