2017 Hillsdale College Baseball Preview Package
- Starters returning/lost: 3/7
- Top returning players: 2B Alex Walts, IF Colin Boerst, OF Ryan O'Hearn, SP Will Kruse, SS Colin Hites
- Key losses: OF Luke Ortel (2016 GLIAC Player of the Year), OF Connor Bartlett, OF Tad Sobieszczanski, P/1B Chris McDonald
- Top Newcomers: P Andrew Verbrugge, P Jeff Burch, OF Jake Rhodes, P Kolton Rominski
- 2016 record (overall/GLIAC): 32-24 overall, 12-8 GLIAC
- Head coach: Eric Theisen (4th season)
- Record at Hillsdale: 68-89
- First year of baseball: 1901
VIDEO: Kat Torres previews the 2017 Charger baseball season with head coach Eric Theisen
OVERVIEW
The Hillsdale College baseball team had its best season ever in 2016, boasting of the GLIAC COach of the Year (Eric Theisen), GLIAC Player of the Year (Luke Ortel), and two All-Americans (Ortel, Chirs McDonald). A first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament and two wins in the GLIAC Tournament capped off a memorable year. However, the team was hard hit by graduation, losing much of its relief pitching, catching and outfield. Three infielders return, led by All-GLIAC second baseman Alex Walts. The pitching staff figures to be deeper, led by veteran starters Will Kruse and Phil Carey, with some talented freshmen joining the mix. This is Hillsdale's final season in the GLIAC, as the Chargers will join the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in 2018.
2017 GLIAC PRESEASON POLL
| # | TEAM | POINTS |
| 1. | Grand Valley State | 94 (7) |
| 2. | Wayne State | 85 (1) |
| 3. | Ashland | 81 (3) |
| 4. | Walsh | 73 |
| 5. | Northwood | 54 |
| 6. | Saginaw Valley State | 51 |
| 7. | Hillsdale | 44 |
| 8. | Tiffin | 40 |
| 9. | Ohio Dominican | 29 |
| 10. | Findlay | 24 |
| 11. | Lake Erie | 22 |