After a historic showing during its 2025 season, the Case Western Reserve University baseball team looks to keep the momentum going into its 2026 season.
Last season, the team reached the NCAA Division III Super-Regionals for the first time in program history following a comeback victory over Centre College in the Regional Championship Game. Though the Spartans fell to top-ranked Johns Hopkins University, the end result was one that highlighted the potential of the team—something fourth-year infielder/outfielder Thomas Downs is excited to show off again this season.
“The start of the season is always really exciting because we get to show all the work we have been putting in during the offseason,” Downs said. “The fall and the winter are spent building chemistry and strength, which we can finally showcase in the record column.”
While last year’s squad made history with its Super Regionals trip, this year’s team will rely on a younger core eager to prove itself. Out of 36 players on the roster, 11 are first-years making their collegiate debuts. Another 13 are sophomores—many of whom experienced the team’s Super Regionals run last year but nonetheless exemplify a shift in roster the team is undergoing this year.
This shift is notable, especially with how prior years the team was led by graduate students and fourth-years who have since left. Despite the lack of extensive game experience among many returning players, Downs believes the group’s mentality is one of its greatest strengths.
“While we may be weaker in experience this year, the hunger and want to succeed is probably the largest it has ever been since I’ve been here,” Downs said. “Everyone wants to contribute and win by any means.”
That hunger will be tested throughout the season, particularly as younger players adjust to the expectations of playing collegiate baseball. Downs acknowledged that the transition may lead to moments of undeveloped execution but is optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“Experience is a big challenge for us, as almost all are getting their first shot at true playing time,” he said. “During games, there may be situations where we aren’t as ‘clean’ in our execution compared to last year, but everyone trusts each other to make the best plays possible.”
Early results from this season suggest that the team has already been finding its footing. During opening weekend from Feb. 20-21, the Spartans achieved a clean sweep against State University of New York at Oswego, winning all three of their games against the Lakers. The team’s performance during these games is one that Downs believes reflects how the team intends to compete during the rest of the season.
“Our 3 wins against Oswego State really set the tone for how we want to win games this season,” Downs reflected. “Instead of home runs, we run the bases well, pitch with confidence, and punish mistakes by opposing pitchers.”
Also drawing Downs’s attention during these games was the number of players the team has on the bench, especially compared to other teams. This advantage will be beneficial over the course of the season, especially as they play against numerous competitive teams. Still, the focus remains on growth, energy and continuing to build the culture that helped spark last season’s success. Downs emphasized that fans will notice the team’s passion and hunger every time they take the field.
“The games are awesome to come to,” Downs said. “The energy in the ballpark is always high. Come to the games for a few innings, and you will understand the passion that all of us have for the game.”
That passion will be on display for all to see during the Spartans’ next home game against Oberlin College on Wednesday, March 4. Before then, the team will be on the road for a series of matches against University of Scranton and Washington and Jefferson College from Saturday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 1.