2026 MIAA Baseball Preview
John Carroll seeks second straight A Conference title; new champions to be crowned in B and C
March 13, 2026
by Nelson Coffin
Reigning A Conference champion John Carroll is the only MIAA baseball team capable of pulling off a repeat, considering that defending B Conference winner McDonogh is moving back to the A Conference and two-time C Conference kingpin Park will compete in the B Conference this spring.
A Conference members will continue the tradition of playing three-game series against the other seven league rivals while B and C conference squads will meet each division rival twice and take on non-divisional foes once.
A CONFERENCE
With twelve returning seniors, Archbishop Curley will have plenty of experience to help the Friars be a serious contender for league laurels in May.
Leading the group are several standout seniors, including right fielder Nico Brownlee, third baseman Jonas Ritter, catcher Ian Hull and pitcher Noah Ryan, coach Joe Gaeta said.
The Friars will also rely on a talented junior class featuring Brandon Rolland and pitcher Caleb Chesgreen, both of whom are expected to play key roles this season, Gaeta added.
“If the team can stay healthy, Curley should be in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot this spring,” Gaeta concluded.
In only his second year at the helm, Zach Rowe, will have his work cut out for him as McDonogh returns to the A Conference.
That said, with pitcher/first baseman Leo Antwerpen (Duke), shortstop/pitcher Anderson Lambert (Alabama) and second baseman Max Rose (Hobart) back in the fold for their senior campaigns, McDonogh has enough talent to be a serious contender.
Third baseman/pitcher Michael Gorsky and pitcher/first baseman/outfielder Chase Ginsberg, both juniors will join sophomore outfielder/pitcherJ.A. Stephens on the starting nine.
While speed and “bat-to-ball skills” should serve them well, Rowe said that inexperience at the A Conference level and a roster with fewer players will be issues for the Eagles to overcome.
“We are excited about the opportunity to be competing in the A Conference again,” Rowe added. “We have worked hard over the past two years to get our program ready to compete at the highest level. Our guys have bought into a new era of McDonogh baseball and are eager to compete. Our goal is to make the playoffs this year. In order to do that, we need to have good pitching, play good defense, and have timely hitting. I think we have the roster to make that happen.”
Calvert Hall coach Brooks Kerr is looking to take a step that has eluded him during his four-year tenure at his alma mater.
For the last three seasons, Kerr’s Cardinals have been banging on the championship door, and yet have been able to knock it down.
Last year’s setback to John Carroll in the finals was an example of the frustration factor facing Calvert Hall, which snapped Archbishop Spalding’s three-year title streak in the semifinal round before bowing to the Patriots.
Senior outfielders and PennWest Clarion University commits Ethan Frank and Luke Kreiner will lead a slew of juniors, including third baseman/pitcher Anthony Williams (Duke), pitcher Hunter Dunst (East Tennessee State), second baseman Jake Linsey, outfielder Drew Kittelberger and pitcher Brayden Rivera
pitcher/outfielder Grayson Ryan.
Kerr says that the Cardinals are a “young but experienced team” that will rely on the depth of the pitching staff.
“(We) expect to return to the championship series,” Kerr said.
Gilman will look for senior leadership from shortstop Jute Taylor (UMBC) and right fielder Toby Rosenbrand (Union College).
Junior pitcher/infielder Zane Kriskstan and sophomore outfielder/pitcherJack O'Sullivan are also integral parts of a team that will rely on its athleticism and versatility to make a playoff push.
“We are excited about the opportunity to be competing in the A Conference again,” Rowe added. “We have worked hard over the past two years to get our program ready to compete at the highest level. Our guys have bought into a new era of McDonogh baseball and are eager to compete. Our goal is to make the playoffs this year. In order to do that, we need to have good pitching, play good defense, and have timely hitting. I think we have the roster to make that happen.”
Calvert Hall coach Brooks Kerr is looking to take a step that has eluded him during his four-year tenure at his alma mater.
