By Griffin Leonard
As with every new season, Kingsmen Baseball boasts a roster unique from any in its past. The 2025 roster blends fresh talent with the return of several valuable veterans. With summer just around the corner, Coach Joe Hudak is especially thrilled to welcome back some familiar faces.
“It’s truly fantastic that we have 11 players returning to play for the Kingsmen. That’s the most we’ve ever had come back for another year,” Hudak said. “I think it’s a testament to how much our players enjoy playing for us and what a good experience they have.”
“I’m really excited to be back on the Kingsmen this season,” said returner Davis Anders. “I loved the experience I had last summer; I was able to grow as a player and as a person.”
Growth seems to be a common theme within the Kingsmen, as few leave the experience the same as they entered it. While many collegiate baseball players get the chance to improve their abilities during summer baseball, it’s growth off the field—beyond the game—that is a little harder to come by. But not here, according to returning pitcher Nick Osbourne.
“Since last summer, I’ve been able to use my experiences in my everyday life,” he explained. “I’ve been a completely different man since I’ve gotten back home by trying to be Christ-like every day. I’ve been able to give back to other people like I could have never imagined.”
Another returning player who experienced growth is third-season player Aidan Rice. The only third-year member of the roster, Rice joined Kingsmen Baseball without the thing that has since changed his life the most: his faith.
“The Kingsmen introduced me to Christianity and what it meant to be a Christian,” Rice stated. “After several Bible studies, sermons, and two mission trips I started to feel myself gravitating towards the Lord. After two summers, I gave my life to Christ.”
“Since then I’ve started a Bible study for my school’s baseball team,” he continued. “Additionally, I am the President of Campus Outreach at Davidson College, which is a Christian ministry on campus.”
Rice is one of 11 players looking to revisit what were once great experiences with the Kingsmen. Loaded to the brim, the summer allows for opportunities to excel on the field as well as to see the world. One stretch of the season stands out above all else for many of the players.
For the ninth season, Kingsmen Baseball returns to the Dominican Republic this July. It’s the 14th team that has taken the journey with Coach Hudak. As a result, the trip has changed the lives of many past and present Kingsmen. When discussing their reasons for returning, many of the guys pointed to this trip.
“My favorite memory from my first season with the Kingsmen has to be when we visited the boys’ and girls’ orphanages in the Dominican Republic,” wrote returning outfielder Jack Davis. “It was such a special time to see these boys and girls and how grateful and appreciative they were for everything they had even if it wasn’t much.”
“My greatest memory from Kingsmen is after arriving in the Dominican Republic, we were handing out food bags,” said Winthrop pitcher Aidan Bisbano. “The local people replied saying, ‘God is Good.’ It was a pretty amazing experience to witness people with such faith and it gave me a broader perspective of life.”
Enlightening experiences are on the horizon as we roll into Summer 2025, and these returners are only some of the veterans on the roster. Returner or rookie, there’s something for everyone to gain this season. According to Coach Hudak, however, coming back for a second time takes things to another level.
“In the past, I’ve observed that players who come back and play with us a second time really grow spiritually,” Hudak explained. “It’s a great opportunity for them to solidify their relationship with Christ.”
