Kearney native Cal Higgins has been named to the National College Baseball Writers Association Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.
After playing for Kearney, he pitched at Iowa Western CC before transferring to Western Kentucky.
Below is the press release from Western Kentucky Baseball (full release click/tap here):
DALLAS – WKU Baseball pitchers Cal Higgins and Lucas Hartman were named to the 2025 National College Baseball Writers Association Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List, the association announced Wednesday.
The award is given annually to the top relief pitcher in Division I Baseball.
Of the 56 players named to the midseason watch list, WKU’s selections are two of only three to represent Conference USA.
Higgins was previously selected to the NBCWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List before being recognized on the midseason list, being one of nine players to be named to both.
Higgins has had a very productive senior season at WKU. The Kearney, Neb. native has appeared in 14 games this season with five saves. The left-hander has recorded a 1.50 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 24.0 innings of work while holding opponents to a .188 batting average.
Hartman is in his first season on The Hill after transferring in from Florida Gulf Coast. The right-hander has appeared in 12 games with one start, posting a 4-0 record with two saves. The Bradenton, Fla. native has recorded a 1.67 ERA and 39 strikeouts through 32.1 innings pitched, holding opposing hitters to a .162 batting average.
