Youngstown State Baseball Team Gears Up for Fall World Series to Wrap 2025 Practice and Eye 2026 Glory

In the crisp autumn air of Youngstown, Ohio, the Youngstown State baseball team is on the cusp of a pivotal moment. As the Penguins prepare to conclude their 2025 fall practice with the highly anticipated Fall World Series from October 29-31, excitement is building around a roster blending seasoned talent and fresh promise. This intrasquad showdown isn’t just a practice finale—it’s a critical tune-up for the 2026 season, featuring returning stars who powered last year’s playoff push and 22 newcomers eager to make their mark on the diamond.

The event, set to unfold at Eastwood Field, promises intense competition divided into Team Red and Team Gray, mirroring the intensity of real games. With head coach Dan Bertolini at the helm, the Penguins are using this series to refine strategies, test lineups, and build chemistry ahead of what could be a breakout year in the Horizon League. Fans and scouts alike are watching closely, as this fall showcase could foreshadow Youngstown State‘s resurgence in college baseball.

Returning Stars Anchor the Lineup for Fall World Series Intensity

The backbone of Youngstown State’s baseball squad lies in its returning veterans, a group that carried the team to a respectable 28-26 record in the 2025 spring season. Leading the charge is senior outfielder Jake Ramirez, who batted .312 last year with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs, earning All-Horizon League second-team honors. “The Fall World Series is our Super Bowl,” Ramirez said in a recent team presser. “It’s where we shake off the rust and remind everyone why we’re contenders for 2026.”

Joining Ramirez is junior pitcher Ethan Kowalski, the Penguins’ ace with a 3.45 ERA over 85 innings pitched in 2025. Kowalski’s fastball, clocking in at 92 mph on average, was instrumental in Youngstown State’s sweep of rival Cleveland State. His return adds stability to a rotation that struggled with injuries last spring. Also back is infielder Marcus Hale, a transfer from Ohio University who hit .285 and stole 18 bases, bringing speed and defensive prowess to the infield.

These returning players aren’t just stats on a page—they’re the heart of the team’s culture. During fall practice, which began in mid-September, the veterans have mentored the newcomers, organizing extra batting sessions and film reviews. Bertolini praised their leadership: “Our seniors and juniors set the tone. They’ve bought into the process, and the Fall World Series will showcase that grit.” Last year’s series saw Team Red edge out Team Gray 5-4 in the finale, with Ramirez delivering the game-winning hit—a moment still replayed in team meetings.

Statistically, the returning core boasts a collective .295 batting average and a 3.62 team ERA from 2025, metrics that placed Youngstown State mid-pack in the Horizon League. But with full health and refined mechanics from fall drills, analysts predict a jump to top-three contention in 2026. The Fall World Series will be the first true test, with scouts from MLB affiliates like the Cleveland Guardians expected in attendance to eye potential draft picks.

22 Newcomers Bring Fresh Energy to Youngstown State’s Baseball Roster

Infusing new life into the Penguins’ lineup are 22 newcomers, a mix of 15 freshmen and seven transfers, all vying for spots in the 2026 season rotation. Among the highlights is freshman catcher Logan Patel from California, a highly touted recruit with a .420 high school average and cannon arm that threw out 35% of base stealers. Patel’s arrival addresses a key weakness—Youngstown State’s catching corps batted just .240 last year and allowed 78 stolen bases.

Another standout is transfer pitcher Sofia Ramirez—no relation to Jake—from the University of Akron, where she posted a 2.98 ERA in 60 innings as a reliever. As one of the few women breaking barriers in college baseball’s evolving landscape, Sofia’s addition brings diversity and versatility. “I’m here to compete and learn from the best,” she told reporters during orientation. “The Fall World Series is my chance to prove I belong.”

The recruiting class, ranked 14th in the Horizon League by Baseball America, includes power hitters like outfield prospect Tyler Grant, a 6’4″ slugger from Texas with 22 high school homers, and infield wizard Aiden Chen from New York, known for his Gold Glove-level defense at shortstop. These additions come at a crucial time; Youngstown State lost five key players to graduation and the portal, including their leadoff hitter.

