Ryan O’Hearn Named 2025 National Baseball Congress Graduate of the Year

Wichita, KS – The National Baseball Congress announced today that Baltimore Orioles first baseman/right fielder Ryan O’Hearn is the 2025 NBC Graduate of the Year.

O’Hearn was a member of the Santa Barbara Foresters in both 2012 and 2013, including the 2012 NBC Championship team. During the 2012 championship run, O’Hearn started all 8 games at first base for the Foresters. In 2013, he started all 5 games during the Foresters’ NBC run, batting an impressive .278 and leading the team in doubles during the season.

The Graduate of the Year Award was first presented to Satchel Paige in 1955 and has been presented annually since 1975, based on their MLB performance in the previous season. Past winners of the award include Paul Goldschmidt, Ian Kinsler, Ryan Helsley, and 2024 winner Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers.

O’Hearn’s impressive summers with the Foresters led to him being drafted in the 8th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. O’Hearn made his MLB debut on August 1st, 2018, starting his career off with a memorable 2-run home run in his first at-bat.

After joining the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, O’Hearn has experienced a career resurgence over the last two years, becoming a crucial part of Baltimore’s lineup. In 2025, as of June 12th, O’Hearn is batting an impressive .308 with a .875 OPS, 9 home runs, and 26 RBIs through 198 at-bats, establishing himself as a key contributor to the Orioles’ success.

The 91st NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, runs July 24th-August 2nd. The first nine days will be played at Wichita State’s Eck Stadium, home of Tyler Field, with Championship Night returning to historic Downtown Wichita at Equity Bank Park. Tickets are available at nbcbaseball.com or by calling 316-295-3762.

NBC World Series Alumni Weekend

Former NBC World Series players and coaches are invited to celebrate nine decades of baseball excellence during a special Alumni Weekend in Wichita this August. The weekend offers a unique opportunity for alumni to reconnect with teammates, share memories, and honor the rich 91-year legacy of the NBC World Series.

Friday, August 1st: Alumni Night at the Semi-Finals

Eck Stadium at Wichita State University

Games: 6:00 pm & 8:30 pm

Join us for an evening dedicated to NBC World Series alumni!
  • Exclusive for former players and coaches: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs in the outfield during the first game, courtesy of Candle Club Wichita.
  • Catch up with old friends, meet fellow alumni from across the country, and watch the next generation of NBC stars compete for a spot in the championship game.

Saturday, August 2nd: Championship Night & Alumni Celebration

Equity Bank Park (former Lawrence-Dumont Stadium site) in downtown Wichita

First Pitch: 7:00 pm

Be part of a memorable night as we honor past NBC champions with:
  • Photos and highlights on the video board
  • On-field recognitions and tributes to past All-American teams
  • Special recognition of past NBC World Series championship teams

Event Details

Tickets: $12 per person per night, or $8 per person for groups of 10 or more

Purchase: Online at nbcbaseball.com or email tickets@nbcbaseball.com

Questions: Contact the NBC office at 316-295-3762

 

The NBC World Series organizers encourage alumni to share their memories and photographs from their playing days by sending them to katie@nbcbaseball.com. These submissions will be featured throughout the weekend’s celebrations.

This Alumni Weekend represents more than just a reunion—it’s a homecoming for the extended NBC World Series family and a celebration of the lasting impact these athletes and coaches have made on amateur baseball.

NBC Baseball Foundation Establishes New Home in Historic Clifton Square

The NBC Baseball Foundation is proud to announce the grand opening of our new headquarters, marking an exciting milestone in our organization’s journey. Now officially established as an independent non-profit, we’ve found our home in Wichita’s charming Clifton Square at 3700 E Douglas Ave, Suite 70, Wichita, Kansas 67208.

A Space That Honors Our Legacy

Our new location serves as both an operational hub and a celebration of baseball heritage. Visitors will discover a carefully curated collection of memorabilia showcasing the rich 90-year history of the NBC World Series—a tournament that has become synonymous with summer in Wichita and has launched countless baseball careers, including those of Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens and Alex Gordon.

