5 Reasons Why Mid-America Christian University Baseball Is Poised For A 2025 NAIA World Series Run

The Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Evangels baseball program has officially transcended the label of 'up-and-comer' and is now a certified powerhouse in the NAIA. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the Evangels are not just resting on their laurels from a record-setting 2024 campaign; they are the overwhelming favorite to dominate the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) and make a deep run into the national tournament, fueled by a core group of returning All-Conference talent and a championship-caliber coaching staff. The program's meteoric rise culminated in a remarkable 2024 season that saw them claim both the SAC regular season and tournament titles, finishing with a stunning 41-17 overall record. Heading into the 2025 campaign, the excitement surrounding the MACU Baseball Field in Oklahoma City is palpable, with expectations set at an all-time high for a trip to the NAIA World Series.

The Rise of the Stanton Dynasty: MACU Baseball Program History and Head Coach Profile

The foundation of the MACU Evangels' current success is inextricably linked to the arrival of Head Coach Brett Stanton. Stanton is entering his fifth season as the head coach (sixth overall) for the 2025 season and has systematically transformed the program from a regional competitor into a national contender.

Head Coach Brett Stanton: Biography and Program Milestones

• Role: Head Baseball Coach, Mid-America Christian University Evangels
• Tenure: Entering 5th season as Head Coach (6th season overall) for 2025.
• Previous Experience: Served as an Assistant Coach at Western Oklahoma State College.
• Program Transformation: Guided MACU to its winningest season in program history in 2022, achieving a 32-22 overall record.
• National Title: Led the Evangels to the NCCAA National Championship in 2023.
• SAC Dominance: Secured the SAC regular season and tournament titles in the 2024 season, finishing 41-17 overall.

Under Coach Stanton's leadership, the team has cultivated a culture of excellence, consistently setting new program records. The 2024 season's 41-17 mark was a continuation of this upward trajectory, solidifying the Evangels' status as a perennial threat in the NAIA landscape.

1. Preseason No. 1: The Weight of Expectation for 2025

The first and most significant reason for the 2025 optimism is the official recognition of the program’s dominance. After their historic sweep of the 2024 Sooner Athletic Conference titles, Mid-America Christian earned the top spot in the 2025 SAC Baseball Preseason Poll.

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This No. 1 ranking is a testament to the respect the Evangels have garnered from conference rivals and national pollsters alike. The team is now the hunted, not the hunter, a position they are well-equipped to handle with their deep roster and experienced coaching staff. The goal for the 2025 campaign is clear: repeat as SAC champions and secure an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship tournament.

The Evangels will have to navigate a challenging SAC schedule, which includes tough matchups against teams like Wayland Baptist, Science & Arts, and Oklahoma City University, all traditional powers in the conference. The road to the championship will be a grind, but MACU's momentum is undeniable.

2. Returning All-Star Pitching Staff Led by Fabian Hernandez

For any baseball team to achieve national success, elite pitching is non-negotiable, and MACU's 2025 staff is loaded with proven arms. The anchor of the rotation is expected to be left-handed pitcher Fabian Hernandez.

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Hernandez was an All-SAC First Team selection and is a true workhorse, providing the team with a reliable ace at the top of the rotation. His ability to consistently deliver quality starts will be crucial during the high-leverage conference series and tournament play.

The bullpen also boasts a major weapon in left-handed closer Gabriel Dixon, who is widely regarded as one of the top closers in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The combination of a dominant starter like Hernandez and a lockdown closer like Dixon gives Coach Stanton the flexibility to manage games and protect late leads. Furthermore, hard-throwing right-hander Ryan Smith adds another high-leverage arm to the staff, ensuring depth in the crucial middle innings.

3. A Deep, Explosive Lineup Featuring Multiple .350+ Hitters

The Evangels’ offense is poised to be one of the most explosive in the NAIA, returning multiple key position players who put up staggering numbers in 2024. This offensive depth provides the topical authority needed to compete in high-scoring SAC contests.

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The outfield is particularly strong, featuring two major returning threats:

• Noel McGeary-Doyle (OF): In 56 games during the 2024 season, McGeary-Doyle posted an incredible .388 batting average, showcasing his ability to consistently get on base.
• D'Andre Gaines (OF): Gaines was equally impressive, hitting .358 over 52 games. His speed and power combination make him a dangerous threat on the base paths and at the plate.

The infield is anchored by second baseman Jacob Police, who was another offensive stalwart in 2024, hitting .367 in 53 games. These three players alone provide a formidable core, ensuring that the Evangels’ lineup will be relentless from top to bottom. The ability of these experienced veterans to produce runs will be the engine driving MACU's national title aspirations.

4. The Program's Championship Pedigree and Experience

The MACU baseball program is no stranger to deep tournament runs and championship moments. The 2023 NCCAA National Championship victory instilled a crucial "championship pedigree" within the team, a mindset that is invaluable when facing elimination games.

The experience gained from winning the 2024 SAC Tournament—a high-pressure, single-elimination environment—further prepares the 2025 squad for the rigors of the NAIA National Championship Opening Round and, ultimately, the World Series. The players know what it takes to win when it matters most, a confidence that separates them from many other contenders.

Furthermore, the program's commitment to excellence extends beyond the field, with multiple players earning recognition on the NCCAA Scholar-Athlete List, highlighting the well-rounded nature of the Mid-America Christian University athletics department.

5. Home Field Advantage at MACU Baseball Field

The Evangels' home turf, the MACU Baseball Field in Oklahoma City, has become a fortress. In their dominant 2024 season, the team posted an outstanding 18-2 record in home games, showcasing a significant home-field advantage.

Playing in front of the passionate MACU faithful provides a boost that can be the difference in tight conference matchups. The familiarity with their home mound and batting cages allows the team to perform at their peak, a factor that will be essential as they host key series throughout the 2025 season. The strong record at home is a clear indicator of the team's ability to defend their territory and maintain momentum throughout the year.

With Coach Stanton leading the charge and a roster stacked with All-SAC talent, the 2025 season is shaping up to be the most anticipated in Mid-America Christian University baseball history. The Evangels are ready to prove that the "Stanton Dynasty" is just getting started, with their sights firmly set on the NAIA World Series trophy.