Ball State (2018 Record: 32-26, 17-10)
It was another 30-plus win season for Ball State, but they continue to struggle in the MAC Tournament where they went 1-2.
Returning Players
Shortstop Noah Powell returns after hitting .319 a season ago with 45 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 35 RBI. Catcher Chase Sebby hit .293 in 2018 and will be back behind the plate. Griffin Hulecki hit .295 last year with a couple of home runs and will serve as the team’s DH.
John Baker will be back to lead the weekend rotation after posting a 3.68 ERA in 2018 with 118 strikeouts in 95.1 innings pitched. Drey Jameson should be in the weekend rotation as well after going 7-2 last season with a 3.88 ERA in 72 innings pitched with 97 strikeouts. Kyle Nicolas made 10 starts last year, while striking out 55 batters in 57 innings.
Newcomers
Ross Messina is a transfer who will compete for playing time on the left side of the infield. Aaron Simpson is another transfer who should see time in the outfield. Ryan Peltier is a freshman that will see time at second base.
Outlook for 2019
The coaching staff hopes their pitching staff gives up fewer walks, while getting less strikeouts from their hitters.
Bowling Green (2018 Record: 11-39, 6-19)
Bowling Green failed to win 20 games for the third straight season, and they finished last in the conference with just six wins.
Returning Players
Outfielder Jake Wilson will try to lead the offense this season after hitting .297 last year in just 38 games. Infielder Ty Suntken led the team with a .343 average in 2018, but he only picked up 70 at-bats. Outfielder R.J. Williams hit .288 a season ago, while infielder Neil Lambert hit .273 with 12 stolen bases.
Brad Croy posted a 4.58 ERA last season – the best returning ERA on the team – in 37.1 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts and 5 saves. David Stopp made seven starts last year and should be in the mix for the weekend rotation.
Newcomers
Freshman Ryan Johnston has a chance to see some playing time right away on the infield, while Tyler Hays will help out in the pitching staff.
Outlook for 2019
The Bowling Green coaching staff said they “expect to improve in all phases of the game, while playing a brand of baseball that translates to wins.”
Central Michigan (2018 Record: 29-30-1, 16-11)
Despite struggling through a difficult out-of-conference slate, Central Michigan finished fourth in the MAC. And then they worked their way to the semifinals of the MAC Tournament with three wins.
Returning Players
First baseman Zach Heeke returns after an incredible sophomore season in which he hit .346 with 39 runs scored and 30 RBI. Griffin Lockwood-Powell served mostly as the team’s DH last year hitting .311 with 4 home runs and 36 RBI. Second baseman Jason Sullivan hit .290 a year ago with 40 runs scored and 36 RBI. Zach Gilles and Jacob Crum returns to the lineup as well and will be big pieces.
Pat Leatherman will likely lead the weekend rotation after posting a 3.51 ERA in 2018 over 59 innings with 77 strikeouts. Tyler Hankins (4.60) made 12 starts last season and should join him in the rotation. Brandon Reed could be the team’s closer after a solid freshman season in which he posted a 3.82 ERA in 33 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts and 3 saves.
Outlook for 2019
There are a lot of key pieces coming back on this team. Central Michigan could be a team to watch in the MAC this season.
Eastern Michigan (22-34, 14-13)
Winning just eight games out-of-conference, Easter Michigan battled their way to sixth in the MAC. They were the last team to get into the tournament, and the first one eliminated.
Returning Players
Infielder Zach Owings is back after leading the team with a .350 average last year to go along with 36 runs scored, 6 home runs, and 30 RBI. Outfielder Nate Jones should be back at the top of the lineup after hitting .249 in 2018 with 33 runs scored. Jeff Timko should be back in the outfield as well after hitting .244 a season ago. Nick Jones (C/INF), Drake Peggs (INF), and John Rensel (INF) are all expected to be a big part of the lineup in 2019.
Jackson Shaver made 12 starts last year and had a 5.97 ERA in 63.1 innings pitched with 46 strikeouts. Mitchell Sparks posted a 3.86 ERA in 2018 with 24 strikeouts in 35 innings. Thomas House and Caleb Hester will have big roles in the pitching staff this year as well.
Newcomers
Lewis Beals is a freshman who could see time in the outfield. Stephen Karis is another freshman who will compete for time behind the plate.
Remington Monce is a transfer looking to add depth to the pitching staff – as is freshman Justin Meis.
Outlook for 2019
The one thing the coaching staff is hoping to see in 2019 is for them to improve offensively after finishing sixth in the league in runs scored last year.
Kent State (2018 Record: 40-18, 19-8)
Kent State continued its run of dominance in the MAC by winning 40 games and the MAC Tournament. They also picked up a win over New Mexico State in the Louisville Regional.
