GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College baseball team was picked to finish sixth in the annual Midwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league today.
Head Coach
Jacob Waddle and the Blueboys are coming off a 21-15 season (8-15 MWC) and return eight starters to the lineup. Key returners include
Adam Passmore,
Ryne Mapes, and
Louie Bartletti. Bartletti, a second-team All-MWC selection, made a major impact last season, hitting .356 while launching 11 home runs—the second-most in a single season in program history.
IC's offense was one of the most productive in the conference, ranking second in batting average while also proving to be the toughest team to strike out, finishing with just 230 strikeouts on the year.
On the mound, the Blueboys return several experienced pitchers, including
Jack McGuire,
Anthony Buonaura,
Charlie Lardi, and
Branson Shaw. McGuire, entering his senior season, led the team last year with four wins and 59 innings pitched. IC aims to improve its pitching staff after finishing eighth in ERA last season, leaning on the depth and experience returning in 2025. While the Blueboys have a strong group of left-handed pitchers, their diverse arsenals will make it challenging for opponents to adjust and find consistency at the plate.
The Blueboys welcome three key transfers who are expected to make an immediate impact:
Nick Williams,
Alex Loman, and
Sean Raffa. Williams, a standout athlete from Lewis & Clark CC, will strengthen both the offense and defense, having hit .326 with 56 hits in 53 games last season. Loman, coming from John Wood CC, brings a solid defensive presence behind the plate, with a .989 fielding percentage in 32 games. Raffa, also from Lewis & Clark, has been excellent defensively behind the plate and will provide valuable depth, helping to keep the catcher position fresh throughout the season.
Cornell College was chosen as the conference favorite, earning 44 total points and two first-place votes. Defending champion Lawrence University followed with 36 points and three first-place votes. Beloit and Ripon tied for third, while Grinnell edged out Illinois College. Monmouth and Knox completed the preseason poll rankings.
The 2025 MWC Baseball Tournament is set for Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, featuring the top four teams in the league's final standings. The winner of the double-elimination event will be crowned tournament champion and earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2025 MWC Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Cornell College (2) - 44 points
2. Lawrence University (3) - 36 points
T3. Beloit College (1) - 33 points
T3. Ripon College (1) - 33 points
5. Grinnell College (1) - 32 points
6. Illinois College - 25 points
7. Monmouth College - 14 points
8. Knox College - 7 points
