Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider baseball returns from Summer Ball
8/21/2026 3:10:00 PM | Baseball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.- As summer break comes to a close, the first benchmark of the 2027 college baseball season comes to a front as the Blue Raiders return to Middle Tennessee.
New and returning talent descends upon campus and Reese Smith Jr. Field, with many Blue Raiders carrying back hardware after strong summers.
Multiple Blue Raiders brought home superlative awards, including three Player of the Year awards and multiple all-league and all-star selections.
Brett Vondohlen, Infielder, Coastal Plain League
The Blue Raiders everyday third baseman had a record-breaking summer for the Boone Bigfoots, including taking home the Coastal Plain League's Offensive Player of the Year honors.
In 43 games, Vondohlen slashed .379/.434/.787 while bringing the boom for Boone. The Smyrna, Tennessee native slugged 18 home runs, tying a CPL record. The power-hitting infielder blew the league's RBI record out of the water, driving in 74 runs. Vondohlen rounded out the summer by breaking the league's slugging percentage record, with a .787 mark.
Overall, Vondohlen picked 66 hits on the summer with 35 of them going for extra bases. He led the CPL in: home runs, RBI, doubles (17), total bases (137) and slugging (.787), capping off a legendary summer.
Walker Shaw, LHP, Volunteer State League
Before the start of his redshirt junior season, left-hander Walker Shaw stayed close to campus for a breakout summer with the Tullahoma Test Pilots in the VSL. Shaw's campaign was enough to take home the VSL's Pitcher of the Year award.
Over 34.2 innings pitched, Shaw sat down 49 opposing batters while holding a 2.80 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP. The southpaw limited free passes during the summer season, allowing just 10 walks, helping his case to take home the hardware.
Alex Bedford, Outfielder, Volunteer State League
In the Volunteer State League's inaugural season, the Tennessee native announced himself in a big way to the new league. Bedford took home VSL Player of the Year honors after hitting .447 in 27 games, while reaching base at a .580 clip.
Bedford blasted four long balls, while driving in 29 runs for the Columbia Jumpin' Jacks. The outfielder also smacked seven doubles with 27 walks in 27 games. The rising redshirt freshman reached base in every game he played for the Jacks.
Cole Cates, RHP, Prospect League
Following a solid first year with the Blue Raiders out of the bullpen, Cole Cates put together a strong summer to take home First-Team Western Conference honors in the Prospect League for the Jackson Rockabillies.
The right-hander made 10 appearances over the summer including four starts, totaling 35.2 innings. Cates struck out 43 batters, while going 5-2 on the hill. A 3.28 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP helped Cates guide the Rockabillies staff throughout the summer.
Kyle Manship, RHP, Northwoods League
An incoming transfer from Illinois State, Kyle Manship was named a Northwoods League All-Star team after a strong first half for the Fond Du Lac Spiders.
In six appearances (four starts) for the Spiders, Manship tossed 26.1 innings, striking out 35 batters. At the time of his all-star selection, Manship's 35 punchouts were tied for fifth in the NWL. The right-hander walked only nine batters and kept his ERA to a 3.42.
Konner Bowden, Outfielder, Volunteer State League
A graduate of Columbia Central High School, Konner Bowden returned to his roots to play hometown hero for the Jumpin' Jacks. Across the summer in Columbia, Bowden slashed .388/.506/.672, ringing up a 1.178 OPS.
The centerfielder flashed a combination of speed and power, with 10 doubles, three triples and two home runs. Run production also followed Bowden's bat, driving in 18 runs for the Jacks.
Keaton Ray, Outfielder, Coastal Plain League
In 32 games with the Tri-City ChiliPeppers, redshirt senior Keaton Ray had a productive summer. Ray drove eight home runs out of the ballpark, while reaching base at a .440 clip.
Ray's power also brought a .991 OPS, while driving in 26 runs. 31 walks supplemented the outfielder's strong on-base ability, with a full slash line of .280/.440/.551.
Jonny Stevens, RHP, Coastal Plain League
One of four Blue Raiders to take the field for the Tri-City Chili Peppers this summer, Jonny Stevens pitched 15.0 innings throughout the summer. The right-hander picked up 17 punchouts, while carrying a 3.95 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP through CPL play.
Cole Torbett, LHP, Coastal Plain League
A fixture of the Blue Raider pitching staff in the back half of the Conference USA slate in 2026, Cole Torbett carried his consistency into the summer as one of four Blue Raiders with the Tri-City Chili Peppers.
Over 18.0 innings, the southpaw struck out 19 batters while keeping CPL opponents to a 3.50 ERA.
Ryder Harville, RHP, Coastal Plain League
Following his true freshman season, RHP Ryder Harville followed a handful of teammates to the Tri-City ChiliPeppers in the Coastal Plain League. In 13.0 innings as a reliever, the son of former major leaguer Chad Harville struck out 11 batters. Harville kept his ERA to a stout 3.60 out of the bullpen.
