The John Martin era of Emporia State baseball begins January 30 in Arizona for the Hornets in their 2026 baseball schedule released this week by Emporia State athletics. The Hornets will play four total games in Tucson, Ariz. against Adams State and Minot State to open the season. They’ll then head to the Edmond First Pitch Tournament for three games beginning February 5. The Hornets open MIAA play at Arkansas-Fort Smith for a three-game series beginning February 20. Opening Day at the Trusler Sports Complex will be February 27 against Northwest Missouri. ESU will play midweek series with Fort Hays State and Missouri Western this year with those games set for Tuesdays with the Hornets hosting the Tigers twice and the Griffons once. ESU’s Senior Day series is set to begin Thursday, April 30 hosting Northeastern State with the MIAA Tournament in Edmond, Okla. starting May 6. ESU alum John Martin takes over as head coach for Hornet baseball following a decade coaching Central Oklahoma.
Lady Hornet softball will also start their season January 30 at the Lone Star Classic in Dallas, Texas. They’ll once again participate in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Arkansas and the Washburn Tournament in February. ESU’s first home date is a doubleheader against Augustana on Sunday, March 8. E-State opens their MIAA schedule at home March 13 with a doubleheader against Rogers State. ESU’s last three series of the year will be at home including a bye week ahead of Senior Day and the Turnpike Tussle against Washburn on Saturday, May 2. Former Lady Hornet April Rosales will begin her 11th season as coach of the program in 2026.
Coverage of Emporia State baseball and softball is planned for Mix 104.9 this spring. Get the latest sports schedule online at kvoe.com/calendar.