For the last three seasons, Kerr’s Cardinals have been banging on the championship door, and yet have been able to knock it down.
Last year’s setback to John Carroll in the finals was an example of the frustration factor facing Calvert Hall, which snapped Archbishop Spalding’s three-year title streak in the semifinal round before bowing to the Patriots.
Senior outfielders and PennWest Clarion University commits Ethan Frank and Luke Kreiner will lead a slew of juniors, including third baseman/pitcher Anthony Williams (Duke), pitcher Hunter Dunst (East Tennessee State), second baseman Jake Linsey, outfielder Drew Kittelberger and pitcher Brayden Rivera
pitcher/outfielder Grayson Ryan.
Kerr says that the Cardinals are a “young but experienced team” that will rely on the depth of the pitching staff.
“(We) expect to return to the championship series,” Kerr said.
Gilman will look for senior leadership from shortstop Jute Taylor (UMBC) and right fielder Toby Rosenbrand (Union College).
Junior pitcher/infielder Zane Kriskstan and sophomore outfielder/pitcherJack O'Sullivan are also integral parts of a team that will rely on its athleticism and versatility to make a playoff push.
B CONFERENCE
After earning a stellar 13-2 conference record last year, Severn coach Zak Starr returns pitcher/outfielder Fletcher Warner (.342, 31 runs, 19 SB, 0.98 ERA) a top leadoff hitter and fielder, and a likely candidate to log more quality innings on the mound pitcher this year.
Fellow seniors Brendan Szydlik (C/P, .303, 19 RBIs, 2.22 ERA), a strong receiver and hurler, and Dominic Medile (3B, .308) are also back in the fold.
Juniors Colby Benz (P/IF, 35.2 IP, 32K’s) and Max Barney (SS/P/Util) are primed to play larger roles this spring.
Benz, Warner, Szydlik, Barney, and freshman lefty Colt Wanner will split the pitching workload with a good defense behind, Starr said.
Look for freshman infielder Travis Kane and sophomore infielder/outfielder Brady Benz “to bring versatility and baseball IQ to the lineup. The goals are to stay at the top of the conference behind good pitching, defense, and a well-rounded batting lineup,” Starr concluded.
St. Paul’s will bring a significant amount of experience and talent to its lineup with seniors Eli Livingston (OF, .415, 5 HR, 6 3B, 6 2B, 24 RBIs, 16 SB), Drew Mitchell (OF/LHP, .412, 4 3B, 4 2B, 17 RBIs, 31 Runs, 9 SB), Jackson Angulo-Bartlett (RHP/3B, 44 IP, 4-2, 27 Ks, 1.59 ERA, 2 HRs, 17 RBIs), Dominic Shaver (RHP/1B, 12.2 IP, 16 Ks, 3.84 ERA), Jaidyn Thornes (C/1B, .322, 1 HR, 3 2Bs, 17 RBIs), Ashton Seeman (RHP, 4-2, 29 Ks, 3.23 ERA) and Brendan More (SS).
Livingston (Maryland), Mitchell (Towson), Angulo-Bartlett (Whittier College), Shaver (Lebanon Valley College) have all committed to play in college.
“While we faced some heartbreak last year, dropping the final game in the championship of the MIAA B Conference, our goals remain the same,” coach AJ Barnhardt said, noting that the Crusaders will enjoy one of the strongest and largest senior classes in St. Paul's history. “(We will) control what we can control, trust the process and approach what we’ve built in the offseason months, and treat every game with the same high focus and intensity that made us successful last season”
With a dozen returnees, half of whom started, Glenelg Country School has visions of bouncing back from last year’s 2-13 league record from a team that started eight sophomores and freshmen.
A junior duo will be at the forefront of activity, with shortstop/pitcher Bear Williams-Abrams (.625 OPS, 7 SB, 3.98 ERA, 26 Ks) and pitcher Patrick Wojdon (4.20 ERA, 24Ks) ready to go. Sophomore infielders Michael Gensemer, Armen Kazanjian and Cam Stallone round out part of the starting lineup and also fill other pitching and catching needs.