This dedicated space allows us to better fulfill our mission of empowering young athletes and strengthening communities through America’s favorite pastime. The transition from operating alongside the Wichita Sports Commission to an independent foundation as of January 2025 represents our commitment to focusing exclusively on baseball’s positive impact across our region, and the country.

Visit Us

We welcome baseball enthusiasts, community members, and supporters to stop by during our public hours:

  • Monday through Friday
  • 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Whether you’re looking to learn more about our programs, purchase tickets to the NBC World Series, explore National Baseball Congress history, or simply connect with our passionate team, our doors are open.

Prime Location

Our new office sits in the heart of Clifton Square, surrounded by beloved local establishments including Clifton Collective, Dempsey’s, Ziggy’s Pizza, and Papa’s General Store. Make visiting us part of your Clifton Square experience!

Looking Ahead

As we count down to the 2025 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, kicking off on July 24th, our team is energized by this new chapter. This space will serve as the foundation for planning and executing another unforgettable tournament while expanding our community outreach initiatives.

We invite you to be part of this exciting new era for the NBC Baseball Foundation. Come visit us and discover how we’re preserving the past while building baseball’s future.

Nominations Open for the 2025 Terry Brewster Community Volunteer All-Star Award

WICHITA, KS – The National Baseball Congress (NBC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Terry Brewster Community Volunteer All-Star Award.

Established to honor the memory and legacy of Terry Brewster, a dedicated supporter and former board member of the NBC, this award recognizes outstanding volunteers from any community organization or non-profit within the Greater Wichita Area.

Community members are invited to nominate deserving individuals from any local non-profit organization online at nbcbaseball.com. The nomination period will close on June 2nd. A distinguished panel of local professionals and community leaders will select the award recipients, who will be announced on June 27th.

The 2025 award winners will each receive four complimentary tickets to an NBC World Series game, where their contributions will be recognized during the event. We encourage the community to attend the games and join us in celebrating these unsung heroes.

Terry Brewster’s deep commitment to Wichita sports, especially youth sports, was a defining aspect of his life and his invaluable contributions to our community. By celebrating exceptional individuals who generously donate their time, talents, and resources to uplift others, we continue to keep Terry’s spirit alive.

The 91st NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held from July 24th to August 2nd, 2025, primarily at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University, with Championship Night returning downtown to Equity Bank Park. The NBC World Series stands as one of the nation’s longest-running sporting events and the premier summer collegiate national championship, boasting over 900 alumni who have advanced to Major League Baseball.

Group tickets and tournament passes for the 2025 NBC World Series are available for purchase at nbcbaseball.com.

For more information about the Terry Brewster Community Volunteer All-Star Award and to submit nominations, please visit nbcbaseball.com 

Championship Night Returns Downtown

NBC World Series Announces Return of Championship Night to Downtown Wichita at Equity Bank Park

Historic Tournament Powered by Evergy to Celebrate Baseball’s Legacy and Future on August 2, 2025

Wichita, KS — April 17, 2025 — The NBC Baseball Foundation proudly announces that Championship Night of the 2025 NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be played at Equity Bank Park on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This momentous decision marks the return of the NBC World Series to downtown Wichita, reconnecting the tournament with its historic roots, where it was played for over 80 years at the iconic Lawrence Dumont Stadium. The NBC World Series has been a cornerstone of Wichita’s baseball tradition for more than 90 years, drawing tens of thousands of young men from across the country who have chased their baseball dreams on these fields. The tournament has long been a summertime ritual for generations of families, fostering community spirit and creating lifelong memories.

Katie Woods, Tournament Director of the NBC World Series, shared her excitement about the announcement: “Bringing Championship Night back downtown is a powerful symbol of the NBC World Series’ regrowth and our mission to reignite a love of the game. We are committed to connecting communities and creating core memories for players and fans alike. Equity Bank Park is the perfect stage to celebrate our rich history while looking forward to a bright future.”

