2026 Baseball Season Kicks Off

Edison State Community College’s baseball team returned to the field on Friday, February 6, and Saturday, February 7, when they traveled to Chattanooga State Community College. Despite a series of losses in the matchup, Head Baseball Coach Chris Wamsley is optimistic about the team’s potential for the season ahead.

Wamsley enters his third year with the Edison State baseball program, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge. Outside of coaching, Wamsley is the owner of Elevate Sports Training Facility in Centerville, Ohio, where he provides various forms of athletic instruction, including baseball lessons designed to sharpen specific skills in hitting, fielding, throwing, catching, and pitching.

When asked what he expects from his team in 2026, Wamsley said, “Our pitching is a big upgrade throughout the rotation, and our catching position has been upgraded and has more depth than in years past. We have a strong team as we look to contend for the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference championship.”

This year’s roster is young, with only four players returning from last season’s squad, which finished 12-26 overall and 8-17 in OCCAC play. Despite the record, last season the Chargers finished third overall in the conference with a team batting average of .316 and a conference-leading 36 home runs. Wamsley is confident in his 2026 team’s hitting but knows they’ll have to focus on hitting to all parts of the field.

The Chargers return All-OCCAC First Team honoree Parker Shannon. The sophomore infielder not only brings a .417 conference and .398 overall batting average, but also great leadership both on and off the field.

Also returning and holding down the top spot in the pitching rotation is sophomore Karson Adkins. On the mound, Adkins possesses a fastball in the upper 80s to low 90s, with great breaking and off-speed to go with it. Last season, Adkins started four games for the Chargers and pitched 26 innings, finishing with 42 strikeouts while going 2-3 on the season.

Wamsley said, “We’ll count on Parker and Karson to lead this season’s young squad, which is something we’ve lacked in past years.”

He added, “Many of our freshmen will have to step in and play right away, but I’m confident in the group we’ve brought in this season. They’re up for the challenge.”

Key freshmen include First Team All Greater Western Ohio Conference honoree Jackson Clark, who batted .388 as a high school senior. Wamsley said the first baseman was outstanding in the fall, and he’ll carry a heavy load and be counted on at the leadoff spot and first base. Tyler Raker, a two-time All Southwestern Buckeye League player, brings to the lineup a great bat and speed at the catcher’s position.

Two Kentuckians, Ryan Dugger and Ben Dehart, will look to fill some of the power production lost from last season’s team. Dugger comes to Edison State after a successful high school career at East Jessamine High School, where he hit a career .345 with 125 total hits while earning 46th All-District honors and the 12th Region Golden Glove award in 2025. Dehart batted .383 during his senior season and earned 16th Region All-Tournament Honors.

The baseball program upgraded its pitching crew, from the starting rotation to bullpen depth, during the offseason. Two pitchers who stood out in the fall and are expected to be key contributors this season are Rio Grande transfer and redshirt Burke Lillard and Nolan Munch.

Associate Head Coach Todd Pickthorn and Assistant Coaches Rick Antinori, Greg Cox, Alec Hutzelman, and Parker Liston join Wamsley in leading the baseball team.

The Chargers next travel to Parkland College on Tuesday, February 17, before hosting Jackson College at home on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21.

Edison State’s baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and bowling teams compete in the OCCAC and are Division II members of the National Junior College Athletic Association. For the latest news, upcoming games, and complete rosters, visit athletics.edisonohio.edu.