The University of Pennsylvania's baseball team has garnered recognition as the preseason favorites in the Ivy League, according to D1Baseball.com's announcement on Sunday. Additionally, three of the team's players received preseason major awards from the national publication.
Penn, anticipating a return to the NCAA Regionals for the second consecutive year, has seen senior third baseman Wyatt Henseler designated as the Preseason Ivy League Player of the Year. Meanwhile, junior right-hander Ryan Dromboski secured the title of Preseason Pitcher of the Year, and freshman designated hitter Nick Spaventa earned the Preseason Freshman of the Year honors.
D1Baseball.com also unveiled its top prospects list for the 2024 MLB Draft, including three Quakers: Dromboski (No. 2), Henseler (No. 5), and RHP Eli Trop (No. 6). In addition, three other players—SS Davis Baker (No. 1), 2B Ryan Taylor (No. 5), and RHP Jake Moss (No. 10)—were mentioned in the 2025 rankings.
The upcoming season follows Penn's notable performance in 2023, where they achieved a 34-16 overall record and a 16-5 mark in Ivy play. Winning the Ivy League Regular Season championship for the second consecutive year and securing a spot in the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 1995, the Quakers impressed with victories over top-seed Auburn and Samford.
Senior third baseman Wyatt Henseler, a key contributor to Penn's success, earned first-team All-Ivy honors for the second consecutive year in 2023. Henseler set multiple single-season and career program records, leading the team in various statistical categories. As the 2024 season approaches, he carries a 15-game hitting streak from the previous season.
Junior right-hander Ryan Dromboski, recognized as the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year in 2023, delivered an impressive performance with a 7-3 record, a 3.17 ERA, and notable strikeout numbers. Dromboski's contributions played a significant role in the team's success, culminating in a complete-game three-hitter against Brown on April 15.
Freshman designated hitter Nick Spaventa has already attracted national attention, earning praise from the coaching staff for his consistency and discipline during fall sessions. The four-year letter winner at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, Spaventa brings a strong track record as a two-time first-team All-Conference selection and a two-time member of the Tri-Cape Carpenter Cup teams.
The Quakers are gearing up for their 2024 campaign, set to commence on February 23 with a four-game series against Abilene Christian.