Jaxon Junnila, Catcher, Coastal Plain League
Blue Raider catcher Jaxon Junnila joined teammate and CPL Offensive Player of the Year Brett Vondohlen in Boone this summer, and continued the trend of strong offensive outputs while playing for the Bigfoots.
In the summer before his fifth season of college baseball, Junnila carried a .306/.398/.472 hitting line in the batters' box. The backstop added six extra-base hits on the summer, complimenting a .870 OPS.
Colin Kerrigan, LHP, Old North State League
Blue Raider lefty Colin Kerrigan made his return to the Old North State League, suiting up for the Tarboro River Bandits following his junior season in the 'Boro.
Over 8.2 innings in the summer, Kerrigan tallied 13 strikeouts while allowing only three earned runs against ONSL competition. Along with excelling at missing bats, Kerrigan limited base runners while surrendering only four hits over his stint in Tarboro.
Jack Jones, First baseman/ Outfielder, Appalachian League
A redshirt freshman, Jones is coming to Murfreesboro after capturing a NJCAA National Championship with Johnson County Community College, Jones spent his summer in the Appy League with the Johnson City Doughboys.
In 22 games with the Doughboys, Jones accumulated a .395 on-base percentage while splitting time between first base and designated hitter. The 6-foot-3 Kansas native added power at the dish, thumping eight extra-base hits (two home runs) in just under 70 at-bats.
Jaxon Walker, Outfielder, The Valley League
A newcomer to patrolling the outfield at The Reese, true junior Jaxon Walker spent summer vacation in the Valley Baseball League with Harrisonburg Turks in Virginia. This follows up a successful season where Walker helped guide Walters State Community College to the NJCAA JUCO World Series.
The Tennessee native hit to the tune of .262/.361/.388 for the Turks with 16 RBI and three home runs. Over 32 games in Harrisonburg, Walker swiped 11 bags.
Josh Cone, LHP, Florida Collegiate State League
A veteran southpaw with three previous collegiate stops, Josh Cone spent his summer in his native state of Florida, playing for the Leesburg Lightning in the Florida Collegiate Summer League.
In six appearances, Cone stretched out to 14.0 innings in a very productive summer. A former hurler for South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College and North Florida, Cone struck out 26 batters during his time on the rubber for the Lightning. He also limited opposing batters to a 0.93 WHIP and a 2.57 ERA, with a 2-0 record.
The Blue Raiders will look to build off their success this summer, and carry it through fall ball and into the start of the 2027 season at Reese Smith Jr. Field.
Follow the Blue Raiders: Stay up to date with the Blue Raiders on X (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball) and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
New and returning talent descends upon campus and Reese Smith Jr. Field, with many Blue Raiders carrying back hardware after strong summers.
Multiple Blue Raiders brought home superlative awards, including three Player of the Year awards and multiple all-league and all-star selections.
Brett Vondohlen, Infielder, Coastal Plain League
The Blue Raiders everyday third baseman had a record-breaking summer for the Boone Bigfoots, including taking home the Coastal Plain League's Offensive Player of the Year honors.
In 43 games, Vondohlen slashed .379/.434/.787 while bringing the boom for Boone. The Smyrna, Tennessee native slugged 18 home runs, tying a CPL record. The power-hitting infielder blew the league's RBI record out of the water, driving in 74 runs. Vondohlen rounded out the summer by breaking the league's slugging percentage record, with a .787 mark.
Overall, Vondohlen picked 66 hits on the summer with 35 of them going for extra bases. He led the CPL in: home runs, RBI, doubles (17), total bases (137) and slugging (.787), capping off a legendary summer.
Walker Shaw, LHP, Volunteer State League
Before the start of his redshirt junior season, left-hander Walker Shaw stayed close to campus for a breakout summer with the Tullahoma Test Pilots in the VSL. Shaw's campaign was enough to take home the VSL's Pitcher of the Year award.
Over 34.2 innings pitched, Shaw sat down 49 opposing batters while holding a 2.80 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP. The southpaw limited free passes during the summer season, allowing just 10 walks, helping his case to take home the hardware.
Alex Bedford, Outfielder, Volunteer State League
In the Volunteer State League's inaugural season, the Tennessee native announced himself in a big way to the new league. Bedford took home VSL Player of the Year honors after hitting .447 in 27 games, while reaching base at a .580 clip.
Bedford blasted four long balls, while driving in 29 runs for the Columbia Jumpin' Jacks. The outfielder also smacked seven doubles with 27 walks in 27 games. The rising redshirt freshman reached base in every game he played for the Jacks.
Cole Cates, RHP, Prospect League
Following a solid first year with the Blue Raiders out of the bullpen, Cole Cates put together a strong summer to take home First-Team Western Conference honors in the Prospect League for the Jackson Rockabillies.
The right-hander made 10 appearances over the summer including four starts, totaling 35.2 innings. Cates struck out 43 batters, while going 5-2 on the hill. A 3.28 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP helped Cates guide the Rockabillies staff throughout the summer.
