The St. Joseph Mustangs have won three straight MINK League Championships, eight overall. Mustangs Manager Johnny Coy has recruited a roster of collegiate players from all over the country to defend the title in 2023, beginning May 31st at Phil Welch Stadium.
“St. Joe is a special place,” said Coy. “The players that come here understand that our goal is to bring the city another championship, but they are also inspiring the children that are there in attendance. We will have high level players that also have a high level of character and continue the Mustangs tradition.”
The roster features a number of returning players from previous seasons. Those players include catcher Oscar Pegg; infielders Ike Book, Noah Bodenhausen, Michael Paule, Cole Slibowski, and Mason Holton. Making their return in the outfield includes Trevor McCollum, Dakota Spicer, and Will Dryburg. The pitching staff will also see the return of Braden Berry, Jay Greco, Tanner Scmidt, Jack Wells, Michael Infranca, Tyson Hilsabeck, and Jaren Guck.
Local schools such as Benton, Lafayette, Bishop LeBlond, Platte County, Kearney, and Savannah High School all have former high school players that now play collegiate baseball on the Mustangs roster this summer. “We have a great blend of local players and players from across the country. St. Joe is full of baseball talent. People are going to enjoy watching this team this summer, and I know these players will walk out of here at the end of the season with a special place in their heart for this community.” noted Coy.
The roster includes a number of intriguing players. Luc Fladda was ranked as the number 2 left handed pitcher in Missouri while in high school. Brayden Luikhart, a Lafayette High School graduate, was named the 2021 Missouri Player of the Year by Perfect Game as well as Prep Baseball Report. Last year, Easton Bruce was named to the MIAA All-Tournament Team, Academic Honor Roll, and Academic Excellence. Ryan Callahan was rated the number 2 shortstop in Kansas by Perfect Game and was also Academic Big 12 Second Team while he was at the University of Kansas.
Mustangs Opening Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, versus the Baldwin City Blues at Phil Welch Stadium. For tickets, please call 816.279.STJO or visit www.stjoemustangs.com.
St. Joseph Mustangs 2023 Roster
Catchers
Ben Click- William Jewell University
Oscar Pegg- Lincoln Trail University
1st
Ike Book – Washburn University
Ryan Callahan-Johnson County
2nd
Noah Bodenhausen- Northwest Missouri State
Michael Paule – McKendree University
SS
Cole Slibowski- Northwest Missouri State
3rd
Mason Holton- Coffeyville CC
Jayden Little- Highland CC
OF
Trevor McCollum- Washburn University
Dakota Spicer- Truman State
Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC
Will Dryburg- Kansas Wesleyan
Easton Bruce- Washburn University
Aron Harrington- Western Illinois
Pitchers
Braden Berry- Incarnate Word University
Jay Greco- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Tanner Schmidt- North Central
Jack Wells- William Jewell University
*Mason Holton- Emporia State University
Michael Infranca- Washburn University
Tyson Hilsabeck- Northwest Missouri State
*Brayden Luikart- Johnson County CC
Jaren Guck- Truman State
*Jayden Little- Highland CC
Ryker Curry-Pitt State University
Brandon Stone- Johnson County CC
Landon Fulk- Johnson County CC
Luc Fladda-Oklahoma University
*Aron Harrington-Western Illinois
Andrew Clark-Northwest Missouri State University