By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State baseball team was picked sixth in the 2025 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll, released Thursday (Jan. 30) by the league office. It is the highest the Tigers have been slotted in the preseason conference poll since 2013 when they were picked fifth.
The Tigers finished the 2024 season in a tie for seventh in the league standings, allowing FHSU to qualify for the postseason for the first time in 11 years. Justin Wichert‘s squad finished the year 25-26 overall after completing the regular season with a record of 25-24.
Fort Hays State returns 24 players from last year’s squad in addition to 12 newcomers, including seven transfers and five true freshmen. This year’s veteran roster includes 20 seniors, six juniors, four sophomores and six freshmen.
FHSU returns four All-MIAA performers, including first team pitcher Ty Riley, third team first baseman Elliott Herrmann and third team outfielders Brady Kreutzerand Isaiah Ural. Herrmann and Trey DeGarmo were MIAA Gold Glove selections, with DeGarmo also picking up ABCA Central Region All-Defensive Team recognition at third base.
The Tigers will play 29 of their 50 scheduled games at historic Larks Park, where FHSU turned in a record of 16-7 last year. The Tigers will host three non-conference opponents in weekend series in addition to five conference series and three midweek league games. FHSU will be at home each of the first two weekends of the season, hosting Adams State February 1-2 and East Central February 8-9. Conference action starts February 21-23 at league newcomer Arkansas-Fort Smith.
2025 MIAA BASEBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Missouri [11] – 141 points
2. Missouri Southern [2] – 128 points
3. Pittsburg State – 120 points
4. Central Oklahoma – 119 points
5. Washburn – 97 points
6. Fort Hays State – 78 points
7. Emporia State – 67 points
8. Rogers State – 65 points
9. Missouri Western – 53 points
10. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 52 points
11. Northeastern State – 41 points
12. Northwest Missouri – 33 points
13. Newman – 20 points
[#] – First Place Votes