FULL SCHEDULE

Feb. 27, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – The Grand Rapids Community College Raiders baseball team isn't easing into the 2026 season.

Instead, the Raiders open Saturday with a four-game set against the nation's top-ranked program, Chipola College Indians, in Marianna, Florida — a measuring stick weekend that will immediately reveal where this year's club stands.

Battle-Tested and Built to Defend

GRCC enters the year as three-time defending conference champions after finishing 27-22 overall and an impressive 19-6 in conference play last spring. With 14 returners back in the fold, including multiple All-Conference selections, expectations remain high.

Head coach Mike Eddington enters his eighth season at the helm with a 177-112-1 overall record (.61) and a dominant 115-35 (.77) conference mark. Under his leadership, the Raiders have built a culture centered on pitching depth, defensive consistency, and relentless offensive pressure.

Experience in the Lineup

The Raiders return several key pieces from last year's championship squad, led by dynamic outfielder Jack Lockwood, a 2nd Team All-Conference selection and Northern Conference All-Freshman Team honoree. Lockwood paced the team in runs scored, triples, at-bats, and stolen bases while finishing near the top in nearly every major offensive category.

Infielder Cannon Paul, also a 2nd Team All-Conference pick, brings versatility and impact on both sides of the ball after leading the team in assists and double plays while ranking near the top in stolen bases, home runs, and runs scored.

Utility standout Peter Heintz — another 2nd Team All-Conference and All-Freshman Team selection — was among the team leaders in batting average, slugging percentage, walks, RBI, and putouts, giving the Raiders a dependable bat in the middle of the order.

The infield remains steady with contributors Haiden Noakes, Andrew Conrad, and Aiden Friess, while the catching corps of Jameson Beale, Carter Gulick, and redshirt sophomore Alex Jones provides depth and defensive stability behind the plate. Evan Hendricks adds depth to the outfield. 

Depth on the Mound

Pitching has long been a hallmark under Eddington, and this season appears no different.

All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference right-hander Kyle O'Hearn headlines the staff after leading the team in WHIP and ranking near the top in wins, innings pitched, ERA, strikeouts, and opponent batting average. Fellow returner Kyler Larson adds experience after finishing among the team leaders in wins, innings, and strikeouts.

The bullpen welcomes back dependable arms in Sam Schmuker, who led the team with 12 appearances, and Landon Terry. Two-way threat Cannon Paul also offers options on the mound.

The lone transfer, left-hander Jansen Douma, arrives after spending last season at Hope College and adds maturity and collegiate experience to a deep staff.

Youth Movement

Seventeen freshmen round out the roster, giving the Raiders both depth and long-term upside. The class features a strong local presence, including Hudsonville's Parker Groenink (INF) and Dax Rossin (P), Grandville's Noah Ritsema (OF), Rockford's Gabe Stouffer (INF), Christian's Henry Streeter (OF), and Forest Hills Northern's Seth Bishoff (C). 

With a balanced mix of position players and pitchers — including arms like Conner Marciniak (Leslie), Dylan Johnston (Clarkston), Ryan Delora (North Muskegon), Sam Vanneste (Fowler), Mason Meier (Gladwin), Cam Schader (Zeeland West), and Owen Waha (Kearney, Nebraska) and position players like A.J. Speigl (Petoskey), Owen Hendrix (Traverse City West), Blake Sitzer (Lowell), and Michael Hurlbutt (Allendale) — the Raiders will rely on competition and internal development throughout the season.

A Southern Challenge

The season-opening trip is anything but routine.

After four games at No. 1 Chipola, GRCC will continue its Florida swing with two games at Tallahassee Community College, followed by single games at Gulf Coast State College and Pensacola State College. The Raiders then stop in Tennessee to face Columbia State Community College before returning home.

In total, the schedule features 20 non-conference games and 25 conference contests before postseason play begins — a slate designed to challenge the roster early and prepare it for another conference title push.

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.