Unveiling the 2025 Kennesaw State Baseball Journey
2025 Season Opener vs. Rutgers
Kennesaw State begins its 41st season of competition at home against power-four member Rutgers from February 14th to 16th. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Owls have opened the season against a power-five team. It's a significant moment as they look to build on their recent success and make a strong start to the year.
The team, coming off a 32-win season and an ASUN title appearance, has reloaded with 16 newcomers. Three freshmen, Ty Bayer, Nolan McKinstry, and Ethan Osada, have cracked Perfect Game's "Top 500 Fresh Arrivals to Campus." This new talent infusion gives the Owls added depth and potential.
2025 Schedule Highlights
The 2025 schedule is packed with exciting matchups. The Owls will battle three teams that participated in the 2024 NCAA Regionals - La. Tech, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. They also play nine squads that secured over 30 wins in the '24 campaign, including Samford, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Ga. Southern, Western Kentucky, La. Tech, Sam Houston, Georgia, and Dallas Baptist. Four of these teams ended the season top 50 in RPI, showcasing the tough competition ahead.
In addition, KSU is slated to face all six Division-I baseball programs in the Peach State. This includes the return of the rivalry versus the West Georgia Wolves, a first-time encounter in KSU's D-I history. The team will host five series in their inaugural season in Conference USA against WKU, Jacksonville State, FIU, New Mexico State, and MTSU.
S. Walter Kelly Sr. Memorial Field
S. Walter Kelly Sr. Memorial Field has a rich history. It served as a home to Southern Technical Institute dating back to 1951 and was dedicated on May 21, 1975, in Kelly's honor. Walter Kelly (1896-1973), a WWI Navy veteran, played a vital role in brokering the land deal that allowed STI to move to Marietta from its initial location in Chamblee, DeKalb County.
The field was in use from 1951 to 2014, ending the '14 season under Southern Polytechnic State University before the consolidation of KSU and the move to Stillwell Stadium. With recent updates and renovations, it will now host 27 home games, including duels versus Georgia on February 18th and Georgia Tech on March 25th. The capacity is listed at 1,200, and season tickets are priced at $50 with seating options located between the 1st and 3rd dugout at the Marietta Campus.
To stay updated on the Kennesaw State baseball team, follow them on Twitter at @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or like Kennesaw State University on Facebook and Instagram.