Sports

#ProHumps 2025 Baseball Update

Published

7 months ago

June 5, 2025

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Through the first two months of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, five Campbell alumni have been on major league rosters, matching the highest number of former Camel standouts to appear in the big leagues in the same year.

On June 1, the Philadelphia Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and he joined former Camels Cedric Mullins (Baltimore), Zach Neto (Los Angeles Angels) and Ryan Thompson (Arizona) at baseball’s highest level. Thomas Harrington made two pitching appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates in April before returning to Triple-A Indianapolis.

In 2024, Johnson, Mullins, Neto, Thompson and Allan Winans (Atlanta) all played in major league games, marking the first time that five former Camels appeared in MLB in the same year.

Thomas Harrington | Pittsburgh Pirates | AAA Indianapolis Indians
Tabbed as the number three prospect in the Pirates organization, Harrington made his major league debut on April 1. He appeared in two games, including his first career MLB start against the Tampa Bay Rays. Harrington compiled a 0-1 won-lost record with a 10.13 ERA and seven strikeouts in 8.0 innings before returning to the minors.

At Triple-A Indianapolis, he has posted a 2-6 mark with a 6.55 ERA and 40 Ks in 44.0 innings over 10 appearances (nine starts).

Now in his third professional season, Harrington has made 58 pitching appearances (56 starts) and posted a 16-15 record, 3.62 ERA and 301 whiffs in 288.2 frames.

Drafted in the first round (36th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022, Harrington received a $2 million signing bonus. He was named the Big South freshman of the year in 2021 and the Big South pitcher of the year in 2022. In his final year at CU, the All-American led the nation with 12 wins (12-2) with a 2.53 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. He struck out a program-record 111 batters while walking just 18.

Seth Johnson | Philadelphia Phillies
Johnson was called up to the parent club on June 1, but did not appear in Philadelphia’s first two games in a 3-game set at Toronto.

Recently converted to a reliever as pitching primarily as a starter in his 6-year pro career, Johnson’s four-seam fastball touched 99 miles per hour in 16 games (4 starts) this year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He posted a 2-2 record, 4.91 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 33 innings before his recall.

Named the No. 12 prospect in the Phillies system, Johnson has made 85 career minor league appearances (66 starts), posted an 11-9 record, 3.09 ERA and fanned 317 batters in 276.2 innings. He made his major league debut on Sept. 8, 2024.

The 40th overall selection in the 2019 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, Johnson was acquired by the Phillies in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on June 30, 2024. The Rays swapped him to the Orioles on Aug. 1, 2022.

In one season at Campbell (2019) after transferring from Louisburg JC, Johnson made 14 appearances, including 11 starts, while posting a 3-3 record with 85 strikeouts across 66.1 innings.

Cedric Mullins | Baltimore Orioles
Now in his eighth major league season, Cedric Mullins led the Baltimore Orioles in home runs (10) and RBI (31) before being placed on the 10-day injured list on May 30. Over his first 50 games of the 2025 season, he scored 25 runs, doubled nine times and stole eight bases while posting a .232 batting average.
Over his MLB career, Mullins is batting .251 with 96 homers, 309 RBI, 133 steals and a .992 fielding percentage in 743 games.

He was Baltimore’s 15th-round pick in the 2015 draft and made his major league debut on Aug. 10, 2018. Mullins was the starting center fielder for the American League in the 2021 All-Star Game and won a Silver Slugger Award after becoming the first Orioles player to hit at least 30 home runs (30) and steal 30 bases (37) in the same season since the franchise moved from St. Louis to Baltimore in 1954.

In his only season at Campbell after transferring from Louisburg JC, Mullins batted a team-leading .340 with 59 runs scored and an astounding 34 extra base hits in 2015. He tallied 23 doubles with seven triples and four home runs, tacking on 23 stolen bases. Mullins was named Second Team Atlantic All-Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Second Team All-Big South.

Zach Neto | Los Angeles Angels
After opening the year on the injured list following offseason shoulder surgery, the Angels’ top pick in the 2022 draft resumed his job as the team’s everyday shortstop. Through his first 43 games, Neto is batting .270 with 11 doubles, 10 homers, 23 RBI and 34 runs scored plus eight stolen bases. He is slugging .517 and owns a .825 OPS through games of June 4.

Neto and the Angels made Fenway Park history on Monday, June 2 when the Halos became the first visiting team ever to hit three home runs in the first inning at the ballpark, which opened in 1912. Neto led off the game with a homer, while Mike Trout followed with a three-run blast and Jo Adell added a solo shot in a six-run inning.

After only 48 minor league games, he was called up to the Angels and made his MLB debut on Apr. 15, 2023. The 13th overall pick in 2022, Neto has played in played in 282 career major league games and slashed .246/.313/.437 with 142 runs scored, 62 doubles, 42 doubles, 134 RBI and 43 stolen bases. In 2024, he became the first infielder in Angels franchise history (which dates to 1961) to hit 20 or more home runs (23) and steal 20 or more bases in one year.