Kyle Manship, RHP, Northwoods League
An incoming transfer from Illinois State, Kyle Manship was named a Northwoods League All-Star team after a strong first half for the Fond Du Lac Spiders.
In six appearances (four starts) for the Spiders, Manship tossed 26.1 innings, striking out 35 batters. At the time of his all-star selection, Manship's 35 punchouts were tied for fifth in the NWL. The right-hander walked only nine batters and kept his ERA to a 3.42.
Konner Bowden, Outfielder, Volunteer State League
A graduate of Columbia Central High School, Konner Bowden returned to his roots to play hometown hero for the Jumpin' Jacks. Across the summer in Columbia, Bowden slashed .388/.506/.672, ringing up a 1.178 OPS.
The centerfielder flashed a combination of speed and power, with 10 doubles, three triples and two home runs. Run production also followed Bowden's bat, driving in 18 runs for the Jacks.
Keaton Ray, Outfielder, Coastal Plain League
In 32 games with the Tri-City ChiliPeppers, redshirt senior Keaton Ray had a productive summer. Ray drove eight home runs out of the ballpark, while reaching base at a .440 clip.
Ray's power also brought a .991 OPS, while driving in 26 runs. 31 walks supplemented the outfielder's strong on-base ability, with a full slash line of .280/.440/.551.
Jonny Stevens, RHP, Coastal Plain League
One of four Blue Raiders to take the field for the Tri-City Chili Peppers this summer, Jonny Stevens pitched 15.0 innings throughout the summer. The right-hander picked up 17 punchouts, while carrying a 3.95 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP through CPL play.
Cole Torbett, LHP, Coastal Plain League
A fixture of the Blue Raider pitching staff in the back half of the Conference USA slate in 2026, Cole Torbett carried his consistency into the summer as one of four Blue Raiders with the Tri-City Chili Peppers.
Over 18.0 innings, the southpaw struck out 19 batters while keeping CPL opponents to a 3.50 ERA.
Ryder Harville, RHP, Coastal Plain League
Following his true freshman season, RHP Ryder Harville followed a handful of teammates to the Tri-City ChiliPeppers in the Coastal Plain League. In 13.0 innings as a reliever, the son of former major leaguer Chad Harville struck out 11 batters. Harville kept his ERA to a stout 3.60 out of the bullpen.
Jaxon Junnila, Catcher, Coastal Plain League
Blue Raider catcher Jaxon Junnila joined teammate and CPL Offensive Player of the Year Brett Vondohlen in Boone this summer, and continued the trend of strong offensive outputs while playing for the Bigfoots.
In the summer before his fifth season of college baseball, Junnila carried a .306/.398/.472 hitting line in the batters' box. The backstop added six extra-base hits on the summer, complimenting a .870 OPS.
Colin Kerrigan, LHP, Old North State League
Blue Raider lefty Colin Kerrigan made his return to the Old North State League, suiting up for the Tarboro River Bandits following his junior season in the 'Boro.
Over 8.2 innings in the summer, Kerrigan tallied 13 strikeouts while allowing only three earned runs against ONSL competition. Along with excelling at missing bats, Kerrigan limited base runners while surrendering only four hits over his stint in Tarboro.
Jack Jones, First baseman/ Outfielder, Appalachian League
A redshirt freshman, Jones is coming to Murfreesboro after capturing a NJCAA National Championship with Johnson County Community College, Jones spent his summer in the Appy League with the Johnson City Doughboys.
In 22 games with the Doughboys, Jones accumulated a .395 on-base percentage while splitting time between first base and designated hitter. The 6-foot-3 Kansas native added power at the dish, thumping eight extra-base hits (two home runs) in just under 70 at-bats.
Jaxon Walker, Outfielder, The Valley League
A newcomer to patrolling the outfield at The Reese, true junior Jaxon Walker spent summer vacation in the Valley Baseball League with Harrisonburg Turks in Virginia. This follows up a successful season where Walker helped guide Walters State Community College to the NJCAA JUCO World Series.
The Tennessee native hit to the tune of .262/.361/.388 for the Turks with 16 RBI and three home runs. Over 32 games in Harrisonburg, Walker swiped 11 bags.
Josh Cone, LHP, Florida Collegiate State League
A veteran southpaw with three previous collegiate stops, Josh Cone spent his summer in his native state of Florida, playing for the Leesburg Lightning in the Florida Collegiate Summer League.
In six appearances, Cone stretched out to 14.0 innings in a very productive summer. A former hurler for South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College and North Florida, Cone struck out 26 batters during his time on the rubber for the Lightning. He also limited opposing batters to a 0.93 WHIP and a 2.57 ERA, with a 2-0 record.
The Blue Raiders will look to build off their success this summer, and carry it through fall ball and into the start of the 2027 season at Reese Smith Jr. Field.
Follow the Blue Raiders: Stay up to date with the Blue Raiders on X (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball) and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
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