Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
True Blue Testimonials - Baseball Catcher Tyler Minnick
1/27/2026 9:00:00 AM | Baseball, General, BRAA
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — From the backyard catch sessions of his childhood to humbly being named a captain at Middle Tennessee State University, Tyler Minnick's journey has been shaped by discipline, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to give his best, every single day.
A senior catcher from Smyrna, Georgia, Minnick is in his second year at MTSU after transferring from Georgia Tech, and he has quickly become one of the pillars of the Blue Raiders baseball program. Named a team captain, Minnick doesn't take the role lightly. To him, leadership isn't about titles, it's about trust, accountability, and leaving things better than you found them.
Minnick's baseball foundation was built early at Mount Paran Christian School in Smyrna, where his talent behind the plate gained national attention. Rated a top-35 catcher in the country and the No. 2 catcher in the state of Georgia for the Class of 2023 by Perfect Game, he entered college baseball with high expectations and a strong sense of purpose.
Much of that mindset traces back to home. Tyler is the son of Brian and Amy Minnick, and his father's military background, along with his time playing collegiate golf at The Citadel, played a defining role in shaping Tyler's approach to life and sport.
After beginning his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, Minnick found his way to Middle Tennessee, a decision he describes as an easy one. From the moment he connected with the coaching staff, he felt something different.
"Picking MTSU was a no-brainer," Minnick said. "Coach Meyers and Coach Nickels made me feel valued not just as a player, but as a person."
That compassion, paired with the university's strong academic reputation, sealed the deal. Majoring in Business Administration, Minnick sees MTSU as a place that prepares him not only for success on the field, but also for opportunities in the business world after baseball.
Since arriving in Murfreesboro, Minnick has embraced the culture of the program, one defined by unity, support, and shared responsibility. He describes the team as a close-knit group of guys who genuinely care about each other, both on and off the field.
That support extends beyond the dugout. Minnick consistently points to the community surrounding MTSU baseball as a driving force behind the program's growth. From fans to donors, the backing the team receives has helped fuel new facilities and expanded opportunities, resources that elevate everyone involved.
"It just means so much knowing that there are people that care, and pour in a lot of resources and time and energy into us," Minnick said. "It makes us even more motivated to go out there and give it our all."
Being named captain is an honor Minnick carries with pride, especially knowing the legacy of players who came before him. He values being someone his teammates can lean on, just as easily as he can rely on them.
"So many players before me have contributed to this program, and it means so much," he said. "It also gives us a sense of responsibility to leave it better than we found it like the people that have come before us."
To help support athletes like Tyler, please consider giving to the Champions Annual Fund. This fund is designed to help our student-athletes by providing educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes from scholarships and academic support to housing and nutrition.