The return to downtown Wichita also highlights the strong partnership between the NBC Baseball Foundation and the Wichita Wind Surge, who play at Equity Bank Park. Matt Hamilton, General Manager of the Wichita Wind Surge, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with the NBC Baseball Foundation to bring Championship Night to Equity Bank Park. This partnership strengthens Wichita’s baseball culture and offers fans an unforgettable experience in the heart of our city.”

The City of Wichita also celebrates this milestone. Mayor Lily Wu remarked: “The NBC World Series is woven into the fabric of Wichita’s history. Returning Championship Night downtown honors that legacy and showcases our city’s ongoing commitment to supporting baseball and community events that bring people together.”

The Wichita Baseball Museum, located at Equity Bank Park, served as the backdrop for the announcement and features treasured memorabilia that tell the story of the NBC World Series’ storied past. Highlights include Ozzie Smith’s jersey from his time with the Clarinda A’s, a historic pitch clock—an innovation first introduced by the National Baseball Congress decades before Major League Baseball adopted it—and artifacts honoring legendary players like Satchel Paige, who competed in and won the first NBC Semi-Pro Invitational in 1935 with the Bismark Churchills.

Evergy, the title sponsor of the NBC World Series, continues to play a vital role in powering the tournament and supporting its mission to unite communities through baseball.

About the NBC World Series

The NBC World Series is one of the longest-running amateur baseball tournaments in the United States, held annually in Wichita, Kansas, since 1935. Since its inception over 90 years ago, the tournament has been a proving ground for talented players and a beloved summer tradition for families and fans. Known for its innovative spirit and deep community roots, the NBC World Series continues to celebrate the game of baseball and its power to bring people together.

All-tournament passes and group tickets are on sale now at nbcbaseball.com or by calling the NBC Baseball Foundation office at 316-295-3762. Single-day passes will go on sale on June 10th.

A Night to Remember: Recapping the 2025 NBC Hall of Fame Celebration

The 2025 National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame Celebration took place on January 30 at the B-29 Doc Hangar and Education Center in Wichita. The event honored three new inductees—David Benson, Alex Gordon, and Phil Stephenson—each of whom has made a significant impact on the NBC World Series and the sport of baseball.

 

It was an evening that brought together baseball fans, former players, and NBC supporters, all coming together to celebrate not just the new Hall of Fame members but also the long history of the NBC World Series, which will mark its 90th anniversary this summer (July 24 – August 2, 2025).

 

Honoring the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s inductees each represented a different facet of the NBC’s rich legacy:

David Benson – A standout pitcher with the Seattle Studs from 2008 to 2019, Benson made 20 appearances in the NBC World Series. With a 10-3 record and a 2.85 ERA, he set several NBC records, including most decision, most start, and most innings pitched in the modern wood bat era. Benson’s career highlights include three NBC World Series Championships and two NBCWS All-American honors.

Alex Gordon – Gordon, who played in the 2002 NBC World Series with the Beatrice Bruins, went on to a successful career in both college and professional baseball. He earned accolades such as the Dick Howser Trophy, Golden Spikes Award, and Brooks Wallace Award before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Gordon won eight Gold Glove Awards, was a key contributor to the Royals’ 2015 World Series win, and made three MLB All-Star appearances. He was named the NBC Graduate of the Year in 2013.

Phil Stephenson – A versatile figure in the NBC, Stephenson has played multiple roles over the years, including player, coach, general manager, and commissioner. He played for the Alaska Goldpanners, winning an NBC Championship in 1980, and was part of the Wichita Alumni team in 1995, which played in front of a record crowd. As a coach, he led the Dodge City A’s and Fairbanks teams to several playoff appearances and helped develop many future NBC talents. Stephenson also had a standout career at Wichita State Univerisity and played four season in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.