During fall practice, the newcomers have impressed in scrimmages, combining for a .280 average in intra-team games. Bertolini’s staff has implemented a rigorous development program, including weighted ball training for pitchers and launch angle optimization for hitters. “These 22 kids are hungry,” Bertolini noted. “They’re not just filling spots—they’re elevating our ceiling for 2026.” Early buzz suggests at least three newcomers could crack the opening day lineup, a testament to the depth built through targeted scouting in the Midwest and beyond.

• Key Newcomer Stats Preview: Logan Patel: 35% caught stealing rate; Sofia Ramirez: 45 strikeouts in 2025; Tyler Grant: 22 HR in senior year.
• Integration Focus: Daily mentor pairings pair vets with rookies for fielding drills.
• Future Impact: Projected to add 15-20 home runs and lower the team ERA by 0.30 points.

This influx of talent aligns with Youngstown State’s push for a .500+ record in 2026, potentially securing their first NCAA regional berth since 2018.

Fall World Series Schedule Promises High-Stakes Practice Showdowns

The annual Fall World Series is more than a scrimmage—it’s a three-day spectacle designed to simulate game pressure while honing skills for the 2026 season. Kicking off on October 29 at 4 p.m., Day 1 features a seven-inning contest focused on pitching duels, with starters like Kowalski and Ramirez facing off. Admission is free, encouraging community turnout to Eastwood Field, home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

Day 2, October 30, shifts to offensive fireworks with a nine-inning affair emphasizing small ball and situational hitting—perfect for evaluating the newcomers’ adaptability. Last year’s Day 2 saw 18 hits and four errors, highlighting areas like base running that the team has drilled relentlessly in fall practice. The finale on October 31 at 1 p.m. culminates in a championship game, complete with awards for MVP and top performer, fostering that competitive edge.

Unlike spring games, the Fall World Series allows for experimental lineups; Bertolini plans to rotate all 45 roster members, giving everyone reps. Weather permitting, doubleheaders could extend play, but the focus remains on development over wins. “It’s about reps and resilience,” Bertolini explained. “We want our guys comfortable in high-pressure spots before Horizon League play.”

Historically, the series has been a launchpad: In 2023, a then-freshman Ramirez homered twice, propelling him to stardom. This year, with 22 newcomers in the mix, surprises are expected. Live stats will stream via the Youngstown State athletics app, boosting engagement for fans unable to attend. The event also ties into broader fall practice goals, where the team has logged over 200 hours on the field since September, emphasizing analytics-driven adjustments like swing path video analysis.

Coaches Outline Strategic Blueprint for 2026 Season Dominance

Behind the scenes, Youngstown State’s coaching staff is architecting a blueprint for 2026 success, using the Fall World Series as a diagnostic tool. Head coach Dan Bertolini, in his fifth year, has overseen a steady climb from 18 wins in 2021 to 28 in 2025. His philosophy? “Build from the ground up—defense first, then power.” Fall practice has reflected this, with 40% of sessions dedicated to infield turns and cutoff throws, addressing last season’s 67 errors.

Assistant coach Mia Torres, a former Penguins All-American, leads hitting instruction, incorporating data from TrackMan systems to boost exit velocities. “Our guys are averaging 88 mph off the bat now, up from 84 last year,” Torres shared. “The Fall World Series will show if that translates to games.” For pitching, coordinator Ben Lyle has introduced a velo-building program, targeting a staff average of 89 mph—key for competing against powerhouses like Wright State.

Quotes from the staff underscore optimism: “With this roster, 35 wins is realistic,” Lyle predicted. Bertolini added, “The 2026 season starts now. Fall practice is where champions are forged.” Challenges remain, including integrating the 22 newcomers without disrupting chemistry, but early scrimmages show promise. The team has also scouted non-conference foes, aiming for a balanced schedule with road trips to Florida for early tune-ups.

Off the field, NIL deals and academic support ensure sustainability. Youngstown State’s 3.2 team GPA last year supports retention, vital for the 2026 push. As the Fall World Series approaches, the blueprint is clear: Leverage veterans’ experience, unleash newcomers’ potential, and position the Penguins for Horizon League supremacy.

Looking ahead, the Fall World Series serves as a springboard to spring training in February 2026. Success here could attract more recruits and boost season ticket sales, which rose 15% after last year’s playoff appearance. For Youngstown State baseball, this fall finale isn’t an end—it’s the ignition for a season of breakthroughs, where the Penguins aim to roar into March with momentum, ready to challenge for a conference crown and beyond. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars; the path to 2026 glory begins October 29.