Senior center fielder Zach Laycock helps what should be a strong fielding unit up the middle with Williams-Abrams, Gensemer, Stallone and Kazanjian.
Sophomore outfielder/pitcher Nick Wise should also give the Dragons a boost.
A strong freshmen class will add depth to coach Chris Garber’s squad this spring.
Four seniors will have a big say in how Our Lady of Mount Carmel fares this season.
All-Conference third baseman/pitcher Andy Molina Sosa (.404, Prince George’s CC), first baseman Chase Counts (.349, Notre Dame of Maryland), center fielder Lance Gregory (.346) and left fielder Caleb Pugh (CCBC Essex, 4-year starter) will key the Cougars’ 2026 title bid.
“Although catcher Owen Cyr and outfielder James Robbins are our only two seniors, they have championship experience and the move from the C conference to the B is a challenge myself and the team as whole looks forward to,” Park coach Chris Hagan said.
Pitchers Jack Rogers and Cameron Blum, second baseman Dylan Katz and outfielder Isaac Shapiro round out an impactful junior quartet.
“They are proud of their accomplishments over the last two seasons and see no reason to not be competitive again this year,” Hagan said. “I echo their sentiment.”
Underclassmen Josh Downs, Noah Tomasino and Luca Jordan all play multiple positions while transfers Isaac Cohen and Carter Radz “give us an infusion of talent and look to be a part of what we are building at Park,” Hagan said, noting that Kasra Haerian, and Max Murphy are “all in during practice and continue to improve their baseball IQ.”
Hagan added that he “knew what we were asking for when we asked to move up to the B conference. Now we have to prove that we belong. However, as they say…’That's why you play the games.’”
Indian Creek baseball will look to build on a strong and competitive finish to 2025, coach Bob Laffey said.
Lukas Hummer (Lebanon Valley) will drive the offense while fellow seniors Collin Bell (OF/P), Sam Herman (UTIL), and Andrew Kokoski (OF) continue to anchor the team both on and off the field with their leadership being a key component to blending the old and the young, Laffey added.
Sophomore Caiden Bell plans to contribute as a strong-armed centerfielder and the top performer on the pitching staff.
Freshmen Max Mathias (3B/P), Hayden Foster (SS), Ryan Torzone (IF/C), and Taylor Keuleman (UTIL) will all find themselves with significant opportunities to contribute to the team very early in their careers.
Also look for transfer catcher Alex Rodriguez to carry a significant load offensively.
“My expectation is that while we continue to build toward lofty goals, we test ourselves and hold each other to a high standard," Laffey concluded. “The personalities on this team and the energy around them right now is great. We take care of each other and are beginning to do the little things that successful teams do. As we mature as a unit, I expect us to truly compete on the field and hopefully catch many by surprise.”
Fellow seniors Brendan Szydlik (C/P, .303, 19 RBIs, 2.22 ERA), a strong receiver and hurler, and Dominic Medile (3B, .308) are also back in the fold.
Juniors Colby Benz (P/IF, 35.2 IP, 32K’s) and Max Barney (SS/P/Util) are primed to play larger roles this spring.
Benz, Warner, Szydlik, Barney, and freshman lefty Colt Wanner will split the pitching workload with a good defense behind, Starr said.
Look for freshman infielder Travis Kane and sophomore infielder/outfielder Brady Benz “to bring versatility and baseball IQ to the lineup. The goals are to stay at the top of the conference behind good pitching, defense, and a well-rounded batting lineup,” Starr concluded.
