Ball State’s Major League Pipeline Continues to Shine
Five former Ball State baseball players reached the Major Leagues in 2024, showcasing the program’s success and talent development
Reaching the Major Leagues is often described as one of the greatest challenges in professional sports.
For nearly 150 years of professional baseball, just more than 20,000 players have earned the privilege of wearing a big league uniform. Even with expanded rosters across all 30 MLB teams, only 26 players suit up for each team on any given day during the season.
In 2024, an impressive five of those roster spots were filled by former Ball State University baseball players.
Having five former players reach the Major Leagues in a single season is a rare feat for any college program. For Ball State head coach Rich Maloney, it’s a source of immense pride and gratitude.
“I’m very humbled by it because it’s very hard to do for anyone to make the big leagues,” he said.
Alex Call
Completed third season in the Major Leagues in 2024 • Played in 30 games while slashing .343/.425/.525 in 99 at-bats
Drey Jameson
Spent third Major League season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery • Boasts a career 2.63 ERA in 65 innings pitched
Chayce McDermott
Made his Major League debut on July 24, 2024, at Miami with three strikeouts in four innings • Named top pitching prospect in the Orioles system
Kyle Nicolas
Saw extensive action out of the bullpen during second Major League season • Struck out 55 batters in 54.2 innings with a 3.95 ERA in 2024
Zach Plesac
Completed sixth season in the Major Leagues in 2024 • Made three starts for the Angels and went 1-1 in 12 innings on the mound
In 2024, Alex Call, ’16 (Washington Nationals), Kyle Nicolas, ’20 (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Zach Plesac, ’17 (Los Angeles Angels), all saw significant playing time. Chayce McDermott, ’21 (Baltimore Orioles), made his Major League debut, while Drey Jameson, non-degreed, ’21 (Arizona Diamondbacks) continued his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
These five former Cardinals represent a program with a rich history of developing talent. Ball State baseball has produced 76 MLB draft picks, including eight first-round selections and the 2002 No. 1-overall pick, Bryan Bullington, ’02.
Several former Cardinals—including Tyler Schweitzer and Ty Weatherly, ’22, and Zach Cole, Ty Johnson, and Trennor O’Donnell, ’23—are also recognized as top prospects in their organizations. With their potential, the number of Ball State alumni in the Major Leagues could reach double digits in the near future.
“Credit goes to these young men for their work ethic, their big dreams, and for being coachable,” Coach Maloney said. “What it says about the program is that you can come to Ball State, get developed here,
and go to the next level.”
While recruiting players with Major League potential, Coach Maloney and his staff have built a culture of team success, pairing talent development with consistent on-field results.
“I think it’s a great reflection of who these guys are, our program, and our University,” he said.
