The Emporia State baseball team was slotted eighth in the 2026 MIAA Baseball Preseason Poll released today. Once again Central Missouri was the unanimous favorite to win the league with 12 first-place votes. Pittsburg State was second followed by Central Oklahoma and Missouri Southern with the Lions receiving the last first-place vote. The Hornets were picked eighth as former Hornet player John Martin returns to Hornet Nation to lead his alma mater following a successful decade at UCO where he led the Bronchos to five NCAA Tournament appearances and two league titles. The Hornet batting order will be anchored by returning outfield slugger Noah Steele who led the team hitting .368 last year with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs on the way to Second Team All-MIAA honors. The Hornets also return starting pitcher Seth Stover who finished 4-5 last season with a team best 4.25 ERA and 44 strikeouts. The Hornets finished 23-25 in 2025 with a 16-20 MIAA record falling in the first round of the MIAA Tournament. The Hornets open the season with four total games in Tuscon, Ariz. against Adams State and Minot State beginning January 30. Opening Day at the Trusler Sports Complex is set for February 27 against Northwest Missouri.
Hornets Slotted Eighth to Open Martin Era
Turnbull Field, the home of Emporia State baseball at the Trusler Sports Complex.
