Betts: Fifty-one Canadians ready to dance in NCAA Tournament
Great Lake Canadians alum Rees Kozar (Amherstburg, Ont.) batted .309 in his freshman season for the Niagara Purple Eagles who will compete in the NCAA Stillwater Regional. Photo: Niagara Athletics
May 29, 2024
By Matt Betts
Canadian Baseball Network
The field is set.
The 64 teams that will make up the NCAA baseball tournament have been announced and among them are 51 Canadians. Fifty-two if you count a coach.
That’s way up from the 29 that took part in 2023, which was down from 32 in 2022.
Dating back to 2016, no year comes close to matching the 2024 total.
Let’s take a look at who, where and how this year’s Canucks made it to the dance.
Niagara University Purple Eagles (38-15) - Stillwater Regional
For the first time in program history, the Niagara Purple Eagles won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and punched their ticket to a regional.
Head coach Rob McCoy’s crew did it on the backs of 14 Canadian players and one coach.
Offensively, sophomore utility man Nick Groves (London, Ont.) leads the way. Groves followed up being named to the All-MAAC Rookie Team in 2023 by hitting .326 with a .899 OPS and 19 stolen bases so far.
If it isn’t Groves, watch for freshman catcher/outfielder Rees Kozar (Amherstburg, Ont.) to help steer the offence. His first season in the purple and white includes a .309 average, eight home runs and a .929 OPS.
McCoy didn’t hesitate to go to right-hander Zach Cameron (Hamilton, Ont.) out of the bullpen early and often all year long. Cameron pitched in all three games of the MAAC Tournament and has 11 saves on the season.
Assistant coach Matt Spatafora (Scarborough, Ont.) has been instrumental in recruiting north of the border.
Joining Niagara in Stillwater is the host No. 11 Oklahoma State, Nebraska and Florida.
Game 1: Friday vs. Oklahoma State - 7 p.m. EDT
The other Canadian Purple Eagles: C-INF Jason Green (Georgetown, Ont.), RHP Steven Hospital (Oakville, Ont.), RHP Brady Kobitowich (Edmonton, Alta.), LHP Zac Laird (Langley, B.C), INF Brodie MacKay (Burlington, Ont.), LHP Blake MacMillan (Mississauga, Ont.), LHP Noah Richardson (Windsor, Ont.), INF-OF Matt Torresan (Grimsby, Ont.), LHP Nick Veselinovic (LaSalle, Ont.), C Matt Ward (Mississauga, Ont.), LHP Evan Wilde (Airdrie, Alta.).
Great Lake Canadians grad Riley Silva (Cambridge, Ont.) had 31 stolen bases for the University of Nebraska Huskers this season. Photo: Twitter
University of Nebraska Huskers (39-20) - Stillwater Regional
The program with the second-most Canadians in any regional, Nebraska, joins Niagara in Oklahoma.
The Huskers earned their way into the tournament by winning their first Big Ten Conference championship.
Catcher Ben Columbus (North Vancouver, BC) has hit to the tune of a .307 average and outfielder Riley Silva (Cambridge, Ont.) has swiped 31 bases.
On the mound, right-hander Kyle Froehlich (Nipawin, Sask.) has made 19 appearances.
Game 1: Friday vs. Florida - 3 p.m. EDT
The other Canadian Huskers: LHP Caleb Clark (Orillia, Ont.), OF Matt Evans (Tillsonburg, Ont.) and INF Aaron Manias (Uxbridge, Ont.),
Vauxhall Academy alum Evan O’Toole (Bridgewater, N.S.) is sole Canadian on the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. Photo: Oklahoma State Athletics
No. 11 Oklahoma State University Cowboys (40-17) - Stillwater Regional
The hosts have been one of the best teams in college baseball all season and are riding high after winning the Big 12 Conference championship, beating rival Oklahoma, no less.
Right-hander Evan O’Toole (Bridgwater, NS) is the lone Canadian on their roster.
O’Toole has made 15 appearances and pitched to a 6.85 ERA over 23 2/3 innings.
Game 1: Friday vs. Niagara - 7 p.m. EDT
ABC alum Robin Villeneuve (Gatineau, Que.) has batted .288 with five home runs in 35 games for the University of Tennessee Volunteers this season. Photo: Tennessee Athletics
No. 1 University of Tennessee Volunteers (50-11) - Knoxville Regional
Tennessee is the only team in Division I baseball to eclipse the 50-win total before the tournament.
They showed why they were granted the No. 1 national seed when they won the Southeastern Conference tournament with a 4-3 victory over Louisiana State University in the final.
Infielder/outfielder Robin Villeneuve (Gatineau, Que.) has played in 35 games for the Volunteers and hit .288 with five home runs and a .960 OPS. He’s also tied for the team lead in hit by pitches with nine.
