Albany State baseball: Key players, new faces, and big goals

ALBANY – The Albany State Golden Rams baseball team is gearing up for their season-opening series against Eckerd College on February 1 at Albany State West. After a stellar 37-12 campaign and a SIAC regular-season championship in 2024, the Golden Rams are determined to take the next step and make a deeper postseason run.

Last season, the Golden Rams dominated the SIAC, losing just three of 33 conference games. However, they fell short in the championship tournament for the second consecutive year. Head Coach Scot Hemmings emphasized the challenge of postseason play.

“The tournament is tricky,” Hemmings said. “We’ve dominated the league for the last two years and won back-to-back regular season titles, which I consider the true conference championship. But to advance, you have to win the tournament, and teams are at their best then. You need to play well and catch a few breaks. We’ve been close, but we haven’t played our best or had many breaks. This year, with a strong group of upperclassmen, I believe we can rise to the occasion.”

The team will need to fill the void left by All-American second baseman Jonathon Logsdon, who is now coaching at Andrew College in Cuthbert.

“You can’t replace a player like Logsdon; you just hope others step up,” Hemmings said. “We’re counting on Hill Corley to fill his shoes, both in performance and leadership. Corley finished last season strong and earned SIAC All-Tournament honors, so I believe he’s ready.”

The Golden Rams return 11 hitters from a lineup that led Division II in on-base percentage. Key contributors include catchers Dominic Rutigliano, Xander Little, and Mason Turner; infielders Ty Grover, Guillermo Yepes, and Emory Stephens; and outfielders Luke Addison, Nathan Saavedra, and Seth Stargell.

Other than Corley, Hemmings also has big expectations for Stephens and Addison.

“Emory has turned himself into a pro-caliber athlete,” Hemmings said. “He’s got size, speed, and arm strength, and his work ethic makes him an elite defender. I believe he has a legitimate shot at the professional level.”

Addison, who led the SIAC with 63 RBIs last season, also drew praise. “Luke is phenomenal,” Hemmings said. “His offseason work has transformed him physically, and I expect even better numbers this year.”

The pitching staff looks equally promising, with 11 returners, including SIAC Pitcher of the Year Brady Davis, Jeremiah Reddell, and Landon Kiefer. Gercal Reyes transitions to a starting role, while Addison will serve as closer. The bullpen features the returning Chase Ledger, William Beasley, Calvin Baker, Andrew McBride, and Tyler Bullock.

“I like the depth of our staff,” Hemmings said. “We have solid starters, a strong bullpen, and an experienced closer. If this group performs, we can compete at a high level.”

Albany State has added talented transfers, including Matt Delay, Trenten Justice, Austin Lee, and Quindon Wright.

“Delay may be one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Hemmings said. “He’s a complete player who can run, defend, and hit for power.”

Wright, who was a standout at Terrell Academy, left Albany State to play college football but has now transferred back to Albany State.

The Rams also welcomed seven freshmen recruits, including Albany Herald Player of the Year David Kile, Westover standouts Arin Chevers and Tommie Terrell, and Austin Nipper. Hemmings stressed the importance of their quick development, as 15 players will depart after this season.

Albany State’s 45-game schedule begins February 1 against Eckerd College. SIAC play starts February 14 with a home series against Tuskegee.

The complete schedule is here: https://asugoldenrams.com/sports/baseball/schedule