-and-
The New Mexico State University Baseball team recognized the anniversary of this day by sharing a few Aggies who have since traversed through Las Cruces to eventually ascend to the show that is Major League Baseball.
Source: NM State Baseball (via Facebook)
Major Portions By Michael Navarrette for NMSU
Cover Photo: Courtesy Library of Congress
Player images: Courtesy NMSU Athletics
On this day, April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped onto Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field, clad in his white baseball uniform, “Dodgers” embroidered across his chest. In front of a crowd of 26,623 (more than half of whom were also black), Robinson broke the color barrier in the most storied Opening Day in American history.
The New Mexico State University Baseball team recognized the anniversary of this day by sharing a few Aggies who have since traversed through Las Cruces to eventually ascend to the show that is Major League Baseball–following in the footsteps of the Dodger who’s story is better suited to that of a giant.
NM State to Host New Mexico on Jackie Robinson Day
The game of baseball has forever benefited from Robinson’s efforts and that has been no different within the Aggie program. Several former Aggies recognize the sacrifices that Robinson made and realize the windows of opportunity that his commitment opened.
On April 15, 2004, Major League Baseball (MLB) initiated Jackie Robinson Day as a day to commemorate and honor the day that Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. This Tuesday, the Aggies will host New Mexico and will honor the late Jackie Robinson and the road he paved for those to follow in his footsteps on the diamond by displaying the number 42 on the field. Tuesday’s game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased here.
Quinton Mack (Played at NM State from 2013-16)
Dear Jackie Robinson: “Growing up as an African American who loved baseball, I always heard your name before I even knew what the word “barrier” really meant. My father would sit me down and talk about the courage you showed when you stepped onto that field in 1947 wearing number 42. He said Jackie played with fire in his heart, grace in your soul, and pressure on his shoulders that no one should have had to carry alone. And yet—you carried it. For all of us.
When I first picked up a bat, I did it with a dream in my chest, knowing that dream was possible because of Jackie Robinson. You didn’t just break a color line—you opened a door. And every time I ran onto the field, I felt like I was walking through that same door you held open.
There were moments I faced unfair treatment. But then I’d remember what Jackie endured how he stayed silent when others would have shouted, how you kept playing when the world wanted you gone. Jackie strength gave me strength. His legacy reminded me that my talent mattered, and that I belonged.
Jackie didn’t just change baseball he changed lives. Mine included. Because of Jackie, I got to chase a dream that once seemed out of reach for someone who looked like me.
I wore Jackie Robinson number my whole life until college and I wore it with pride knowing what he endured, and I still have him hanging in my house with the word “courage” under it and look at it and remind myself what hard work looks like.
Thank you, Jackie, appreciate everything he has done for not just baseball but for every sport opened many doors that remain open forever.”
During his time with the Aggies, Mack appeared in 97 games and drove in 57 RBIs on 60 hits. He also managed to steal 30 bases during his time with the Aggies, including leading the team and finishing second in the WAC with 17 stolen base in 2013. Mack would go on to be selected in the 35th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and played in 59 games at the minor league level.
Daniel “Jet” Johnson (Played at NM State from 2015-16)
“Jackie Robinson was more than just a ballplayer. He was historic icon both on and off the field. Becoming the 1st African American player to play in Major League Baseball not only turned heads but inspired young kids like myself. He’s the reason you see so many young black kids playing baseball today. Not only did he pave the way, he gave the black community a voice in baseball. We too can play this game at the same competitive level given the opportunity.
Jackie Robinson is the reason I have been able to accomplish everything I have so far. Not only did he inspire me and so many others to infiltrate the MLB, he helped me become the man I am today. Jackie changed the game baseball and so many lives in between. Thank you forever Jackie Robinson.”
Johnson played for the Aggies from 2015-16 and appeared in 100 games, including making 97 total starts. During his time with the Aggies, he maintained a .353 average and produced 66 RBIs on 140 hits. His performance at NM State helped propel him to being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft with the 154th overall pick by the Washington Nationals.
In 2019, Johnson played in the MLB Futures games as part of All Star Weekend. Johnson ultimately made his MLB debut on July 25, 2020, when he appeared in a game for the Cleveland Guardians. Three days later, Johnson would record his first major league hit during a bout against the Chicago White Sox. He has now played 36 games in the MLB and just last season, he was called up to the major leagues by the Baltimore Orioles amid a playoff push.
Keith Jones II (Played at NM State from 2023-24)
“Jack Robinson Day is very dear to me especially as a black baseball player. Today I get to honor Jackie and his strength and courage and also his peers and all of those people during those turbulent times were able to have the strength and the courage to push through all the things they were going through and that they had to deal with from outside pressures and just appreciate what they did so I would have the opportunities that I have today. “
Keith Jones II wrapped up a stellar career with the Aggies last season when he paced the Aggies in batting average (.367), hits (81), RBIs (67), home runs (17), runs (67), slugging percentage (.710) and walks (35) – becoming the first Aggie to win the triple crown since 2007. In 2024, Jones II earned his second all-CUSA honor as he was named First Team All-CUSA following a second team selection in 2023.