 

Special Guest: Ozzie Smith

The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of Ozzie Smith, a Hall of Fame shortstop and former Clarinda A’s player. Smith, who was inducted into the NBC Hall of Fame in 1992, shared stories from his legendary career and spoke about the importance of giving back to the game. His insights were a highlight of the evening, offering a unique perspective from one of baseball’s most respected figures.

 

A Celebration of Baseball and Community

Alongside the inductions, the event featured a silent auction, photo opportunities with Ozzie Smith, great food, and plenty of chances to reconnect with baseball legends and fans. The turnout was strong, and the evening served as a reminder of how the NBC continues to bring communities together through the love of baseball.

 

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Hall of Fame Celebration

With the success of this year’s event, we’re already looking forward to the next NBC Hall of Fame Celebration in 2026. As we continue to honor the history of the NBC World Series, we invite everyone to join us this summer as we celebrate its 90th anniversary, from July 24 to August 2, 2025. Thank you to all who attended, supported, and helped make this event a memorable evening celebrating baseball’s rich history.

 

Championship Game Recap

Hays Larks vs Hutchinson Monarchs

In the championship game, the Hays Larks emerged victorious over the Hutchinson Monarchs with a 7-3 win.

The Monarchs jumped to an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning, but the Larks steadily chipped away, beginning with a run in the third. A critical turning point came in the eighth inning when the Larks broke a 3-3 tie by scoring two runs, followed by a three-run burst in the ninth, capitalized by a three-RBI performance from Wilbert Espinal.

Despite Hutchinson’s 10 hits, they couldn’t convert more runs, leaving 14 runners stranded on base.

Hays’ pitching staff, led by reliever Garrett Hicks and Dalton Campbell effectively stifled the Monarchs after their initial outburst, with Hicks earning his fourth save of the tournament.

Monarchs’ pitcher Ian Lanik took the loss.

Kaleb Duncan also played a pivotal role for the Larks, driving in two runs.

The Monarchs, aiming for back-to-back championships, had strong performances from Camden Johnson and Jack Gardner but couldn’t match the Larks’ timely hitting.

This win marks a significant achievement for Hays, securing their first NBC World Series Championship.

Semifinal Recaps

6 PM: Hutchinson Monarchs vs Kansas Cannons

In a thrilling semifinal game, Hutchinson KS Monarchs defeated the Kansas Cannons with a final score of 7-5, securing their place in the championship game.

The Monarchs’ offense was led by Camden Johnson, who went 1-for-4 with two RBIs, and Will Edmunson, who also contributed with two RBIs on a 1-for-5 performance. Jaden Gustafson added a triple, and Reese Ratchford chipped in with a crucial two-run double. The Cannons were led by Lane Haworth, who went 1-for-4 with an RBI, and Gannon Snyder, who had two RBIs from a 1-for-3 performance. Mike Williamson added two more RBIs with a 2-for-5 effort.

On the mound, Jace Miner started for the Monarchs and pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out nine. Reed Scott closed the game effectively for the Monarchs, earning the win with a scoreless ninth inning. For the Cannons, Jacob Holzer started and went 5.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits with six strikeouts. Mason Munz, who took the loss, struggled in the ninth inning, allowing three runs on three hits.

The game remained scoreless through the first five innings until the Monarchs scored three runs in the sixth. However, the Cannons responded with one run in the sixth and took the lead with a four-run seventh inning. The Monarchs rallied to tie the game in the eighth and sealed the win with three runs in the top of the ninth inning.

With this victory, the Monarchs advance to the championship game, while the Cannons finish the tournament in third place.

8:30 PM: Hays Larks vs Lonestar Baseball Club

The Hays Larks defeated Lonestar Baseball Club with a score of 7-3, securing their place in the championship game.

Lonestar started strong, scoring one run in each of the first three innings, but their momentum was halted as the Larks’ pitching staff took control. The Larks responded with four runs in the first inning, fueled by a strong performance from Garrett Gruell who hit a home run and drove in four runs. Kaleb Duncan also contributed significantly with two RBIs.

