A Grand Old Game: The History of Georgetown University Baseball
Georgetown University's baseball program boasts a history as rich and storied as the institution itself. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its modern-day aspirations in the Big East Conference, the Georgetown Hoyas baseball team has experienced moments of glory, periods of rebuilding, and the unwavering dedication of players and coaches who have worn the Blue and Gray.
The Early Years: Establishing a Tradition
Baseball stands as Georgetown's second-oldest sport, following only cricket. The first documented game took place in 1866, marking the inception of a program that would formally organize and gain sanction in 1870. In these formative years, the team laid the groundwork for a tradition of athletic excellence and school spirit.
The Championship Season of 1899
The Georgetown baseball team, once known as the Stonewalls, achieved unparalleled success in 1899, a season that etched their name in the annals of college baseball history. The Hilltoppers, as they were also known, dominated the intercollegiate scene, winning an impressive 18 out of 20 games against formidable college teams. Their victories included multiple triumphs over national powerhouses such as Princeton and Yale (three times each) and Virginia (twice). This remarkable performance led to them being acclaimed as intercollegiate national champions at the season's end.
The team's triumphant return from their northern trip was met with a grand celebration. A torchlight parade escorted them from the train station to Georgetown, led by a carriage carrying top university officials. The procession included students on horseback, alumni, students from the various schools within the university, and the college band. Upon arriving back on campus, the team was greeted with a dazzling display of fireworks.
The team was once known as the Stonewalls, and is one possible source of the Hoya Saxa cheer famous among all Georgetown sports teams.
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Modern Era: Navigating the Big East Conference
The Georgetown Hoyas baseball team represents Georgetown University in the Big East Conference, part of the NCAA's Division I level of college baseball. As members of the Big East Conference, the Hoyas face tough competition. Georgetown is one of 37 NCAA Division I programs that have not made an appearance in the NCAA Division I baseball tournament.
A Historic Season for Georgetown University Hoyas Baseball Team
Led by Head Coach Edwin Thompson, a native of Jay, Maine, the 153rd baseball team in Hoyas history had a successful and historic season.
With over 4,500 fans in attendance at The Big East Tournament at Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio, the team had its first ever post-season victory, back-to-back playoff appearances and 30-win seasons, most Big East and school wins in a two-year period of time, and all as the team carried a 3.2 GPA.
Ubaldo Lopez set a record for most home runs in school history.
Hoyas Coaching Staff: Coach Maurice Bankston, Coach George Capen, Coach Brock Keener, Coach Julius McDougal, Coach Edwin Thompson,
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Coach Thompson said, "Winning our first ever conference tournament game today is special for our guys and our program. I am just so proud of this group and what we fought for and how we believed in one another. We found a way to overcome a lot of things this season and it's a testament to our guys. Their pitcher did an unbelievable job for the first five innings and kept us off balance, but we were able to scratch a couple across. Jake Bloss was dominant again today; he didn't have his best stuff, but he competed at a really high level for us. Carson Frye behind him and Tyler Mead were outstanding getting us across the finish line at the end. Our offense was fantastic today, Owen Carapellotti with his home run and Jake Hyde with a big three-run home run helped us get the win today. Angelo D'Acunto and Andrew Bergeron gave us some life at the bottom of the order as well. 30 wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history is a fantastic accomplishment for our group. At the end of the day, we get to play another day and that is all we can ask for. Proud of this group and we look forward to getting back out here tomorrow."
Jake Bloss, was named the Big East Pitcher of the Year and ranked one of the top pitchers in the country. Jake was selected by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft with the 99th overall selection. A right-handed pitcher from Greensboro, North Carolina, became the highest draft pick in program history at 99th overall.
While the Hoyas won thirty games, they also lost twenty-seven. Never did a parent, fan, coach, or member of the team speak negatively about an error, failure, or individual. They won as a team and lost as a team.
Team 153 also battled injuries all season long. Our son, Cam Guarino (#33), who was injured by a line drive to his pitching hand in his first appearance as a Hoya against Navy, referred to the team as a “walking hospital with injuries at several positions". He added, "a “team first” motto held as teammates shifted positions to cover for others, and players supported each other during injury and recovery, making sure everyone was involved and present for the season as fully as possible."
Starting 3rd baseman Cam Meyer and starting shortstop Andrew Ciufo got hurt early in the season as well and unfortunately had season ending injuries. On the bright side, both have recovered from their injuries and Andrew Ciufo is continuing on his collegiate career at Clemson.
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Cam went on to write an article for Collegiate Baseball News and became the first active player to ever write for CBN and talk about the team on Middays with Mannix & Mannix.