The Volunteers welcome Southern Mississippi, Indiana and Northern Kentucky to Knoxville this weekend.
Game 1: Friday vs. Northern Kentucky - 7 p.m. EDT
Red Deer Carstar Braves grad Cleary Simpson (Edmonton, Alta.) has excelled for the University of Northern Kentucky Norse this season, batting .345 with 16 stolen bases in 56 games. Photo: Northern Kentucky Athletics
University of Northern Kentucky Norse (35-22) - Knoxville Regional
Speaking of Northern Kentucky, they played their way into the tournament by winning the Horizon League championship.
Much like Niagara, it was their first title in program history.
Their reward? A trip to Knoxville and an opening round game against the top ranked Vols.
When the game gets underway, it’ll likely be infielder Cleary Simpson (Edmonton, Alta.) leading off for the Norse. Simpson is hitting .345 with a 1.021 OPS, 54 walks and 16 stolen bases in 56 games.
Game 1: Friday vs. Tennessee - 7 p.m. EDT
The other Canadian Norse: RHP Jackson Fraser (Buena Vista, Sask.) and RHP Griffin Howell (Windsor, Ont.)
ABC alum Émilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.) has batted .308 for the Kentucky Wildcats this season. Photo: Kentucky Athletics
No. 2 University of Kentucky Wildcats (40-14) - Lexington Regional
The nations No. 2 seed is sure to be an ornery bunch when play gets underway at home this weekend.
Kentucky went 1-2 in the SEC tournament but a strong regular season secured their right to host Indiana State, Illinois and Western Michigan.
One of the top Canadians for the upcoming draft, infielder Émilien Pitre (Repentigny, Que.), will need to play well if the Wildcats hope to turn things around.
Pitre is currently hitting .308 with a .924 OPS.
Game 1: Friday vs. Western Michigan - 7 p.m. EDT
Toronto Mets alum Connor Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) has played in 12 games for the Indiana State Sycamores this season. Photos: Indiana State Athletics
Indiana State University Sycamores (42-13) - Lexington Regional
Many thought Indiana State deserved the right to host, a spot that eventually went to East Carolina as the No. 16 seed.
Regardless, the Sycamores hope to replicate 2023 when they hosted and won the Terre Haute Regional.
Utility man Connor Hicks (Toronto, Ont.) has played in 12 games, hitting .188. Two of his six hits have left the ballpark for home runs.
Game 1: Friday vs. Illinois - 12 p.m. EDT
Terriers alum Cameron Chee-Aloy (Toronto, Ont.) has hit .333 for the University of Illinois this season. Photo: University of Illinois Athletics
University of Illinois Fighting Illini (34-19) - Lexington Regional
A 34-win regular season in the Big Ten puts Illinois in Lexington.
The Fighting Illini have already seen two of the teams waiting for them, splitting a pair with Indiana State and defeating Western Michigan.
Outfielder Cameron Chee-Aloy (Toronto, Ont.) has been out since April 14 but has had a strong regular season, hitting .333 with four home runs and a .958 OPS.
Game 1: Friday vs. Indiana State - 12 p.m. EDT
Other Canadian Fighting Illini: RHP Liam Adamson (London, Ont.) and RHP Parker Burgess (Douro-Dummer, Ont.)
Terriers alum Campbell Ellis (Georgetown, Ont.) has made 16 appearances (two starts) with the VCU Rams this season. Photo: VCU Athletics
Virginia Commonwealth University Rams (37-21) - Greenville Regional
If there’s one thing the VCU Rams can rely on, it’s experience.
For the third time in the past four years the Rams won the Atlantic 10 championship and find themselves in a regional.
Left-hander Campbell Ellis (Georgetown, Ont.) has been a member of all three of those teams and heads to Greenville with 16 appearances, two of which were starts, and a 6.67 ERA in 27 innings.
When Ellis and the rest of his teammates arrive in Greenville, N.C. they’ll be met by host East Carolina, Wake Forest and Evansville.
Game 1: Friday vs. Wake Forest - 6 p.m. EDT
The other Canadian Rams: RHP Justin Humenay (Montreal, Que.) and RHP Nick Frers (North Vancouver, BC)
Toronto Mets alum Brodie Peart (Markham, Ont.) has batted .267 in 39 games for the University of Evansville this season. Photo: Evansville Athletics
University of Evansville Purple Aces (35-23) - Greenville Regional
Evansville ran the table in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament to book their trip to Greenville.
In the final, they took down nationally ranked Indiana State.
Freshman Brodie Peart (Markham, Ont.) was named the No. 4 Impact Freshman in the MVC by D1Baseball in the preseason.
So far, Peart has played in 39 games and hit .267.