Despite a valiant effort from Lonestar’s Andre Jackson who went 5-for-5, they struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving nine runners on base.

Luke Spencer of the Larks earned the win by shutting down Lonestar’s offense over 4.1 innings, allowing no runs and only four hits.

Patrick Collopy took the loss for Lonestar, allowing five runs in just over an inning.

The Championship will be between the Hays Larks and the Hutchinson Monarchs, first pitch will be at 7 PM.

8/1 Recaps

10 AM: Kansas Cannons vs Derby Twins

In an extra-innings game, the Kansas Cannons edged out Derby KS with a 9-8 victory. The Cannons took an early lead with a three-run fifth inning, featuring a home run by Hunter Alvord. Lane Haworth was the standout performer for the Cannons, going 5-for-6 with a double and an RBI, while Chase Diggins drove in three runs with a double and a sacrifice fly. Mike Williamson also contributed with an RBI single.

Derby KS responded with a three-run sixth inning, tying the game at 5-5. Kade Sheldon shined for the Twins with a home run and two RBIs. Nolan Ganter added three hits and an RBI, while Brayden Luikart contributed with a two-run single in the ninth inning to push the game into extra innings.

In the tenth inning, the Cannons scored the winning run with a combination of walks and a single by Haworth. Landyn Sterling secured the win, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings despite facing a few tense moments.

The Cannons advance to the Semifinals.

1:30 PM: Hays Larks vs Tulsa Sandlot

The Hays Larks emerged victorious against Tulsa Sandlot OK with a final score of 4-2. The Larks started strong, with Kaiden Ashton leading the charge by scoring three runs and hitting two triples. Kaleb Duncan contributed with two RBIs, while Garrett Gruell and Houston Russell each added an RBI to the tally. Will Carpenter also had a solid performance, going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Tulsa Sandlot tried to rally in the fifth inning, scoring two runs, but ultimately fell short. Jackson Smith doubled and drove in one of the two runs for the Sandlot team. Noah Goodshield and Chandler Fowler managed to get on base and score runs, while Soloman Skalnik added a double to the effort.

On the mound, Ismael Cordoba started for the Larks, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out four. Aiden Schmidgall earned the win in relief, throwing 3.2 scoreless innings, and Garrett Hicks closed out the game with a perfect ninth to secure his second save of the tournament.

For the Sandlot, Mason Pennington took the loss, giving up two runs (one earned) over 2.2 innings. David Dean and Logan Tibbett provided solid relief, but the Sandlot’s offense couldn’t muster enough to overcome the early deficit.

The Larks move to 4-0 in the tournament and will advance to the semi-finals Friday night.

6 PM: Hutchinson Monarchs vs the Santa Barbara Foresters

The Hutchinson Monarchs edged out Santa Barbara Foresters with a score of 3-2. The game was marked by strong pitching performances from both teams. For the Foresters, Jackson Cloud pitched 7 innings, giving up only 3 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 7. Jake Fields pitched in relief, allowing just one unearned run over 1 inning.

Offensively, the Monarchs were led by Camden Johnson and Jaden Gustafson, each driving in a run to secure the victory. Johnson went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Gustafson contributed with a hit and an RBI as well. The Monarchs scored their two initial runs in the third inning and added an insurance run in the eighth.

For the Foresters, Andrew Semo had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a double. TJ Pompey scored one of the team’s runs, and Jonah Sebring added two hits. The Foresters scored in the second inning and mounted a late rally in the ninth, scoring another run, but ultimately fell short.

Bradyn McClure earned the win for the Monarchs, pitching 7 innings and allowing only one run on 4 hits while striking out 5. Reece Usselman and Ian Lanik earned the save despite allowing an unearned run in the ninth.

The Monarchs’ victory advances them to the semifinals where they will play the Kansas Cannons, while the Foresters finish in fifth place.

