Kansas Baseball’s Rise: Junior College Transfers Propel Top 25 Success

When Dan Fitzgerald became head coach of the University of Kansas baseball team in June 2022, he faced a daunting challenge. The program was in disarray, with a history of losing seasons and a roster depleted by transfers.

However, Fitzgerald and his staff saw an opportunity to rebuild the team by focusing on junior college (JUCO) transfers. This unconventional approach has led to a remarkable turnaround, making Kansas one of the top programs in college baseball today.

The State of Kansas Baseball in 2022

When Fitzgerald arrived at Kansas, the baseball program was struggling. The team had endured six losing seasons since 2010 and had not reached the NCAA Tournament in nearly a decade.

The roster was in shambles, with many players leaving through the transfer portal. The facilities were lacking in energy, and the program lacked a clear identity.

The Need for a New Approach

Fitzgerald, fresh from his role as recruiting coordinator at LSU, knew that traditional methods wouldn’t work for Kansas. The program didn’t have the resources to compete in the NIL arms race or attract high-profile transfers.

Instead, Fitzgerald and his staff decided to focus on recruiting JUCO players, who brought maturity, hunger, and perspective to the team.

Building a New Culture

The decision to recruit JUCO players was not just a strategy; it was a cultural shift. Fitzgerald and his staff, including recruiting coordinator Jon Coyne, pitching coach Brandon Scott, and hitting coach Tyler Hancock, all had experience in the junior college system.

They knew the kind of players that JUCO programs produced—players who were tough, disciplined, and grateful for the opportunity to play at a higher level.

The Value of JUCO Players

JUCO players brought a unique mentality to the Kansas baseball team. Unlike high school recruits who might be enticed by large financial offers, JUCO players were more focused on the basics.

They appreciated facilities with lights and turf fields and were eager to prove themselves. This mentality helped shape a roster that was mature and competitive.

Success on the Field

The results of this new approach were evident on the field. By April 7, Kansas had achieved a 27-6 overall record and a 9-3 mark in Big 12 play, both program bests at that point in the season.

The team ranked in the top 15 nationally in several key metrics, including scoring, home runs, on-base percentage, and slugging. They were also among the top 45 in ERA and had climbed to No. 19 in Baseball America’s Top 25 rankings.

Key Players and Their Contributions

Several JUCO transfers played crucial roles in Kansas’ success. Home run leader Jackson Hauge came from Division II Minnesota State Mankato, while batting average leader Brady Ballinger transferred from the College of Southern Nevada.

Stolen base leader Derek Cerda was a product of Western Oklahoma State. These players, along with others, filled key positions in the lineup and contributed significantly to the team’s performance.

The Importance of Experience

One of the key advantages of recruiting JUCO players is their experience. Of the 39 players on Kansas’ 2025 roster, 30 are in at least their third year at the college level.

This experience translates to better performance on the field. Older players generally outperform their younger counterparts in various metrics, including batting average, on-base percentage, and ERA.

Adapting to the New Recruiting Landscape

The transfer portal has changed the dynamics of college recruiting. Programs can now focus on maintaining an older, more experienced roster.

This approach has been particularly beneficial for Kansas, allowing them to replace experience with experience and maintain a competitive edge.

Creating a Unified Team

Beyond the numbers, the key to Kansas’ success has been the unity and simplicity of the team. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of being an unbelievable teammate and treating practice with respect.

This culture of humility and unity has created a cohesive team that works together seamlessly.

The Role of the Coaching Staff

The coaching staff at Kansas plays a crucial role in maintaining this culture. They are described as best friends who share a like-minded vision for the program.

This sense of alignment and trust trickles down to the players, creating a supportive and unified environment.

Looking Ahead

While the win-loss record is important, Fitzgerald’s ultimate goal is for the team to overachieve and get more out of themselves than they initially thought possible.

This mindset has already led to significant improvements and has set the stage for continued success in the future.

Conclusion

The story of Kansas baseball is a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the value of experience.

By focusing on JUCO transfers, Fitzgerald and his staff have turned a struggling program into a top-25 contender.

This approach has created a team that is not only competitive but also embodies the best qualities of college athletics. For more details on how Kansas baseball used junior college transfers to build a top-25 program, visit Baseball America.