College Update: Kiwis Shine in Baseball Across the U.S. in 2025!

As the 2025 baseball season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to look back and celebrate the incredible achievements of our New Zealand players who made waves in college baseball last year! A total of 13 Kiwis took the field in college programs, each contributing significantly to their teams’ successes. From seasoned veterans to promising freshmen, New Zealand’s talent is undeniable. Let’s dive into their standout seasons and what’s next for these rising stars!

Charlie Beilenson

What a way to cap off a college career! Charlie Beilenson, our sole graduate student, left an indelible mark in his final season. With a stellar 2.01 ERA, a 7-3 record, and 12 saves across 34 appearances, Beilenson was a key player in Duke’s ACC Championship win. His performance in the postseason was nothing short of heroic, closing out the championship with 6.2 innings and nine strikeouts throughout the tournament. His efforts not only secured Duke’s NCAA tournament spot but also earned him a slew of accolades: First Team All-American selections from ABCA/Rawlings, NCBWA, and Perfect Game, First Team All-Region honours from ABCA and Rawlings, as well as being named an All-ACC First Team Relief Pitcher.

But the awards didn’t stop there. Beilenson was a semi-finalist for the College Baseball Foundation Pitcher of the Year and the Dick Howser Trophy. His remarkable season didn’t go unnoticed as he was drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Mariners (pick #154), where he now plays with the Modesto Nuts, their Single-A affiliate. Charlies has struck out four in his 3.2 innings with them in 2024.

Ryan Sanders

Saint Mary’s College pitcher Ryan Sanders also had a memorable final season, proving his versatility as both a starter and reliever. With 5 games started in 19 appearances, Sanders threw 53.1 innings, striking out 37 batters and finishing with a 5-3 record. His contributions helped Saint Mary’s secure a solid 34-22 season record, cementing his legacy as a reliable leader for the team.

Harrison Lough

D’Youville University’s Harrison Lough faced some tough injury setbacks in 2024, limiting his appearances, but when he was healthy, he was dominant. With a 2.08 ERA over 7 appearances, Lough struck out 5 batters, allowing only 2 hits and one earned run. Despite his time on the sidelines, Lough is set to come back stronger for his senior season!

Taichi Nakao

At Lander University, Taichi Nakao continued to impress, leading his team in walks (43) and runs scored (61). The junior posted an outstanding .311 batting average with 30 RBIs and a home run, contributing significantly to Lander’s 38-15 season. Nakao’s ability to get on base and set the table for his team makes him a key player to watch in future seasons.

Chayton Krauss

Chayton Krauss had an explosive season at Dallas Baptist University in 2024. Not only did Krauss play every game, but he also led the team in batting average (.358), hits (88), and RBIs (66). His exceptional performance helped DBU secure a 45-15 record and clinch the Conference USA title. In the championship game against Louisiana Tech, Krauss went 4-6 with a home run, double, and 5 RBIs.

Honours poured in for Krauss throughout the season, including First Team All-Conference USA, Tucson Regional All-Tournament Team,  ABCA Second Team Central All-Region, and named on the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honour Roll. With DBU ranked 20th in D1 Baseball’s preseason poll, Krauss and his teammates are primed for another big year.

Zaid Flynn

As a sophomore at Yakima Valley College, Zaid Flynn built on his strong freshman year by appearing in 12 games and starting 11. Over 50 innings, Flynn struck out 42 batters, proving himself as a reliable starter. As he heads into his first season with the Tabor Blue Jays, Flynn will look to continue his growth and solidify his place in the college baseball scene. Tabor are ranked 22^nd in the country for NAIA schools.

Tyrone Boaler

Unfortunately, Tyrone Boaler’s sophomore season at El Paso Community College was cut short by an injury, forcing him to redshirt. However, he’s determined to come back stronger than ever. Despite El Paso finishing last season with a 26-30 record, Boaler’s talent is undeniable, and he’s poised to make a significant impact and help lead the team to success this coming season.

Maclain Roberts

Freshman Maclain Roberts made an immediate impact in his debut season at Pima Community College. With 14 starts and 61 innings pitched, Roberts struck out 57 batters and posted a solid 3.39 ERA, helping Pima to a 45-18 record. His outstanding performance quickly caught the eye of NCAA Division I programs, and Roberts has committed to the University of Arizona for the next chapter of his career.

Tui Amosa

Another freshman making waves was Tui Amosa at Ranger College. In 51 games, Amosa posted a .302 batting average with a .457 OBP, 2 home runs, and 32 RBIs. His impressive play contributed to Ranger’s 33-23 record. Like Roberts, Amosa earned the attention of Division I programs and has committed to play for Western Kentucky College next season.

Luka Vukcevic

Freshman pitcher Luka Vukcevic made the most of his limited appearances at Skyline College, striking out 8 batters over 6.2 innings. Skyline finished with a 30-14 record, and Vukcevic’s performances gave fans hope for even bigger things in the future.

Nikau Heeney

Nikau Heeney joined Vukcevic at Skyline College and made an immediate impact. In 15 appearances and 51.2 innings, Heeney posted a 4-3 record with a 4.01 ERA, showing poise and control. With 40 strikeouts, Heeney demonstrated the potential to be a key contributor moving forward.

Joshua Welts

At SUNY College at Old Westbury, freshman Joshua Welts appeared in one game, striking out a batter and allowing no hits or runs. While SUNY finished the season with a 14-20 record, Welts’ performance showed promise for future seasons.

Liam Krauss

Liam Krauss, following in the footsteps of his older brother Chayton, played for Grayson College in his freshman season. He finished with a .318 average in 10 games, including 2 doubles and 5 runs scored. Grayson College ended the season with a 30-26 record, and Liam’s solid start bodes well for the future.

Zach Dawson

Zach Dawson made the transition to pitching in his freshman season at Indian Hills Community College. In 8 innings over 10 appearances, Dawson struck out 9 batters and contributed to IHCC’s 34-20 season. His growth on the mound will be exciting to watch in the coming years.

Incoming Freshmen

This season, we’re excited to see four talented freshmen making their college debut! Best of luck to Mincharn Kim at North Iowa Area Community College, Tait Anderson at McCook Community College, Bunji Nakao at Northern Oklahoma College, and Hunter Southey at Eastern Arizona College. These athletes are taking their first steps on the collegiate stage, and we can't wait to follow their progress and success abroad.

With so many Kiwis making their mark in college baseball, the future looks bright for New Zealand players. Whether they're freshmen or seniors, these athletes are building the foundation for a strong presence in the sport. The 2025 season promises even more exciting performances from this talented group, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

Article added: Tuesday 28 January 2025 - Marina Lough