Win or lose, we were very proud parents to see him battle back with a pin in his hand from surgery and pitch again for the Hoyas later in the season.
In the 2023 Big East Championship, the Hoyas lost to UConn, knocked out Seton Hall, and then got knocked out of the tournament ultimately by 9th ranked UConn. While disappointed, Team 153 had accomplished so much.
The team was fun to engage and fans around the country loved their Mandalorian-inspired motto, "This is the Way!" This came complete with the Mandalorian helmet, a gift to Cam Guarino from his grandma, that those who hit home runs wore upon their return to the dugout. Fans also loved the Mandalorian Helmet often stopping players to try on the helmet and also get autographs from the team.
Coach Thompson said, "After a season it’s hard to appreciate the journey and what was accomplished. Team 153 of Georgetown Baseball continued to change our program. As we work towards building on the past two years we have so much work to do to get where we want. We all want success immediately, but success takes time and it’s important to have the right prospective to get to the success you want. Dream Big."
Capital One Park: A New Home Field
The Hoyas have played their home games at Capital One Park in Tysons, Virginia, since 2024. This move represents a commitment by the university to provide its baseball program with a top-notch facility and enhance the game-day experience for players and fans alike.
Notable Figures: Simon Mathews and the Path to the Majors
The Georgetown baseball program has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to achieve success in professional baseball. One such example is Simon Mathews (C’17), a former student-athlete who has made a significant impact on the sport both as a player and a coach.
Simon Mathews: From Hoya to Nationals Pitching Coach
Simon Mathews (C’17) doesn’t remember the first time he played baseball. He only knows that at 2 years old, he was swinging around a rubber baseball bat outside of his family’s apartment in St. Simon Mathews (C’17) was a student-athlete at Georgetown from 2014-2017. In November 2025, he was named the pitching coach for the Washington Nationals. When he got older, he realized he couldn’t hit baseballs as well as others. But he did have a natural gift for pitching. “I love pitching. In a lot of ways, the pitcher chooses pitching, and pitching chooses him too,” Mathews said. His love for baseball and fastball skills took him to Georgetown in 2015, followed by a brief playing career with Minor League Baseball.
“This past year, I was a coach at Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. My grandparents are from the Cincinnati area, and I got to go to work every day at Great American Ball Park,” he said. “I went to Georgetown, and now I get to work every day at Nats Park. In high school, Mathews was lightly recruited by collegiate baseball programs and signed to play at Temple University. On the baseball team, Mathews contributed right away upon arriving for the 2015 season. In his junior year, he was named to the All-Big East First Team.
Mathews said he most admired Wilk’s authentic leadership and dedication to baseball. “There’s something that really resonates with me about extremely authentic leadership. After graduating from Georgetown, Mathews had a brief career playing in the Minor League before starting his coaching career in the Major League. When he realized his playing days were over, he joined the Cincinnati Reds’ coaching staff and moved to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, where he helped train international players for the Major Leagues in the Reds’ baseball academy. “The best job in baseball is in the big leagues, but the second-best job might be in the DR. It’s just an absolutely beautiful experience of the game,” he said. After a year in Latin America, Mathews moved to Cincinnati, coaching injured pitchers through their rehab regimen.
As a coach, Mathews is interested in using analytics to maximize the performance of his team’s pitchers. “I took econometrics. It didn’t go great, but I passed that class, so there’s a statistical fluency there,” he said. “My background as a player, I felt like I could weaponize that information to help guys perform. With the Nationals, Mathews leads the team’s pitchers and develops training plans for players. “If I’m going to roll somebody out there to make eye contact with Juan Soto or whoever it is and say, Hey, let’s dance. “I love it so much. I’m so privileged and grateful,” he said. “We just want to win and win sustainability. We can win a lot, and there’s no ego involved.
Summer Collegiate Leagues: Developing Talent
The Hoyas continue to play throughout the summer in various spots around the country in the summer collegiate leagues and MLB Draft League. Several players have made all-star teams and had great showings this summer, such as Everett Catlett who starred for the Mystic Schooners in the NECBL and joined the Firebirds in the Cape Code League August 2.
Hoyas Summer Placements:
Owen Carapellotti & Jake Hyde Orleans FirebirdsMichael Eze Falmouth CommodoresChristian Ficca Ocean State WavesCody Bowker Sanford MainersEverett Catlett Mystic SchoonersCarson Frye Upper Valley NighthawksJordan Kahn Brockton RoxLuke Bauer Brockton RoxTravis Ilitch CA BravesJaden SheffieldKeith Savoy Jr.Culpeper CavaliersValley Baseball LeagueMarco Castillo Rochester HonkersAndrew Citron Kingsport AxmenKai LeckszasAndrew JerginsElizabethton River Riders
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