Game 1: Friday vs. East Carolina - 1 p.m. EDT
Vauxhall Academy grad Max Grant (Fredericton, N.B.) has batted .250 with three home runs in 19 games for the Alabama Crimson Tide this season. Photo: Tide Athletics
University of Alabama Crimson Tide (33-22) - Tallahassee Regional
Playing in the uber competitive Southeastern Conference paid off for Alabama as they turned 33 wins into the No. 2 seed in Tallahassee.
Infielder Max Grant (Fredericton, NB) is their lone Canadian.
Grant transferred from another program known for recruiting in the north, Canisius College. In 19 games played for the Crimson Tide, he’s hit .250 with three home runs and a .770 OPS.
Alabama is joined in their regional by host No. 8 Florida State, Central Florida and Stetson.
Game 1: Friday vs. Central Florida - 6 p.m. EDT
ABC alum Yohann Dessureault (Trois Rivières, Que.) leads the Stetson University Hatters with 11 home runs this season. Photo: Stetson Athletics
Stetson University Hatters (40-20) - Tallahassee Regional
The Stetson Hatters weren’t willing to rely on a strong regular season to get them an at-large bid as they went ahead and won the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament.
Infielder Yohann Dessureault (Trois Rivières, Que.) has played in all 60 games so far this season and leads the team with 11 home runs.
They’ll see a familiar foe in their first game, as they played Florida State twice during the regular season, dropping a 1-0 decision on March 19 and picking up a 10-5 victory on May 14
Game 1: Friday vs. Florida State - 12 p.m. EDT
ABC alum Raphael Pelletier (Mascouche, Que.) has nine home runs for Kansas State this season. Photo: Kansas State Athletics
Kansas State University Wildcats (32-24) - Fayetteville Regional
Kansas State received an at-large bid and are the No. 3 seed in the Fayetteville Regional alongside host No. 5 Arkansas, Louisiana Tech and Southeast Missouri State.
Both Canadians on the Wildcats roster have played important roles for the team.
Infielder Jaden Parsons (Kelowna, BC) has hit .305 and been on base at a .416 clip in 42 games.
Catcher Raphael Pelletier (Mascouche, Que.) may not have the average at just .211 but he’s tied for the team lead with nine home runs. Defensively, he owns a .985 fielding percentage.
Game 1: Friday vs. Louisiana Tech - 8 p.m. EDT
Edmonton Cardinals alum Haden Dow (St. John, NB) owns a 4-1 record for the Southeast Missouri Redhawks this season. Photo: SEMO Athletics
Southeast Missouri University Redhawks (34-25) - Fayetteville Regional
Southeast Missouri State has been to the NCAA Tournament two twice since 2021 but have failed to win a game in that time.
Southpaw Haden Dow (St. John, N.B.) has been in the rotation for the Redhawks this season, posting a 4-1 record and a 4.89 ERA in 77 1/3 innings.
Game 1: Friday vs. Arkansas - 3 p.m. EDT
ABC grad LP Langevin (Quebec, Que.) has 100 strikeouts in 60 innings for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns this season. Photo: University of Louisiana Athletics
University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (40-18) - Bryan-College Station Regional
A 40-win season puts Louisiana in Texas for the Bryan-College State Regional alongside No. 3 Texas A&M, Texas and Grambling State.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are armed with a Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist in right-hander LP Langevin (Quebec, Que.).
Langevin has appeared in 22 games, made three starts, and has a 3.75 ERA with a team leading seven saves.
His most impressive stat is his strikeout totals as he’s fanned 100 in 60 innings.
Game 1: Friday vs. Texas - 6 p.m. EDT
Former Ottawa-Nepean Canadians LHP Ben Adams (Ottawa, Ont.) owns a 3.31 ERA in 27 appearances for St. John’s University this season. Photo: St. John’s Athletics
St. John’s University Red Storm (37-16-1) - Charlottesville Regional
St. John’s was making noise right from the start of the season when they beat No. 2 Florida on Opening Day.
Only 3 1/2 months and a Big East title later, they head to Charlottesville along with host No. 12 Virginia, Mississippi State and Pennsylvania.
Left-hander Ben Adams (Ottawa, Ont.) threw three scoreless innings in that win over Florida and parlayed it into a strong season. In 27 appearances, he is 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA.
Game 1: Friday vs. Mississippi State - 7 p.m. EDT
Other Canada Red Storm: INF Cole LeClair (Toronto, Ont.)
Langley Blaze grad Tom Poole (Calgary, Alta.) has hit .345 and belted 10 home runs for the Dallas Baptist Patriots this season. Photo: Dallas Baptist Athletics
Dallas Baptist University Patriots (44-13) - Tucson Regional
The Dallas Baptist Patriots will skip over two states for a regional that includes host No. 13 Arizona, West Virginia and Grand Canyon.
The Patriots have won more than 40 games each of the past two seasons and are fresh off a Conference USA championship run.