Returning Players
Third baseman Pavin Parks hit .285 last year with 48 runs scored, 11 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs, and 52 RBI. Pete Schuler should see time behind the plate again after hitting .272 last season with 3 home runs and 29 RBI. Catcher/First baseman Michael Turner hit .280 last season and will take on a bigger role in the offense this year. Shortstop Josh Hollander hit .231 last year with 28 runs scored and 26 RBI. Nick Elsen hit .353 a year ago in just 85 at-bats with 3 home runs. Second baseman Greg Lewandoski hit .272 in 2018.
The pitching staff will have significant losses with their top three innings eaters from last year gone. Connor Wollersheim was next on that list after pitching 56 innings last season with an ERA of 4.02 and 44 strikeouts. John Matthews could step into the rotation as well after posting a 2.51 ERA a year ago in 28.2 innings with 37 strikeouts and 3 saves. Collin Romel (1.45) and Jack Zimmerman (2.25) were both great out of the bullpen last year and could take on bigger roles in 2019.
Newcomers
Coach Duncan said these newcomers could have a major impact in 2019: Luke Albright (RHP – FR), Ryan Kircher (LHP – FR), Cam Touchette (OF – JR), Alex Ronnebaum (INF – SO), Grant Vera (INF – FR), Collin Mathews (OF/RHP – FR).
Outlook for 2019
“Just want to keep building what we have done the last few years. Want to pride ourselves on being good in all areas. Pitching, taking care of the baseball, and being very dynamic offensively will be our values going into the season.” – Head Coach Jeff Duncan
Miami (OH) (2018 Record: 35-20, 17-10)
It was a good year for Miami as they won 35 games, including a couple of wins over Arizona State. They finished second in the conference and made it to the finals of the MAC Tournament.
Returning Players
Third baseman Landon Stephens will be back in the middle of the order after hitting .298 a season ago with 12 doubles, 4 triples, 7 home runs, and 46 RBI. Will Vogelgesang will be back on the infield after hitting .322 last season with 33 runs scored and 18 stolen bases. Outfielder Parker Massman hit .258 last year with a couple of home runs. Cal Elvers is expected to be back behind the plate and take on a bigger role in the offense this season.
Bailey Martin made eight starts last year and may need to step up into the weekend rotation with their top two starters departing. He had a 5.51 ERA last year in 47.1 innings with 36 strikeouts. Shane Smith is a swing guy who could be a starter or closer. He posted a 2.77 ERA in 2018 over 48.2 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts and 3 saves. Cole Gnetz figures to be a big part of the pitching staff as well.
Newcomers
Fr. RHP Sam Bachman, Jr. LHP Nick Urbantke, Fr. LHP Tyler Bosma, Jr. RHP Alex Stobert, Jr. 1B Charlie Harrigan, and R Fr. Reid Norberg.
Outlook for 2019
The team would like to be more consistent in the lineup from top-to-bottom all season. Specifically, they’d like to see the pitching staff cut down on walks and hit batters.
Northern Illinois (2018 Record: 20-36, 9-18)
Northern Illinois finished ninth in the MAC last year and failed to make the conference tournament at the end of the season.
Returning Players
Tommy Szczasny hit .266 last season with 29 runs scored, 3 home runs, and 21 RBI. Outfielder Kam Smith is back after hitting .257 a season ago with 2 home runs and 27 RBI. Jake Dunham returns behind the plate after hitting .268 last year with 26 RBI.
Michael Lasiewicz returns to the weekend rotation after posting a 3.83 ERA in 2018 over 82.1 innings pitched with 82 strikeouts. Will Anderson – former MAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year – will try to bounce back after posting a 6.07 ERA last year in 43 innings with 43 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Dylan Lonteen- Junior Transfer INF and Paddy McKermitt- Freshman INF
Outlook for 2019
The coaching staff feels like they are going to have a great year with a better overall record. They believe this team will get back into the MAC Tournament after missing out in 2018.
Ohio (2018 Record: 21-32, 9-18)
The Bobcats finished just eighth in the MAC last year and missed out on the conference tournament.
Returning Players
Rudy Rott returns at first base as one of the best players in the conference after hitting .355 last year with 48 runs scored, 15 doubles, 15 home runs, and 50 RBI. Tanner Piechnick will return at catcher after hitting .277 a season ago with 35 runs scored, 12 doubles, 8 home runs, and 28 RBI. Trevor Hafner and Jack Longo will try to step up at the top of the lineup in 2019.
Eddie Kutt will likely need to step up into the weekend rotation with three starters one. Kutt posted a 3.60 ERA as a freshman last year with 40 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched. Kenny Ogg (3.97) and Kerek Carr (4.13) both logged a lot of innings last year and will need to step up in 2019.