Neto won back-to-back Big South player of the year honors in 2021 and 2022 and was the tournament MVP in ’23. The highest draft pick in program history and was a unanimous 2022 All-American choice. The Miami native slashed .403/.500/.751 in 100 career games at Campbell, where he set the school’s all-time batting average record among hitters with 300 ABs, second all-time in OBP and slugging.

Ryan Thompson | Arizona Diamondbacks
Now in his third season as a relief pitcher with the Diamondbacks, Thompson has appeared in 25 games this year with a 1-1 record, 5.79 ERA, one save, and 22 strikeouts in 23.1 innings. Originally selected by Houston in the 23rd round of the 2014 MLB draft, he has pitched in two World Series – in 2020 for the Tampa Bay Rays and 2023 for Arizona.

In six major league seasons since making his MLB debut on July 24, 2020 with the Rays, Thompson has made 231 pitching appearances with a 16-15 record, eight saves, a 3.71 ERA and 194 Ks in 223.1 innings.

In two seasons at Campbell, Thompson led the Camels to back-to-back Big South title games and the program’s first league championship in 24 years in 2014. The 2013 Big South pitcher of the year after leading the Camels to a 49-10 record and the conference regular season title, he was named tournament MVP one year later.

Minor Leagues

Spencer Packard | AAA | Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners)
A non-roster invitee to MLB spring training with the Mariners, Packard is batting .274 with 10 doubles, four home runs and 26 RBI through his first 50 games this season at Triple-A Tacoma. He has scored 21 times with a .396 on-base percentage while slugging .405.

A ninth-round choice of the Seattle Mariners in the 2021 draft, Packard reached AAA for the first time in the ’24 season. In 365 minor league games over five seasons, the 2021 All-American owns a .284/.390/.434 slash with 77 doubles, 40 homers and 225 RBI.

As a senior in 2021, Packard ranked fourth in the nation and first in the Big South Conference with 67 RBI on his way to earning second-team All-America honors. He helped lead Campbell to NCAA Regional finals in 2019 and 2021.

Allan Winans | AAA | Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees)
Winans is off to an outstanding start during his first season with the Bronx Bombers’ Triple-A team. Claimed off waivers by the Yankees from the Atlanta Braves on Jan. 23, Winans owns a 4-0 record with a miniscule 0.27 ERA in eight outings (six starts) for the RailRiders. He has struck out 39 batters in 33.1 innings.

He made eight MLB starts with the Braves over the 2023 and 2024 seasons and compiled a 1-4 record, 7.20 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 40 frames.

Now in his seventh season in organized ball, Winans’ has made 136 minor league pitching appearances (51 starts) and owns a 24-21 record, 2.75 ERA and 417 Ks in 447.2 innings plus 15 saves.

Originally a 17th round selection of the New York Mets in the 2018 draft, the Braves claimed him off waivers on Dec. 8, 2021. Winans made his MLB debut on July 22, 2023 with the Braves.

The Big South pitcher of the year in 2018, Winans posted a 6-4 record with a 2.73 ERA and 96 strikeouts in just 82 innings. He turned in 10 quality starts, and his 10.49 Ks per 9 innings that season was a program record at the time.

Ty Cummings | AA | Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays)
Cummings has divided his 2025 season between Double-A Montgomery and the Triple-A Durham Bulls since the Rays acquired him last October in a trade with Seattle. Named the Southern League pitcher of the week on April 20, Cummings has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.05 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 38.1 frames in 13 games (4 starts) combined between AA and AAA ball. Now in his second pro season, Cummings has compiled a 7-6 won-lost mark, 3.89 ERA and 162 Ks over 155.0 innings over 38 appearances (29 starts).

Chosen in the seventh round of the 2023 draft by the Seattle Mariners, the right-handed hurler was Campbell’s most-used bullpen arm over his three seasons (2021-23), making 74 total appearances, good for the sixth-most total appearances in program history. He logged 135 total strikeouts in 154.1 innings of work with a career 4.37 ERA while earning Big South all-conference honors twice.

Cade Kuehler | High-A | Rome Emperors (Atlanta Braves)
Kuehler opened the year on the 60-day injured list after offseason surgery on his pitching arm. He made his professional debut in 2024 and made 12 starts with the (Single-A) Augusta GreenJackets and (High-A) Rome Emperors. He posted a 3-6 record with a 3.74 ERA with 48 strikeouts over 53 innings before going on the injured list July 19, 2024.

Chosen by Atlanta in the 2nd round (70th overall) of the 2023 draft, Kuehler was an All-Big South first-team pitcher in 2023, going 8-1 with a team-best 2.71 ERA. He compiled 243 career strikeouts, the third-most in program history and the only pitcher in the program’s top 10 to reach that mark in just three seasons.

