The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks enter into the 2026 campaign with a roster made up of 17 returners, five transfers, and nine new freshmen from the 2025 recruiting class. UMES finished ninth in the Northeast Conference with a 7-41 (6-24) record last season, winning two conference series over Delaware State and Norfolk State.

"Character and accountability are key," said UMES baseball head coach Danny Acosta. "One of our main goals for this year is having accountability in everything because that builds character within the program. That factor will continue to be one of our main focuses alongside academics."

HEADING THE HAWKS

Coach Acosta enters his third season at UMES featuring a coaching staff that returns assistant coach J.D. Mundy and adds assistant coach Joseph Grassett. 

KEY RETURNERS

On the field, the Hawks are led by captains Jonah Stepner, Julian Jimenez, and Ansel Carson.

"Being named a captain is an honor and does come with some added pressure," said Stepner. "I feel like this senior season is a bit of a statement. I want to make it a good year. The guys on the team look up to me a little bit and it helps me to be the best version of myself and a good teammate."

Stepner made seven starts for the Hawks in 2025, pacing UMES in wins and ERA. The senior pitcher from San Diego, Calif., became the first Hawk to be named NEC Pitcher of the Week in 2025 for throwing the first complete game by a UMES pitcher since 2023. Two-time NEC Prime Performer Jimenez finished second on the team in field percentage last season and recorded a team-high three triples last season. One-time NEC Prime Performer Carson started in 47 out of UMES' 48 games last year and earned a nomination by the coaching staff for the prestigious Lou Gehrig Award. 

In addition to the captains, the Hawks also return HBCU Swingman Classic selection Jonathan Gonzalez Perez and one-time NEC Player of the Week Diego Aponte who each batted over .300 last season. 

SCHEDULE

Preparing to play on campus at newly renovated Hawk Stadium, the Maroon and Grey will play 21 home games this year compared to 11 last season. The Hawks open the season with a weekend series at La Salle starting on Feb. 13. The Hawks then travel to VMI for a three-game set before returning home the following weekend for their home opener against Manhattan. 

After a midweek contest against Siena, UMES begins conference play against reigning NEC champion Central Connecticut State. The Hawks follow their trip to Connecticut by alternating home and road NEC series against Stonehill, Coppin State, LIU, and FDU. The Hawks then head to Delaware State for a three-game set before hosting nine-straight NEC games against Mercyhurst, Wagner, and Norfolk State. The Hawks end the 2026 campaign with back-to-back weekend series against Le Moyne and New Haven. 

Additionally, UMES' slate mixes in midweek matchups throughout the year against Towson, Mount St. Mary's (Md.), Georgetown, and Navy. 

"This season, we want to achieve more wins," said Acosta. "Last year we won seven games and were close in an additional 17 games. I think this year's team has great depth and I feel that will help us a lot on the field."

2026 NEC BASEBALL PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. CCSU (6)
2. LIU (5)
3. Wagner
4. Le Moyne
5. FDU (1)
6. Stonehill
7. Mercyhurst
8. New Haven
9. Coppin State
10. Norfolk State
11. Delaware State
12. UMES

FOLLOW ALONG

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