Baseball America recently published their preseason Top 25 College Baseball Programs. Of the 25 ranked teams, 24 consist of players that are Baseball Factory alumni and we are excited to see them help their teams succeed this season. Here is a closer look at Baseball Factory’s alumni on a few of the top teams.

For the first time in the ranking’s history, University of Virginia leads the list heading into the 2014 season. Between the strength of their pitching and defense, and a new powerful offense, Baseball America projects UVA has what it takes to win the College World Series. Brandon Waddell represents Baseball Factory as a pitcher for the Cavaliers. Waddell, who was selected to play in the Under Armour Southwest Regional Tournament in 2011, is known for his competitiveness and 87-91 mph fastball.

Ranked 7^th, South Carolina is the team to watch out for in the Southeastern Conference with their experienced and talented players. Grayson Greiner, a senior catcher, was selected to play in the 2010 Under Armour Pre-Season All America Tournament and was a participant in the 2010 Team One South Showcase. Greiner is also ranked 3^rd on the Top 20 prospects for the 2014 Draft in the Southeastern Conference by Baseball America. Marcus Mooney, a sophomore short stop, was a 2012 Under Armour Firecracker Classic 18U Participant. Junior pitcher Jordan Montgomery, known for his plus change up and 89-91 mph fastball, also came through the Baseball Factory program.

Coming in at 11^th is Oregon State, with one of the most experienced pitching staffs and recognized as the “Team to Beat” in the Pacific 12 Conference. With four Baseball Factory alumni in their line up, Oregon State is predicted to host a regional for the third year straight. Austin Grebeck, a freshman left fielder, was a 2012 Under Armour So Cal Classic Participant and Connor Hofmann, a senior center fielder, attended the Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout as a high school prospect. Both are recognized for their speed and aggressiveness on the base paths. Pitcher Tommy Thorpe, a junior, is a former Under Armour Pre-Season All-American as well as a Team One Futures Game participant. Last but certainly not least is sophomore pitcher Cole Irvin, a 2011 Under Armour All-American. Irvin is also ranked 4^th in the Top 10 Prospects for the 2015 Draft in the Pacific 12 Conference by Baseball America.

Texas University ranks 18^th on the list and is the standout team in the Big 12 Conference, bringing back an offense that will look to increase their success from last season.  Texas also has its share of Baseball Factory alumni. Freshman first baseman Brett Boswell and sophomore left fielder Ben Johnson both attended Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryouts as high school players. Joining them is Nathan Thornhill, a senior pitcher who appeared in the Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament. Sophomore pitcher John Curtiss rounds out the Factory alumni, selected to the 2010 Under Armour All America Game as a high school standout. Both Curtiss and Thornhill are ranked respectively 6^th and 18^th in the Top 20 Prospects for the 2014 Draft in the Big 12 Conference by Baseball America.

Baseball Factory looks forward to watching all of our alumni help lead their college program to success this season!

For a complete list of Baseball Factory alumni playing in college, click here.