In total, Jones II played in 99 games for the Aggies and recorded 143 hits, 95 RBIs and 26 home runs. Jones II went on to be selected in the ninth round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers and has since appeared in 12 games at the minor league level.
Aggies seeking first win of season against I-25 rival on Jackie Robinson Day
Following a stretch of seven consecutive road games which spanned all three time zones in which the Aggies don’t live in, NM State will return home to host I-25 rival New Mexico. The Tuesday night matchup between the Aggies and Lobos is slated to get underway at 6:05 p.m.
This will mark the third of four total meetings between the two sides this season. This will also be the second and final time that the Lobos visit Presley Askew Field in 2025. NM State will look to end a two-game losing streak to their rivals and a two-game losing streak overall after dropping the final two games of the series at FIU. The midweek game will represent the 264th all-time meeting between the in-state foes and the 140th matchup that will take place in Las Cruces.
GAME INFO
NM State (18-18, 6-6 CUSA) vs. New Mexico (19-16, 8-7 MW)
Presley Askew Field
Las Cruces, N.M.
Tuesday, April 15 – 6 p.m. MT
Watch: ESPN+
Stats: StatBroadcast
Tickets: Click Here
LAST TIME OUT
NM State traveled over 2,000 miles to Miami, where it took on the FIU Panthers. After beginning the weekend with a 6-4 victory in the series opener, the Aggies dropped games on Saturday and Sunday to suffer their first road series loss in CUSA play this season.
In Friday’s win, the Aggies were fueled by a strong start on the mound from Jack Turner, who tossed a career high 8.0 innings and allowed just three earned runs while striking out five Panthers. Over the weekend, the Aggies also benefited from power at the plate from Joey Craig, who hit a home run in the Friday and Sunday games. Unfortunately, the Aggies would score two runs in both Saturday’s and Sunday’s contests while allowing a combined 17 runs.
TURN TWO
With 36 games down, the Aggie infield has been the best team in the nation at turning double plays. With four double plays in its series at FIU, NM State now has 39 double plays on the season, which ranks first in the country.
This year, the Aggies have tallied multiple double plays in 12 games, including recording three double plays in five different contests.
WHEN YOU’RE WRIGHT, YOU’RE RIGHT
This season, true freshman Hazen Wright has proved to be one of the Aggies’ top relievers and once again looked mature beyond his age last week. The right-hander from Carlsbad, N.M., has now appeared in nine games this season and has allowed an earned run in just one game, including surrendering no earned runs in each of his last six outings, which include pitching against No. 17 Dallas Baptist and No. 25 Arizona. In total, Wright has pitched 12.1 innings, allowed four earned runs and tallied 15 strikeouts.
MIDWEEK MATCHUPS
This season, the Aggies have struggled to get on the winning side of their midweek games and will enter Tuesday’s bout with UNM with a 2-5 record in midweeks. However, Tuesday will represent just the Aggies’ second home midweek game of the year.
JOEY BOMBS
In the three-game series against FIU, redshirt junior outfielder Joey Craig smashed two home runs to bring his season total to six, which ranks second on the year behind only Sheehan O’Connor. Craig also now has three home runs in league play, which ranks tied for fourth among CUSA hitters.
VEST MAN UP MENTALITY
With injuries affecting the Aggies up and down their lineup, NM State’s squad has looked a little different in recent weeks. As a result of an injury to infielder Camden Kaufman, true freshman Boston Vest has earned his opportunity and has delivered. Through 12 games in CUSA play, the third baseman is hitting .379 to pace the Aggies in batting average and is one of just two Aggies with an OPS of above 1.000. Over the weekend at FIU, Vest was one of the Aggies’ top bats and recorded three hits, one triple and drove home one of the Aggies’ two runs on Sunday.
SOMETHING ABOUT SUNDAYS
Despite a loss on Sunday at FIU, NM State has been dominant in Sunday games and currently boasts a 7-2 record on Sundays, including stacking wins over two ranked programs in No. 14 Texas A&M and No. 17 Dallas Baptist.
JACKIE ROBINSON DAY
Tuesday, April 15, serves as Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate the day that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the MLB. To honor Robinson’s contributions, NM State will be displaying the number “42” just behind second base at Presley Askew Field for Tuesday night’s game.
