By BROCK BEARDEN/Contributor
UT Tyler baseball has high expectations after securing one of the nation’s top transfer classes. Nine experienced players have joined the program with a common goal of a championship run.
According to 64Analytics, which performs an annual analysis of the collegiate transfer portal, UT Tyler landed the No. 34 college baseball transfer class in the nation. The class also is ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division II and No. 1 in the Lone Star Conference.
The transfers include six NCAA Division I players:
- Grant Garza; a right-handed pitcher from Tarleton State University;
- Garrett Gearner, a senior right-handed pitcher from Stephen F. Austin State University;
- Justin Williams, an infielder and right-handed picture from Southeastern Louisiana University;
- Bo Willis, a catcher from Northwestern State University;
- Cade Conway, an outfielder from Charleston Southern University;
- And Mason Hammonds, an infielder, from Tarleton State University.
And three NCAA Division II players:
- Silas Cowgill, a right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma Christian University;
- Brody Logsdon, a right-handed pitcher from Southeastern Oklahoma State University;
- Spencer Simpson, an infielder from Cameron University.
Garza, who had an 8-1 record last season and was named to the Western Athletic Conference first team; Hammonds, who as a junior led Tarleton with 64 hits, 43 runs scored and 16 doubles; and Willis, who finished his NSU career tied for eighth in career home runs (24) and in 10th place in career RBIs (116) are all ranked in the top 250 transfer players nationally.
TEAM CHEMISTRY
“The talent between transfer and returners here is unreal, but it’s the chemistry that really stands out,” said Conway, who last year was named the Big South Conference Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Conference. “We’ve all bought into the team’s goals, and I think that’s going to set us apart this season.”
The players began bonding during the fall semester.
“The fall has been great,” Conway said. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work and had the chance to really gel as a team. I think we’ve already built the kind of chemistry that leads to success.”
Cowgill said the bond among players and the coaching staff has already begun to take shape.
“We all come from different backgrounds, but we share the same goal — to win,” he said. “We push each other in practice and hold each other accountable, and I think that’s making us all better.”
The transition of new players into the team of returning players its coaches has gone well, Cowgill said. “The guys have been awesome, and the coaches have made the transition really smooth. We’re already building that trust you need to be successful as a team.”
Hammonds agrees.
“There’s a real sense of brotherhood here,” he said. “And I think that’s going to make a big difference when we face adversity during the season.”
The emphasis on building chemistry has been central to the team’s pre-season preparations.
“We’ve spent the fall working on the little things that win games, like executing in pressure situations and staying disciplined,” Logsdon said. “I think those details will make a big difference when it matters most.”
COMPETITIVE EDGE
The combined experience of the transfer players could provide the Patriots with a competitive edge, especially in high-pressure situations.
“Coming from other competitive programs, I’ve learned how to handle pressure situations and stay composed on the field,” senior pitcher Logsdon said. “I think that’s something I can bring here, especially when the stakes are high.”
The transfer players bring leadership but also resilience.
“One thing I’ve learned from my previous schools is the importance of strong leadership and staying resilient, especially through tough times,” Hammonds said. “The more I’ve been around different programs, the more I understand how crucial it is to keep the energy high and the mindset right throughout the season.”
The players are focused on leading by example.
“Having been through a few different programs, I’ve learned a lot about adapting to new environments and facing different competition levels,” Logsdon said. “I try to bring that adaptability here and lead by example.”
Conway said: “I feel like I bring a little bit of wisdom from navigating different locker rooms throughout my career,” Conway said. “It helps me connect with my teammates and keep us all focused on the bigger picture.”
COMMON GOAL
The focus has been on individual development and collective success.
“For me, it’s about doing whatever I can to help us win,” Conway said. “Whether it’s getting on base, scoring runs, or making a play in the field, I want to contribute to the bigger picture.”
The coaches are playing a key role in constructing a team focused on winning.
“I was drawn to UT Tyler because of the way the coaches emphasized development and success,” Hammonds said. “It’s clear they have built a winning culture here, and that’s something I wanted to be part of.”
Cowgill said UT Tyler is invested in winning. “The coaching staff really stands out because they care about us as players and as people. The facilities are top-notch too, and that shows how much this program invests in success.”
The players say their goal is to bring a championship to UT Tyler.
“We’re locked in on our goals and supporting each other every step of the way,” Conway said.
Added Hammonds: “Being recognized like that is great, but rankings don’t win games. I’m focused on using my experience to help our team stay competitive and bring home a championship.”
Logsdon is optimistic.
“We’re not just here to compete—we’re here to win,” he said. “This team has the tools and the mindset to do something special. … The energy here is incredible. Everyone is hungry to win, and I’m excited to be part of a group that’s so focused on achieving something special.”
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