Infielder Tom Poole (Calgary, Alta.) hits in the heart of the lineup and for good reason. He owns a .345 average, 10 home runs and leads the team with a 1.147 OPS.
Game 1: Friday vs. West Virginia - 3 p.m. EDT
Ontario Blue Jays alum Sam White (Aurora, Ont.) has 10 home runs in 60 games for the West Virginia Mountaineers this season. Photo: WVU Athletics
West Virginia University Mountaineers (33-22) - Tucson Regional
It was a disappointing finish to the Big 12 tournament for West Virginia as they went two-and-out, dropping games to Texas Christian University and Kansas State.
They’ll hope for a better fate when they arrive in Arizona and try to keep head coach Randy Mazey’s career alive for at least another week before he retires.
Sophomore Sam White (Aurora, Ont.) leads the team with a .306 average and has played in all 60 games. He’s also hit 10 home runs and put up a .913 OPS.
Game 1: Friday vs. Dallas Baptist - 3 p.m. EDT
Tyler Wilson, son of former major league left-hander Steve Wilson (Victoria,BC), has batted .381 with 16 home runs for the Grand Canyon Antelopes this season. Photo: GCU Athletics
Grand Canyon University Antelopes (34-23) - Tucson Regional
Grand Canyon gets into the NCAA tournament by way of winning the Western Athletic Conference regular season.
Tarleton State was the tournament champions but were ineligible due to restrictions put on them as they reclassify to Division I from Division II.
While not born in Canada, Tyler Wilson (Chandler, Ariz.) has deep Canadian roots. The son of former big league reliever Steve Wilson (Victoria, BC) leads the Lopes in almost all offensive categories, including average (.381), hits (83), home runs (16), RBI (63) and OPS (1.129).
Wilson has already been named the WAC Player of the Year.
Game 1: Friday vs. Arizona - 9 p.m. EDT
Fraser Valley Cardinals alum Micah Bucknam (Abbotsford, BC) has pitched in eight games for the LSU Tigers this season. Photo: Twitter
Louisiana State University Tigers (40-21) - Chapel Hill Regional
The LSU Tigers may be the toughest two-seed in the NCAA tournament.
A lock for an at-large bid, a run to the SEC tournament championship game reinforced how good they are.
Right-hander Micah Bucknam (Abbotsford, BC) has appeared in eight games for the Tigers, pitching to a 7.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts in nine innings.
His team joins host No. 4 North Carolina, Wofford and Long Island.
Game 1: Friday vs. Wofford - 12 p.m. EDT
Whalley Chiefs grad Tyler McInnes (Langley, BC) is the sole Canadian on the Long Island University Sharks. Photo: Long Island University Athletics
Long Island University Sharks (33-23) - Chapel Hill Regional
Long Island makes the trip south to Chapel Hill thanks to winning the Northeast Conference.
It comes a year after finishing 19-36.
Right-handed pitcher Ty McInnes (Langley, BC) has one appearance on the season back in February against Florida International.
Game 1: Friday vs. North Carolina - 6 p.m. EDT
Okotoks Dawgs alum Micah McDowell (Halifax, NS) has batted .379 for the Oregon State Beavers this season. Photo: OSU Athletics
No. 15 Oregon State University Beavers (42-14) - Corvallis Regional
No stranger to this time of year, Oregon State welcomes UC Irvine, Nicholls and Tulane to Corvallis as the Beavers search for their first national title since 2018.
Outfielder Micah McDowell (Halifax, NS) has shone in his senior season. His .379 average and 1.147 OPS trails only top ranked prospect Travis Bazzana for the team lead.
Game 1: Friday vs. Tulane - 9 p.m. EDT
North Shore Twins alum Jed Decooman (Vancouver, B.C.) is on the UC Santa Barbara roster. Photo: UC Santa Barbara Athletics
No. 14 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (42-12) - Santa Barbara Regional
The University of California, Santa Barbara plays host to west coast foes San Diego, Oregon and Fresno State.
Right-hander Jed Decooman (Vancouver, BC) has made one appearance for the Gauchos.
Game 1: Friday vs. Fresno State - 9 p.m. EDT
Toronto Mets alum Turner Spoljaric (Lisle, Ont.) has pitched in eight games for the University of Oregon Ducks. Photo: University of Oregon Athletics
University of Oregon Ducks (37-18) - Santa Barbara Regional
The Oregon Ducks fly down the coast to Santa Barbara off an 0-2 showing in the Pac-12 tournament.
Right-handed pitcher Turner Spoljaric (Lisle, Ont.), son of former Toronto Blue Jay, Paul, has made eight appearances with a 14.66 ERA. He was relied upon last season to make the Game 2 start in the Ducks Super Regional series against Oral Roberts.
Game 1: Friday vs. San Diego - 3 p.m. EDT
Other Canadian Ducks: RHP Matthew Grabmann (Dartmouth, NS)