LIMITING THE DAMAGE
Last Tuesday, NM State once again fell victim to a big inning from its opponent as Sam Houston posted five runs in the first inning on its way to defeating the Aggies 11-9. This season, big innings from their opponents have been one of the primary contributing factors to the Aggies’ losses. Thus far, NM State is 16-5 when it doesn’t allow its opponent to score four or more runs in a single inning. On the contrary, the Aggies are just 2-13 when their opponent produces four or more runs in a single frame.
SAY HIS NAMIE
Entering the 2024 campaign, returner Mitch Namie was slated to be one of the Aggies’ key contributors once again after appearing in 50 of the Aggies’ 54 games and making 49 starts during his sophomore season. The Mesa, Ariz., serves as the leading returner in batting average (.333), at-bats (183), runs (50), hits (61), doubles (13), triples (2), home runs (5), RBIs (35) and walks (31).
Through the Aggies’ first 36 games, Namie’s offensive power has been on full display as he has recorded a hit in all but five games this season, including posting a hit in each of the Aggies’ first 15 games. Additionally, Namie is the only Aggie to appear in the starting lineup in every game this season and is riding a nine-game hitting streak.
Currently, the outfielder paces the Aggies in hits (49), RBIs (28) and his 13 doubles rank first on the team and third among CUSA hitters.
BEATING THE BEST
With the Aggies’ win over No. 17 DBU on March 30, NM State now has two wins over ranked opponents this season, which marks just the fifth time in program history that NM State has notched multiple ranked wins in a single season. Prior to this season, the Aggies had only accomplished this in 2012, 1999, 1997 and 1996.
TRIPLE PLAY ALERT
On March 23 against Liberty, the Aggies accomplished something they hadn’t done in over 10 years. A ground ball hit to Brandon Forrester ultimately turned into the program’s first triple play since April 29, 2014, when the Aggies recorded a triple play on the road against Arizona State. NM State is one of just three Division I teams to pull off a triple play this season, joined by UIC and Stetson.
STELLAR STEVE
Two-way player Steve Solorzano turned in one of the most impressive individual performances of the season in the Aggies’ win over Liberty on March 23. At the plate, the Las Cruces native finished with two hits and drove in the game-winning run in the 10th inning. In addition, the right-hander who started at first base moved over to the mound, where he ultimately earned the win after tossing three scoreless innings to close out the game.
Entering Tuesday, Solorzano paces the Aggies in batting average (.360), slugging percentage (.604) and on-base percentage (.496) while ranking among the conference’s best in batting average (7th), on-base percentage (3rd) and slugging percentage (11th).
CRAIG NAMED CUSA HITTER OF THE WEEK
After a stellar weekend in which he played a pivotal role in the Aggies’ series win on the road against Liberty, outfielder Joey Craig was named Conference USA Hitter of the Week. Over the three-game series, Craig batted .600 (6-10) and was tied for the team lead in RBIs with five, including a four-RBI performance on Saturday. He finished the weekend with a home run, one double and three walks to help support a .692 on-base percentage.
BRING OUT THE BULLPEN
On April 1, the Aggie relievers that came into the game combined to record 13 total strikeouts in just six innings of work. This marked the third time this season that the Aggie bullpen has accounted for 10 or more strikeouts in a single game, as it also tallied exactly 10 strikeouts against Lamar on March 11 and UNC Greensboro on March 19.
Last Tuesday’s outing was bolstered by an outing from Matthew Yarc, who logged 2.1 innings of work and notched five strikeouts.
In the loss to the Lobos on April 1, the Aggies finished the game with 17 total strikeouts to mark the most strikeouts in a single game since March 11, 2022, when NM State tallied a program-record 20 strikeouts against Seattle U
FRESHMAN ARMS
The Aggies have leaned on their young arms this season and all eight of the Aggies’ freshmen pitchers have now appeared in at least four games this season.
In total, the Aggie freshmen, who make up eight of the team’s 19 pitchers, have combined to throw 109.2 innings and have given up 84 earned runs to maintain a 6.89 ERA while combining for 99 strikeouts.
This has been bolstered by Matthew Yarc, who has tossed 28.2 innings and has 23 strikeouts. Yarc is one of five freshmen pitchers with 10 or more strikeouts as Dylan Weekly (17), Carson Timmons (15), Hazen Wright (15) and Jaden Davis (12) each have double-digit strikeouts this year.
AGGIES > AGGIES
On Sunday, March 9, NM State claimed a 4-1 victory over No. 14 Texas A&M to secure the program’s first win over an opponent ranked in the top 25 of the NCAA’s primary ranking system since 2012, when they knocked off No. 5 Arizona.
The win was also the Aggies’ first win over Texas A&M in nine tries and represented NM State’s second win over a team in the SEC at the time of the contest. Interestingly, the Aggies’ first-ever win over an SEC opponent also came on March 9, when they defeated Alabama 3-0 in 2018.
