Wright State Tops 2023 #HLBASE Preseason Poll
INDIANAPOLIS (February 15, 2023) – Defending champion Wright State finished atop the 2023 #HLBASE Preseason Poll. The Raiders earned 41 points and five first-place votes to get the top spot in voting done by the League’s head coaches.
After a strong 2022 campaign, Wright State topped back to back preseason polls, despite losing 2022 #HLBASE Player of the Year, Alec Sayre, who was drafted to the Minnesota Twins. The Raiders have retained All- League First-Team honorees Gehrig Anglin (1B) and Julian Greenwell (OF) for the 2023 season.
Oakland (29 points) was voted second in the poll. The Golden Grizzlies were 18-11 in #HLBASE play last season, and advanced to the championship game. 2022 #HLBASE Freshman of the Year Brandon Nigh (DH/FLEX) will be returning for the 2023 season, as well as All-League Second-Team honoree Jared Miller (2B) and Coach of the Year Jordon Banfield.
Coming in a close third is Milwaukee (28 points). The Panthers were 9-17 in League play last season. Relief Pitcher of the year AJ Blubaugh will not be returning after being drafted by the Houston Astros, but All-League Second-Team honorees Luke Seidel (OF) and Riley Frey (SP) are back for the Panthers.
Youngstown earned 24 points to finish in fourth, just ahead of Northern Kentucky in fifth (21 points, one first-place vote). Purdue Fort Wayne placed sixth in the poll with 19 points.
Non-League competition begins this Friday, February 17, before League play commences on March 17. The 2023 #HLBASE Championship will take place May 24-May 27.
2023 #HLBASE Preseason Poll
Pl. Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
1. Wright State – 41 (5)
2. Oakland - 29
3. Milwaukee – 28
4. Youngstown State – 24
5. Northern Kentucky – 21 (1)
6. Purdue Fort Wayne – 19