Outlook for 2019
They have almost everyone coming back at the top of their lineup, led by MAC Player of the Year in Rudy Rott, so the offense should be fine. They lose a lot of innings from last year’s team though, and replace those innings will be key in determining if this team makes it into the MAC Tournament.
Toledo (2018 Record: 22-33, 14-13)
It was a decent season in2018 for Toledo as they finishing with a winning conference record, but Central Michigan got the best of them twice in the MAC Tournament.
Returning Players
Brad Boss, the team captain, will move from center to left field this year after hitting .255 a season ago with 7 home runs and 32 RBI. Riley Campbell missed a lot of time last year, but should be healthy and back at second base in 2019. Catcher Michael Ryan will be back as well, and they are hoping he can build upon his 21 RBI season from 2018. Outfielder John Servello led the team with a .343 average last year as a freshman. Chris Meyers took over the shortstop position as a freshman last year and hit .278. Trace Hatfield was also a freshman last year and hit .286, while playing third base.
Michael Jacob will be Toledo’s number one starter again after posting a 4.75 ERA in 2018 over 77.2 innings pitched with 61 strikeouts. Layne Schnitz-Paxton had a great summer and fall, and they are expecting big things from him this season. Nate Haugh was great out of the bullpen last year with a 3.29 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched with 35 strikeouts and 5 saves. Austin Calopietro has a power arm and posted a 3.41 ERA in 2018 with 38 strikeouts in 29 innings.
Newcomers
Doug Smith – Sr. – RHP – Junior College Transfer who is expected to move right into the rotation.
Kyle Jones – Fr. – RHP – Fastball/slider guy who is a big strike thrower.
Darryn Davis – FR. – INF – L/R – Will get most likely get the nod at first base or DH after an outstanding fall with the bat.
Thomas Eitniear – FR. – INF – R/R – Outstanding defender on the middle infield.
Ryan Thompson – FR. – 1B – L/R – Could see time at first base and in the outfield.
Mark Mohnickey – FR. – C – L/R – Will serve as back-up catcher with pop.
Outlook for 2019
“Offensively, we again have the ability to be an explosive offensive team — consistency is the key. We must have quality at-bats consistently to make that happen — cutting down our strikeout numbers will help that. I would also like to see us be more aggressive on the bases. That is something we emphasized during the fall.
“On the mound, I was very pleased with the progress I saw in the development of our young pitchers during the fall. We stressed the importance of being more aggressive on the mound and focus on attacking the hitters from the first pitch — I could see that starting to happen. Execution of our pitching plan will be a huge key to our success.
“Finally, we stressed the importance of ‘Bringing It!’ every day. For us that means we have to be willing to play with great energy, enthusiasm, and effort each time we take the field. This is important for us as we strive for consistency in our performance day in and day out.”
Western Michigan (2018 Record: 23-25, 12-13)
Western Michigan just missed out on the MAC Tournament last year finishing seventh in the conference.
Returning Players
Third baseman Jimmy Roche returns to the middle of the lineup after hitting .316 last season with 33 runs scored, 3 home runs, and 33 RBI. Outfielder Nate Grys will back him up in the lineup after hitting .306 last year with 31 runs scored, 14 doubles, 10 home runs, and 48 RBI. Blake Dunn and Andrew Stone return as key pieces of the lineup as well.
They lose four of their top five pitchers from last season. Chris Modrzynski and Matt McConnell return with the most experience and will need to step up in the pitching staff.
Outlook for 2019
There is really only one big loss from the lineup, but they lose virtually everyone from the pitching staff form 2018. They’ll need some newcomers to help out in the pitching staff.
2019 All-MAC Preseason Team
C: Tanner Piechnick (Ohio)
1B: Rudy Rott (Ohio)
2B: Jason Sullivan (CMU)
SS: Noah Powell (Ball State)
3B: Pavin Parks (Kent State)
OF: Landon Stephens (Miami)
OF: Nate Grys (Western Michigan)
OF: Brad Boss (Toledo)
DH: Griffin Lockwood-Powell (CMU)
SP: John Baker (Ball State)
SP: Pat Leatherman (CMU)
SP: Michael Lasiewicz (NIU)
SP: Drey Jameson (Ball State)
SP: Michael Jacob (Toledo)
RP: Brandon Reed (CMU)
RP: Collin Romel (Kent State)
RP: Nate Haugh (Toledo)
Honorable Mention:
1B – Zach Heeke (CMU)
SS – Chris Meyers (Toledo)
3B – Zach Owings (Eastern Michigan)
3B – Jimmy Roche (Western Michigan)
SP – Connor Wollersheim (Kent State)
Predicted Order to Finish:
1. Kent State
2. Ball State
3. Central Michigan
4. Toledo
5. Miami
6. Ohio
7. Western Michigan
8. Eastern Michigan
9.NIU
10. Bowling Green
