Betts: BMOC - Beck has big goals as second season at Indiana State begins

Carter Beck (Carnduff, Sask.), who spent last summer with the WCBL’s Saskatoon Berries, is off to strong start with the Indiana State Sycamores. Photo: Indiana State Athletics

February 16, 2026

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

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.

“I think the key to this will be going out playing baseball just as I’ve always done, not worrying about expectations and pressure, just enjoying playing the game and doing what I love.”

He started his journey of achieving his goals this past weekend by collecting a pair of hits, an RBI and a stolen base as the Sycamores beat Manhattan before losing to No. 17 North Carolina State and No. 21 Wake Forest during the Puerto Rico Challenge.

Prior to landing on campus in Terre Haute, Beck (Carnduff, Sask.) spent his freshman season with the Division II UMary Marauders in Bismarck, North Dakota, who compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. While there, he hit .355 with 12 home runs, 53 RBIs and 11 stolen bases over 48 games.

Looking to test himself further, he decided to explore Division I possibilities, an opportunity eventually afforded to him by Indiana State.

When comparing the two levels, it’s depth that sets them apart, he believes.

“I think the biggest difference was the consistency of facing better arms, and just because it’s a Tuesday doesn’t mean you’re getting an easy matchup,” Beck said.

“This being said, the top Division II arms that I faced my freshman year were just as good, if not better, than a lot of arms I’ve seen. The difference was that each team had seven or eight of these guys instead of one.”

Part of what’s made the transition easier was his time playing for the Saskatoon Berries in the Western Canadian Baseball League the past two summers. More than just an opportunity to come play at home, Beck credits his time in Saskatoon with preparing him to compete at a high level under the guidance of Berries’ manager Joe Carnahan.

“The way they treat you in Saskatoon is right out professional, and on top of it, they have the best fan base in the WCBL with full crowds nearly every night,” he said.

“Not only was the environment and atmosphere great, but it was also a great spot to grow and develop as a player. I learned a lot about what it takes to play every day and how to keep my body healthy. I also got some insight into what it’s like to be a professional baseball player, playing every day.”

What remains the same about the game, regardless of the level, is the importance of being consistent.

Whether it’s with his approach, mindset or his production, consistency is what Beck is striving for.

“The most important thing is being consistent,” he said.

“I vividly remember playing a home game and looking up at the scoreboard (last season) and seeing my batting average at .268. I thought ‘wow that needs to change,’ and from that day forward, I was able to get going again and hit pretty well the rest of the season.”

When it comes to team goals for 2026, Beck’s are just as high, and rightfully so.

Indiana State has made 13 regionals, including four in the last six years, and a super regional in 2023.

"I expect us to win this year,” Beck said.

“I think we brought in some guys that can make an impact and we have a lot of room to grow from last year. We’re going to need the new guys to be good and our players from last year to be better. But, looking around the locker room I have a lot of faith and think we have come a long way since the fall.”