As college baseball season opens Friday, Philly programs are gearing up for what promises to be an action-packed 2025 campaign. From rising powers looking to make a statement, to underdogs ready to surprise, here’s a look at eight reasons why you should be excited for the start of the college baseball season.
1. Penn’s Pursuit of a Threepeat in the Ivy League
The Quakers dealt with injuries throughout much of the regular season last year, but kicked things into gear when it mattered - securing their second straight Ivy League crown. The club also put up a good showing in the NCAA Regionals. Can they do it again? While the departure of star Wyatt Henseler leaves a gap, there’s hope that Jarrett Pokrovsky, now fully recovered from an injury-shortened 2024 season, can step up.
2. West Chester’s Championship Aspirations in Division II
West Chester University is hungry for another shot at a national championship. After a stellar run in the PSAC last year that came up short, the Rams are eager to add to their storied legacy. With a deep roster and a championship-caliber lineup, West Chester is prepared for another deep postseason run. Expect them to challenge for the title again, making their mark on the national stage once more.
West Chester University is hungry for another shot at a national championship. After a stellar run in the PSAC last year that came up short, the Rams are eager to add to their storied legacy. With a deep roster and a championship-caliber lineup, West Chester is prepared for another deep postseason run. Expect them to challenge for the title again, making their mark on the national stage once more.
3. Jefferson’s Quest for Regional Power Status
Coming off a historic 2024 season, Jefferson University baseball is looking to build on its recent success. The Rams went 33-17, made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990, and even made it to the CACC Championship Finals. Head coach Pat Horvath, entering his 15th season, is only two wins away from becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach. With a roster that includes some of the most dynamic talent in the region, Jefferson is ready to make waves again this season and contend for both a CACC title and another NCAA Tournament berth.
Coming off a historic 2024 season, Jefferson University baseball is looking to build on its recent success. The Rams went 33-17, made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990, and even made it to the CACC Championship Finals. Head coach Pat Horvath, entering his 15th season, is only two wins away from becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach. With a roster that includes some of the most dynamic talent in the region, Jefferson is ready to make waves again this season and contend for both a CACC title and another NCAA Tournament berth.
4. Arcadia’s Rise in Division III
Back-to-back conference titles and impressive NCAA Tournament appearances have put Arcadia University on the national map in Division III baseball. The Knights have firmly established themselves as a regional powerhouse, but 2025 could be the year they make the leap to national contender. With one of the best pure hitters in the nation, Anthony Bruno, leading the offense, Arcadia is poised to break through and take the next step in its pursuit of a Division III national championship. Keep an eye on the Knights as they aim to continue their dominance.
Back-to-back conference titles and impressive NCAA Tournament appearances have put Arcadia University on the national map in Division III baseball. The Knights have firmly established themselves as a regional powerhouse, but 2025 could be the year they make the leap to national contender. With one of the best pure hitters in the nation, Anthony Bruno, leading the offense, Arcadia is poised to break through and take the next step in its pursuit of a Division III national championship. Keep an eye on the Knights as they aim to continue their dominance.
5. Cairn Could Surprise
Cairn University, under the leadership of head coach Brett Marks, has been steadily improving, and 2025 could be their breakout year. After finishing last season with a 26-17 record and making a strong showing in the United East Divisional Championship, the Highlanders are set to build on that success. Senior slugger Tyler Warr, one of the best hitters in Division III, continues to rewrite the program’s record books and could lead Cairn to even greater heights this year. This program is quietly making strides and could be poised for a big season.
Cairn University, under the leadership of head coach Brett Marks, has been steadily improving, and 2025 could be their breakout year. After finishing last season with a 26-17 record and making a strong showing in the United East Divisional Championship, the Highlanders are set to build on that success. Senior slugger Tyler Warr, one of the best hitters in Division III, continues to rewrite the program’s record books and could lead Cairn to even greater heights this year. This program is quietly making strides and could be poised for a big season.
6. Penn State Brandywine’s Jump to Division III
After nearly two decades of preparation, Penn State Brandywine is making the jump to Division III, and the team isn’t just here to fill a schedule—they’re here to compete. Head coach Vinny Gallo, now in his ninth season, has a core of returning talent from a 23-15 season that saw them reach the PSUAC Tournament. The move to Division III presents a new challenge, but with strong local rivals like Penn State Abington and Cairn in the United East Conference, Brandywine is ready to prove they belong among the best.
After nearly two decades of preparation, Penn State Brandywine is making the jump to Division III, and the team isn’t just here to fill a schedule—they’re here to compete. Head coach Vinny Gallo, now in his ninth season, has a core of returning talent from a 23-15 season that saw them reach the PSUAC Tournament. The move to Division III presents a new challenge, but with strong local rivals like Penn State Abington and Cairn in the United East Conference, Brandywine is ready to prove they belong among the best.
7. An Encore for Holy Family
Holy Family University’s baseball program, in just its second season, is already making waves. Picked to finish fourth in the CACC South Division, the Tigers are looking to continue their ascent in 2025. Key to their success is ace Casey Murphy, who led the entire East Region last year with a 2.56 ERA and tied for second in all of Division II with six complete games. Murphy has the ability to go the distance on the mound and will be a critical piece in Holy Family’s effort to surprise the competition. The Tigers are building something special, and 2025 could be their year to take the next step.
Holy Family University’s baseball program, in just its second season, is already making waves. Picked to finish fourth in the CACC South Division, the Tigers are looking to continue their ascent in 2025. Key to their success is ace Casey Murphy, who led the entire East Region last year with a 2.56 ERA and tied for second in all of Division II with six complete games. Murphy has the ability to go the distance on the mound and will be a critical piece in Holy Family’s effort to surprise the competition. The Tigers are building something special, and 2025 could be their year to take the next step.
8. Our Coverage: Bringing You the Best of College Baseball
This season, Philadelphia Baseball Review is committed to delivering the best coverage of college baseball in the region. We’ll have everything you need—from weekend recaps to game previews, player of the week honors, and much more. Our goal is to keep you informed on all the action, every week.
Additionally, we’re excited to roll out our Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, highlighting the top talents to watch this season. Stay tuned for in-depth features, insightful analysis, and updates on the rising stars across the region. If you want to stay ahead of the game, our coverage has you covered all season long.
This season, Philadelphia Baseball Review is committed to delivering the best coverage of college baseball in the region. We’ll have everything you need—from weekend recaps to game previews, player of the week honors, and much more. Our goal is to keep you informed on all the action, every week.
Additionally, we’re excited to roll out our Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, highlighting the top talents to watch this season. Stay tuned for in-depth features, insightful analysis, and updates on the rising stars across the region. If you want to stay ahead of the game, our coverage has you covered all season long.
