FULL D1BASEBALL PRESEASON PREVIEW
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford baseball team was picked as the favorite to win the Southern Conference by D1Baseball in its 2026 season preview released Tuesday.
In addition to the poll, sophomore Mason Blasche was picked as the preseason Pitcher of the Year, and pitcher Michael Fredette was named the preseason Freshman of the Year.
Last season, Blasche was named a Freshman All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and he was named second team All-SoCon. He finished the season with a record of 10-0 and an ERA of 3.24.
Fredette comes to Samford from Mt. Paran High School in Kennesaw, Ga. He was ranked as the 23rd-best Pitcher in the state of Georgia by Perfect Game.
Following Samford in the D1Baseball preseason poll were Mercer, The Citadel, ETSU, UNC Greensboro, Wofford, Western Carolina and VMI.
Samford returns seven position starters and one starting pitcher from the 2025 squad.
The Bulldogs will open the 2026 season by hosting Belmont in a three-game series at Joe Lee Griffin Field, playing Feb. 13 at 4 p.m., Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, go to the following link: SEASON TICKETS.
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS
For the latest news and information on Samford baseball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordBaseball (Facebook), @SamfordBaseball (Instagram) and @SamfordBaseball (Twitter).
