Posts in BMOC
Betts: BMOC - Ricketts uses redshirt season to fuel Year 2 success

“Every college freshman arrives on campus seeking the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

But that’s not always the best development path.

Indiana University catcher Brayden Ricketts (Brampton, Ont.) understands that well.

Hoosiers head coach Jeff Mercer made the decision to redshirt his Canadian backstop in 2025, opting to bank on the player’s ability to use the time to further develop.

And it’s worked out so far. “

Read More
BMOCMatt BettsComment
Betts: BMOC - Slater’s success all about adjustments

“Making adjustments is nothing new to Missouri State right-handed pitcher Owen Slater.

Pitching for the Ontario Blue Jays and Junior National Team in high school put him in positions that forced him to grow as a player.

But no adjustment has been as big as the one he had to make during the transition to college baseball.

“On the field, the speed of the game, the level of preparation and the expectations were all higher than anything I’d experienced before,” Slater said.”

Read More
BMOCMatt BettsComment
Betts: BMOC - Beck has big goals as second season at Indiana State begins

“There were bound to be questions about the immediate impact Carter Beck could have when making the jump from Division II University of Mary to Division I Indiana State University before the 2025 season.

But Beck had the answers.

In his first season with the Sycamores, he finished with a .338 average, 11 home runs, 56 RBIs and a .981 OPS in 56 games.

The new guy no more, the left-handed hitting outfielder has high expectations for 2026.

“I’ve always liked to set my goals high, and this season I aim to be the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and to be in consideration as an All-American,” Beck said.”

Read More
Betts: BMOC - Anderson using UBC’s World Series run as motivation for more

“University of British Columbia left-hander Will Anderson isn’t bashful when discussing his expectations for the 2026 Thunderbirds.

“This is a World Series caliber team with talent everywhere and I think Lewiston is the standard now,” Anderson said.

“I strongly believe our pitching staff will be one of the best in the NAIA and that our lineup will produce at an elite level.”

It was just 10 months ago the T-Birds were right where they hope to be again. “

Read More
Betts: BMOC - Kilbreath beats ex-UBC mates, Anderson, Krahn

“It was a start Tyson Kilbreath had been thinking about for months. 

On paper, Saturday’s showdown between NAIA No. 15 Arizona Christian University and No. 10 University of British Columbia was an early season ranked matchup in what’s a lengthy college campaign.  

But for Kilbreath (Calgary, Alta.), it was an opportunity to face his former team. 

The Webber Academy Wildcats graduate spent the 2023-24 season in Vancouver with the Thunderbirds, making 11 relief appearances before transferring to the College of the Sequoias and eventually ACU. “

Read More
BMOCMatt Betts