St. Paul’s will bring a significant amount of experience and talent to its lineup with seniors Eli Livingston (OF, .415, 5 HR, 6 3B, 6 2B, 24 RBIs, 16 SB), Drew Mitchell (OF/LHP, .412, 4 3B, 4 2B, 17 RBIs, 31 Runs, 9 SB), Jackson Angulo-Bartlett (RHP/3B, 44 IP, 4-2, 27 Ks, 1.59 ERA, 2 HRs, 17 RBIs), Dominic Shaver (RHP/1B, 12.2 IP, 16 Ks, 3.84 ERA), Jaidyn Thornes (C/1B, .322, 1 HR, 3 2Bs, 17 RBIs), Ashton Seeman (RHP, 4-2, 29 Ks, 3.23 ERA) and Brendan More (SS).
Livingston (Maryland), Mitchell (Towson), Angulo-Bartlett (Whittier College), Shaver (Lebanon Valley College) have all committed to play in college.
“While we faced some heartbreak last year, dropping the final game in the championship of the MIAA B Conference, our goals remain the same,” coach AJ Barnhardt said, noting that the Crusaders will enjoy one of the strongest and largest senior classes in St. Paul's history. “(We will) control what we can control, trust the process and approach what we’ve built in the offseason months, and treat every game with the same high focus and intensity that made us successful last season”
With a dozen returnees, half of whom started, Glenelg Country School has visions of bouncing back from last year’s 2-13 league record from a team that started eight sophomores and freshmen.
A junior duo will be at the forefront of activity, with shortstop/pitcher Bear Williams-Abrams (.625 OPS, 7 SB, 3.98 ERA, 26 Ks) and pitcher Patrick Wojdon (4.20 ERA, 24Ks) ready to go. Sophomore infielders Michael Gensemer, Armen Kazanjian and Cam Stallone round out part of the starting lineup and also fill other pitching and catching needs.
Senior center fielder Zach Laycock helps what should be a strong fielding unit up the middle with Williams-Abrams, Gensemer, Stallone and Kazanjian.
Sophomore outfielder/pitcher Nick Wise should also give the Dragons a boost.
A strong freshmen class will add depth to coach Chris Garber’s squad this spring.
Four seniors will have a big say in how Our Lady of Mount Carmel fares this season.
All-Conference third baseman/pitcher Andy Molina Sosa (.404, Prince George’s CC), first baseman Chase Counts (.349, Notre Dame of Maryland), center fielder Lance Gregory (.346) and left fielder Caleb Pugh (CCBC Essex, 4-year starter) will key the Cougars’ 2026 title bid.
“Although catcher Owen Cyr and outfielder James Robbins are our only two seniors, they have championship experience and the move from the C conference to the B is a challenge myself and the team as whole looks forward to,” Park coach Chris Hagan said.
Pitchers Jack Rogers and Cameron Blum, second baseman Dylan Katz and outfielder Isaac Shapiro round out an impactful junior quartet.
“They are proud of their accomplishments over the last two seasons and see no reason to not be competitive again this year,” Hagan said. “I echo their sentiment.”
Underclassmen Josh Downs, Noah Tomasino and Luca Jordan all play multiple positions while transfers Isaac Cohen and Carter Radz “give us an infusion of talent and look to be a part of what we are building at Park,” Hagan said, noting that Kasra Haerian, and Max Murphy are “all in during practice and continue to improve their baseball IQ.”
Hagan added that he “knew what we were asking for when we asked to move up to the B conference. Now we have to prove that we belong. However, as they say…’That's why you play the games.’”
Indian Creek baseball will look to build on a strong and competitive finish to 2025, coach Bob Laffey said.
Lukas Hummer (Lebanon Valley) will drive the offense while fellow seniors Collin Bell (OF/P), Sam Herman (UTIL), and Andrew Kokoski (OF) continue to anchor the team both on and off the field with their leadership being a key component to blending the old and the young, Laffey added.
Sophomore Caiden Bell plans to contribute as a strong-armed centerfielder and the top performer on the pitching staff.
Freshmen Max Mathias (3B/P), Hayden Foster (SS), Ryan Torzone (IF/C), and Taylor Keuleman (UTIL) will all find themselves with significant opportunities to contribute to the team very early in their careers.