8:30: Lonestar Baseball Club vs Seattle Cheney Studs

In the quarterfinal matchup, Lonestar TX defeated the Seattle Studs with a 6-2 win, advancing them to the semifinals where they will face the Hays Larks.

Lonestar’s offense was spearheaded by Andre Jackson, who had an outstanding performance, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. JJ Garcia also contributed significantly, going 2-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Rayvaughn Morgan added two hits and an RBI to Lonestar’s tally. The Studs struggled offensively, managing only three hits throughout the game. Makana Murashige and Logan Shepherd were responsible for the Studs’ two RBIs, with Murashige also scoring a run.

On the pitching side, Jaden Bahl delivered a strong start for Lonestar, pitching 7.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, and striking out seven. David Luikart closed the game with 1.1 perfect innings, earning the save. For the Studs, Peter Herrick took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits over three innings. Brice Foster provided solid relief, pitching 3.1 innings without allowing a run and striking out three.

 

 

7/31 Bracket Play Recaps

9 AM: Kansas Cannons vs Haysville Aviators

The Kansas Cannons defeated the Haysville KS Aviators 6-3 in a well-fought game. The Cannons took an early lead with two runs in the second inning and extended it with a run in the third and two more in the fifth. The Aviators managed to put a run on the board in the fourth inning, thanks to Brenden Fry’s RBI double, but couldn’t capitalize on opportunities, leaving nine runners on base throughout the game.

Chase Diggins was a standout for the Cannons, reaching base four times, including a double and scoring three runs. Gray Bane contributed with a key two-RBI double. On the mound, Keegan McDonald earned the win, pitching three scoreless innings in relief, while Mark Hoffman secured the save, allowing two runs over the final three innings.

Jude Stephens took the loss for the Aviators, struggling with control and allowing three runs over two innings. Despite a solid effort from Xander Roberts in middle relief and a scoreless inning from Parker Bender.

The Cannons will move on to play the Derby Twins tomorrow with the time still TBD.

NOON: Hutchinson Monarchs vs Liberal Bee Jays

The Hutchinson KS Monarchs defeated the Liberal KS Bee Jays with a 15-4 victory. The Monarchs’ offense exploded in the fifth inning, scoring 11 runs and effectively sealing the game. Jaden Gustafson went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs, while Camden Johnson added three hits and two RBIs, including a triple.

On the pitching side, Kamden Edge started for the Monarchs and threw 2.1 innings. Garrett Folmar stepped in and steadied the game, earning the win with 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out three. Reed Scott closed out the game, giving up one run over two innings.

For the Bee Jays, J. Brooks Kappelmann started strong, pitching four scoreless innings. Josh Doerr took the loss, giving up six runs on five hits in just 0.1 innings. Rylan Figueroa and Logan Wade combined to allow nine more runs over the next 2.2 innings.

The Bee Jays had notable performances from Miller Durham, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, and Ryota Kusumoto, who added an RBI single.

The Monarchs advance to the next round of bracket play where there will be a 2023 championship game rematch against the Santa Barbara Foresters.

6 PM: Lonestar Baseball Club vs GPS Legends

The Lonestar Baseball Club escaped with a 10-7 win over GPS TX in a high-scoring game. Kory Schmidt had a standout performance for Lonestar, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, and four RBIs. Sage Sanders also contributed significantly with a home run and three RBIs.

For GPS TX, Cooper Knight and Dayton Tockey each had two hits and an RBI, while Jackson Rainey drove in two runs with a double.

Key highlights from the game include Kory Schmidt’s two-run homer in the first inning, which set the tone for Lonestar. GPS TX had a three-run rally in the sixth inning to temporarily tie the game at 5-5. However, Lonestar responded with a decisive four-run seventh inning, taking a 9-5 lead. Christian Okerholm secured the save for Lonestar despite giving up two runs in the ninth inning.

GPS TX is eliminated. Lonestar moves on and will play the Seattle Cheney Studs Thursday night at 8:30.

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