Cole Peschl | High-A | Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins)
Peschl opened his first professional season at Single-A Fort Myers before being promoted to High-A Cedar Rapids on May 21. He owns a 3-1 record with a 1.52 ERA and one save while fanning 53 hitters over 41.1 innings in nine appearances (5 starts). Chosen in the 15th round of the ’24 draft by the Minnesota Twins, the right-hander led the Camels with 83 strikeouts over 69 innings and made 16 starts with a 3-3 record and 5.48 ERA in his only season at CU..

Aaron Rund | High-A | Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Milwaukee Brewers)
Now in his second professional season, Rund sported a 1-1 record with three saves and a 4.19 ERA over his first 17 relief appearances in 2025. He struck out 16 batters over 19.1 innings through games of June 4. He sports a 5-3 record, 3.30 ERA, 11 saves in and 72 strikeouts in 76.1 career professional innings. He signed a non-drafted minor league free agent contract with the Brewers on Dec. 19, 2023. In three seasons at Campbell (2021-23), Rund went 12-3 with a 4.90 ERA and 156 strikeouts over 150 2/3 innings and helped the Camels to three NCAA regional appearances.

Bryce Arnold | A | Dunedin Blue Jays (Toronto Blue Jays)
Now in his third minor league season, Arnold is batting .261 with seven homers, 30 runs scored and 26 RBI over his first 40 games at Single-A Dunedin. He has played in 168 career minor league games (including three at the Triple-A level) since signing with the Blue Jays organization as a non-drafted free agent in 2023. Arnold was named All-American in for the Camels in 2023 after leading the Big South Conference with 19 doubles. He played in three-straight regionals for Campbell (2021-23).

Ernie Day | A | Palm Beach Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals)
Signed by the Cardinals organization to a minor league free agent contract on Feb. 18, Day has made seven relief appearances and posted a 0-1 record and a 5.40 ERA with seven strikeouts in 6.2 innings at Single-A Palm Beach in the Florida State League. Now in his third pro season, he has made 35 career appearances with a 3-3 record and 10.98 ERA and 33 Ks in 30.1 innings. He was a 14th round choice in the 2023 draft by the Seattle Mariners, Day made 14 appearances in his only season (2023) with the Camels after transferring from Iowa Western.

Grant Knipp | Rookie | ACL Mariners (Seattle Mariners)
Knipp opened 2025 on the full season injured list after undergoing surgery. He was selected as a two-way player in the sixth round of the 2024 draft by the Seattle Mariners. Despite playing in only 29 games due to injury, Knipp was named first-team All-CAA in 2024 after batting .402/.547/1.029 with 18 home runs and 46 RBI. On the mound, he had a 1.59 ERA and two saves in six relief appearances. After signing with the Mariners on July 23, Knipp did not play in any games during the 2024 minor league season. A 6-foot-2 catcher, Knipp was named first-team all-conference and the 2023 Big South tournament MVP.

Derek Vartanian | Rookie | FCL Braves (Atlanta Braves)
Vartanian signed a minor league free agent contract July 17, 2024, with the Atlanta Braves, but has yet to make his professional debut. He opened the 2025 campaign on the 60-day injured list. In his only season at Campbell (2024) after transferring from Gaston College, Vartanian posted a 1-2 record with a 7.36 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 11 innings in three games before sitting out the rest of the year due to injury.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

45 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

Published

1 hour ago

January 2, 2026

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Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

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Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

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Pitt volleyball | Panthers add Kentucky MB Jordyn Dailey

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pitt received a commitment from former Kentucky middle blocker/right-side hitter Jordyn Dailey.

Dailey is a redshirt sophomore and will have two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina native racked up 188 kills, 116 blocks and 42 digs over the past two seasons. Dailey recorded 142 kills, 82 blocks and a .314 hitting percentage in 2024. Her numbers dipped to 46 kills, 34 blocks and a .211 hitting percentage in 2025.

Pitt lost middle blocker Ryla Jones to Penn State through the transfer portal.

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Kats sign six to 2026 roster

Published

4 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

“All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom.”

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College

Blinn College

– 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School

– 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore

– 2022 honorable mention all-area

– 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2023 honorable mention all-area selection

– 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection

– 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …

“Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring.”

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School

Ovilla Christian School

– 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team

– 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)

– NRG 15s bid to nationals

– NRG 16s bid to nationals

– TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …

“We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable.”

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS

Bridgeland HS

– 2-time first team all-district selection

– District Offensive Player of the Year

– AVCA Phenom Watch List

– 2-time academic all-district selection

– GHVCA postseason second team choice

– 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)

– GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)

– GJNC Third place 17 American

– GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …

“Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position.”

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS

Midlothian HS

– 2023 District Utility Player of the Year

– 2024 Academic All-District selection

– 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)

– Girls Junior National Championship

– All-Tournament team

– 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector …

“Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success.”

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC

Tyler JC

– 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS

– 2021 first team all-district selection

– 2021 honorable mention all-state

– 2022 District Setter of the Year

– 2022 all-state selection

– 2023 District MVP

– 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year

– 2023 all-state selection

– 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …

“It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college”.

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS

Tomball HS

– 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection

– 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year

– 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A

– 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A

– Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell …

“There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense.”