Also look for transfer catcher Alex Rodriguez to carry a significant load offensively.
“My expectation is that while we continue to build toward lofty goals, we test ourselves and hold each other to a high standard," Laffey concluded. “The personalities on this team and the energy around them right now is great. We take care of each other and are beginning to do the little things that successful teams do. As we mature as a unit, I expect us to truly compete on the field and hopefully catch many by surprise.”
C CONFERENCE
Three-time All-Conference selection Jonathan Couser (.536, 8 HR, 26 RBIs, Concordia Wisconsin) and Jordan Mentzell (2X All-Conference, .356, 4 HR, 19 RBIs, 3.61ERA 4 wins, 47Ks) will be Concordia Prep mainstays this spring.
Senior Frostburg football commit RJ Samuels, a first baseman, looks to make a big splash at the plate and is a solid fielder.
“This team has a good mix of senior leaders who know what it takes to win and are willing to play a variety of positions to help us be successful,” coach Peter Couser said. “I’m excited to see what some of our new guys can do — and it is time for a couple of our juniors to step up and also take on more leadership, particularly with some of the new talent we’ve added.”
There is no shortage of optimism around the Key School baseball program as the 2026 season begins, coach Gary Gallant said.
“The confidence surrounding this year’s team is rooted in more than hope,” Gallant added. “It is built on pitching, leadership, and a roster that blends experienced seniors with talented younger players eager to make their mark.”
After advancing to the quarterfinals a year ago before falling to St. Frances, Key enters the new season believing it has the pieces to make another deep run.
“We have a great group,” Gallant continued. “This team combines enthusiasm, team spirit, baseball talent, and experience in a way that gives us a chance to be very competitive.”
Top-tier lefty pitchers Wyatt Dowton and Edvards Butkevics give the Obezags a promising duo on the hill.
Dowton, Gallant said, gives the team a presence few programs can match.
"One of the top pitchers in the conference, he brings a calm, capable demeanor that seems to settle everyone around him.,“ Gallant said. “Wyatt is one of those rare players who gives your team confidence the moment he steps on the mound. He has a wonderful presence about him — confident, composed, but never overly confident. I’ve had so many coaches from other teams tell me they wish they had a Wyatt on their team.”
(This article may be updated as more teams respond to requests for information)
Senior Frostburg football commit RJ Samuels, a first baseman, looks to make a big splash at the plate and is a solid fielder.
“This team has a good mix of senior leaders who know what it takes to win and are willing to play a variety of positions to help us be successful,” coach Peter Couser said. “I’m excited to see what some of our new guys can do — and it is time for a couple of our juniors to step up and also take on more leadership, particularly with some of the new talent we’ve added.”
There is no shortage of optimism around the Key School baseball program as the 2026 season begins, coach Gary Gallant said.
“The confidence surrounding this year’s team is rooted in more than hope,” Gallant added. “It is built on pitching, leadership, and a roster that blends experienced seniors with talented younger players eager to make their mark.”
After advancing to the quarterfinals a year ago before falling to St. Frances, Key enters the new season believing it has the pieces to make another deep run.
“We have a great group,” Gallant continued. “This team combines enthusiasm, team spirit, baseball talent, and experience in a way that gives us a chance to be very competitive.”
Top-tier lefty pitchers Wyatt Dowton and Edvards Butkevics give the Obezags a promising duo on the hill.
Dowton, Gallant said, gives the team a presence few programs can match.
"One of the top pitchers in the conference, he brings a calm, capable demeanor that seems to settle everyone around him.,“ Gallant said. “Wyatt is one of those rare players who gives your team confidence the moment he steps on the mound. He has a wonderful presence about him — confident, composed, but never overly confident. I’ve had so many coaches from other teams tell me they wish they had a Wyatt on their team.”
(This article may be updated as more teams respond to requests for information)