TRENDING UP
After finishing No. 297 in RPI in 2023, the Aggies jumped to No. 138 at the conclusion of the 2024 season to mark the largest RPI increase in the nation.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
The 2025 NM State roster features four Aggies from the Land of Enchantment. This includes Kade Benavidez (Belen), Jaden Davis (Jemez Pueblo), Steve Solorzano (Las Cruces) and Hazen Wright (Carlsbad).
O’CONNOR NAMED CUSA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
On Monday, Feb. 17, it was announced that standout second baseman Sheehan O’Connor earned Conference USA Hitter of the Week honors after an impressive trio of games to open the season.
Following a two-hit performance on Sunday, O’Connor ended the weekend with a .583 batting average, three home runs, eight RBIs and a pair of doubles to help guide the Aggies to a pair of wins and earn the season’s first hitter of the week honor, which is announced every Monday.
PRESEASON DOUBT
On Jan. 30, Conference USA released is preseason poll and preseason award recipients and, notably, no Aggies were included on the preseason all-conference team while NM State landed in a tie for eighth place as a team on the 2025 CUSA Preseason Poll which is based on a vote of the league’s 10 head coaches.
YEAR TWO
NM State is amid its second season under Head Coach Jake Angier and looks to continue to make strides after increasing its win total by 11 games and posting the highest number of wins since 2019.
In year one under Angier, the Aggies landed three on the all-conference awards list as Keith Jones II earned first team All-CUSA honors, Titus Dumitru earned second team honors and Steve Solorzano secured all-freshman team honors.
Angier was previously at the University of Oregon, where he operated as the pitching coach for the 2020-2023 seasons. Before Oregon, Angier was at Sacramento State from 2014-2019. Angier was named by Baseball America as one of the 50 names to watch in the 2023 coaching cycle. Currently, Angier is the second-shortest-tenured head coach in the league as only Liberty’s Bradley LeCroy, who is in his first season, has been in his current assignment for less time.
WELCOME ABOARD
This offseason, NM State added Assistant Coach Camden Duzenack to its staff. Following an impressive playing career, which included six seasons in the farm system for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he will assist primarily with the infield for the Aggies.
In college, Duzenack spent four seasons with CUSA foe Dallas Baptist, where he recorded a career batting average of .291 and was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American as a freshman in 2014. He was also named MVC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and garnered All-MVC honors three years in a row.
EASTWARD EXPANSION
This season, the Aggies will spend their fair share of time on the road as they are slated to play 27 games away from Presley Askew Field. Unlike American settlers, the Aggies will do most of their traveling to the east as their contests against Arizona will represent the only two times that the Aggies will travel west of Las Cruces.
During its season, NM State will rack up frequent flyer miles as seven of its 11 road trips will include games that require over 700 miles of travel. This includes three extra lengthy trips as its road trip to UNC Greensboro and Liberty (1,789 miles to UNCG), its trip to FIU (2,030 miles) and its trip to Kennesaw State (1,461 miles) all exceed 1,000 miles.
BIG SPIKES TO FILL
NM State entered the 2025 season with nearly two-thirds of its 2024 roster no longer in the picture. This year, NM State brings back just 12 players while 22 individuals have departed.
With a new-look roster comes opportunity as the Aggies will be looking to replace nearly all of its offensive and pitching production. With the departures, the Aggies lost over 70% of their runs (72.9%), hits (72.4%), home runs (86.1%), RBIs (78.2%), stolen bases (87.8%) and innings pitched (72.6%). NM State will also be without Keith Jones II, Romeo Ballesteros and Nick Gore who were the only three Aggies last season to start more than 50 games – starting 53, 53 and 52, respectively.
ONCE AN AGGIE…
This season, Head Coach Jake Angier is supported by a pair of former Aggies on his staff as both Assistant Coach David Bellamy and Director of Pitching Analytics Aaron Treloar each spent time during their collegiate playing days at NM State.
Bellamy, a two-year letter winner at NM State, is amid his second season on Angier’s staff. As a player, he was a standout outfielder for both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He batted .307 his senior year to help lead the Aggies to the Lubbock Regional before being named to the Google Cloud Academic All-District First-Team and Academic All-WAC First-Team. Bellamy now serves as the Aggies’ hitting coach and is tasked with calling the offensive plays.
Meanwhile, Treloar is in his first season on staff after wrapping up his playing career just last season. Treloar ultimately spent his final two years with the Aggies and appeared in 35 games while totaling 42 strikeouts, including 26 in 2024.
ON THE BASE PATHS
This season, first-year assistant, Camden Duzenack serves as the Aggies’ first-base coach. Meanwhile, Dillon Leveille, who is in his second season on staff, is the Aggies’ third-base coach.
For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NM State Baseball).
