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By Mara Waire, WaireM@Findlay.edu
As the University’s baseball season approaches, there’s a load of excitement for the program led by head coach Matt Palm now entering his fourth year leading the program. After graduating catcher Aiden Lao, first baseman Nate Brooks, shortstop Cole Kwiatkowski, third baseman Andrew Micale, center fielder Cam Farrar, and relieving pitcher Sebastian Jones this past year (2024 spring season) this upcoming season may look a little different.
“They had really tremendous careers, a few of those guys were all-conference players,” Palm said.
As those players cannot be replaced, Coach Palm sees opportunities for returning players and incoming freshmen to step into those positions.
“You don’t replace a person, the collective team has to get better,” Palm says.
Entering this season, Palm seems confident in the team’s potential this year.
“I am excited to definitely have a great group of guys in the program,” Palm said. “They work extremely hard and love to compete.”
His dual focus on athletics as well as character development on and off the field helps set the tone for the season ahead.
Coach Palm outlines a few clear objectives for this fall and the upcoming spring season. Academically he wants the team to maintain a GPA above 3.3 each semester collectively.
“The guys are on the right track for that right now,” Palm said.
On the field, he hopes for the team to be a top contender in the conference, as well as to qualify for the NCAA reginal tournament after the G-MAC tournament.
As the team is evolving, so are its leaders. Coach Palm refers to several players he sees taking on leadership roles including fifth-year pitcher Logan Bragg, senior catcher Austin Adelman, a handful from the junior class, including pitcher Carson Mellott and outfielders, Keelan Daniel, Andrew Williams and Casey Maruniak, as well as sophomore in-fielder Nick Palm.
“When players are holding each other accountable and helping each other become better and the leadership comes from within the program you are going to be better,” Palm said.
Palm feels that several players will have an opportunity to step up to fill the void of those graduated starters. As fall season is underway Coach Palm is already noticing players stepping up to try and claim their role. Coach Palm envisions a program building a strong community as well as preparing players for success after baseball.
“I want the program to be a place where guys are part of a baseball family and graduate on time equipped for the world,” Palm said.
Bragg has mixed feelings about his final year on the mound.
“It’s bittersweet,” Bragg said. “I’m ready to move on, but also want to keep playing.”
Bragg has clear goals for the season to win the GMAC tournament and make a deep run in the postseason. He appreciates the camaraderie within the team, especially at 5 a.m. practices, creating a sense of brotherhood among the other practices.
Maruniak aims high this season as well as sparring for a strong performance in the GMAC tournament as well as personal accolades.
“We hold ourselves to a higher standard than other teams,” Maruniak said. “We like to push to win all four games within a series.”
He credits Coach Palm with instilling a winning mentality within the program.
“Losing is not an option,” Maruniak said.
As the 2025 Spring season is underway players are stepping into new roles to fill the gaps left by the graduated starters. Although the spring schedule has not yet been released, returning players are looking forward to the series against Ashland and Northwood in the regular season.
Collectively as a program their goal is to qualify for the GMAC tournament for the third consecutive year and make a deep run within that tournament, with hopes to earn a spot in the NCAA reginal tournament. The team is eager to start the spring season and ready to compete.
