The Park University Baseball Team is back on track thanks to the efforts of their head coach Cary Lundy. The Pirates had to suffer the loss of 18 players last year, 13 of those were seniors. In response, the coaches made an extensive recruitment effort to obtain the players the team needed, signing 19 new players.
Adjusting to such significant roster turnover has not been easy for the Pirates. With limited returning experience, the team has been forced to rely heavily on younger players early in the season.
“We have only one returning position player who started for us,” Lundy said. “Everybody else is new. We’ve also had some injuries since the third game, so we’ve had to put young guys in. At times, we’ve had three or four freshmen in the lineup, which is giving them valuable experience.”
The Pirates prepared for the season with a demanding preseason schedule, playing 15 games ahead of conference play. One of the highlights was their participation in the Cajun Collision Tournament in Sterlington, La., where they faced Mid-America Christian University, Hastings College, Dakota State University and LSU Alexandria. The Pirates finished the tournament with a 2–2 record, earning wins over Mid-America Christian and Hastings while falling to Dakota State and LSU Alexandria. With the goal of learning from the mistakes, the coaches organized 11 more games between the teams of Nelson University, Hesston College, Culver-Stockton College and Clark University. The Pirates finishing with a record of 6-5 in those games.
Despite the early challenges, the team has already shown promising signs in conference play. Reflecting on their first conference matchup, Lundy emphasized how competitive the Pirates have been, even if results have not yet followed.
“I thought we played a really good game,” Lundy said. “Our number one pitcher, JP Ramos, matched up with their number one. It was 1–1 through six innings. We gave up two home runs in a row, and the game got away from us after that.”
Lundy believes the team was closer to success than the final results indicate.
“I think we should have won at least two games, but we didn’t,” he added. “Still, we’re starting to put things together.”
This season will also bring new challenges as the Heart Conference continues to evolve. In 2026, the Pirates are set to face Columbia College, William Woods University and Missouri Baptist University. However, Lundy noted that the program is not entirely unfamiliar with these opponents.
“We actually used to be in their conference, so we’ve played them many times,” Lundy explained. “The Columbia game was canceled due to weather, but it will be rescheduled for the weekend.”
As the season progresses, the Pirates remain focused on growth and development. With a young roster gaining experience each game and signs of improvement already visible, the Park University baseball team enters the Heart Conference season with a renewed sense of purpose.
Student coach Angel Lebron, who played for the Pirates from 2019 to 2022, shared his perspective as a former player.
“The changes we’ve had have been substantial. We lost many leaders and experienced players, but it has also created opportunities for younger players to show their skills,” Lebron said. “The new players are picking things up quickly. Even though it takes time to adjust, they are working hard and becoming part of the team. They are learning from the more experienced players how we do things here.”
The results may still be coming, but one thing is clear — the foundation for a new era of Pirates baseball is already being built.
