After a 50-year absence, Warner Pacific baseball returned to Portland in 2025. Head coach Jeff Bard brought nearly 30 years of coaching experience and a clear mission. “Adding baseball at Warner Pacific fills a void for college baseball in the city of Portland,” Bard said upon his hiring. The Knights’ inaugural season finished 12-33 overall (10-27 in CCC play), establishing a foundation in one of the West Coast’s toughest NAIA conferences. The season ended on a major high note with a victory over Division I University of Washington, signaling the program’s competitive potential.
Now in year two, Warner Pacific returns a veteran core led by .337 hitter Mitchell Thoma-Britt. The Knights add transfers plus freshmen to pursue tangible progress in the always-competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference. The program revival honors a legacy that includes Darcy Fast, who turned down the Yankees to play at Warner Pacific in the 1960s. Fast later reached the Major Leagues with the Cubs.
Offensive Departures
Warner Pacific loses two contributors from 2025. Mathew Revels (.361 AVG, 26 H, 13 RBI) provided punch in limited action across 27 games. Shawn Hunt (.226 AVG, 6 2B, 12 RBI) added versatility over 34 appearances. Their departures create opportunities for incoming transfers and freshmen to claim roster spots.
Returning Hitters
The Knights return several core bats from the debut season. Mitchell Thoma-Britt (.337 AVG, .835 OPS, 45 G, 59 H, 3 HR, 23 RBI) led in average and hits. Connor Hale (.322 AVG, .880 OPS, 43 G, 12 2B, 3 HR, 32 RBI) drove runs and added power. Alex Nisbet (.290 AVG, .842 OPS, 41 G, 12 2B, 3 HR, 28 RBI) provided consistent production. Mason Deverna (.274 AVG, .778 OPS, 44 G, 4 HR, 22 RBI) brought versatility and pop. Colin Schiller (.297 AVG, .749 OPS, 33 G, 5 2B, 18 RBI) rounded out the group with steady contact. This core offers experience and leadership in the order.
Incoming Hitters
New bats bring Pacific Northwest depth and versatility. NWAC transfers include catcher Elijah Maeda (Skagit Valley) and infielders Derek Homer (Grays Harbor), Ryland Detzler (Mt. Hood), and Hayden Mirante (Skagit Valley). They add experience to the infield mix. The outfield gains junior college depth with Hank Kern (Mt. Hood) and Eiji Sato (Clackamas). The incoming freshmen class features P/INF Bryce Bottemiller (Tahoma HS) along with OF Cody Brewer (McDaniel HS), INF Landen Sigler (Mountainside HS), OF Ezra Vice (RS-Fr.; Westview HS), P/INF Carson Langguth, and P/OF Brayden Angeles. The influx gives Bard more lineup flexibility and competition for playing time.
Pitching Departures
The staff loses innings from year one. Josiah Nickel (7.52 ERA, 64.2 IP, 1-6) led the team in starts with 11. Shawn Hunt (10.70 ERA, 17.2 IP) provided bullpen depth. Their departures open rotation and relief spots for newcomers to earn.
Returning Pitchers
Warner Pacific brings back several pitchers with meaningful innings from the 2025 inaugural season. Ayden Yaeger (6.46 ERA, 71 IP, 5-6, 34 K, 13 GS) returns as the clear top starter and innings leader. Connor Hale (7.74 ERA, 54.2 IP, 3-4, 53 K, 10 GS) provides multi-role flexibility with a strong strikeout rate. Mason Deverna (6.54 ERA, 42.2 IP, 1-2, 42 K, 5 GS) adds swingman depth and two-way value. Kaden Hindman (10.72 ERA, 43.2 IP, 1-6, 25 K) and Brady Windham (10.21 ERA, 27.1 IP, 1-5, 17 K) offer reliable bullpen volume. Together, this returning group provides continuity and experience for the staff to build around in year two.
Incoming Pitchers
New arms bring junior college experience and high school upside. JUCO transfers Aaron Newton (Skagit Valley), Jacob Quinlan (Antelope Valley), and Nate Van Dooren (Antelope Valley) compete for immediate innings. Combined with two-way players Bottemiller, Angeles, and Langguth, plus freshman arms Payton Smith (West Jordan HS) and Beau Snyder (Central Linn HS), Bard has depth. He can now build a more consistent rotation and bullpen.
Outlook
Warner Pacific enters year two focused on measurable growth. With a veteran offensive core and improved pitching depth, the Knights aim to compete more consistently in CCC series play. The schedule opens with four games at Corban (Jan 31-Feb 1) before home series against Whitman and CCC opponents at Milwaukie High School. Year one established the foundation. Year two is about proving Warner Pacific baseball belongs in Portland’s competitive college landscape. Check our 2026 Warner Pacific Schedule Preview for more.
