EVANSVILLE – Coming-off a resurgent 2021 campaign, University of Evansville head baseball coach Wes Carroll, along with pitching coach A.J. Gaura and assistant coach Keirce Kimbel, have signed a talented group of seven players for the 2023 campaign.
“I’m excited to announce this talented 2022 recruiting class. Our coaching staff has worked hard putting together the future of Aces baseball,” said Carroll on the crop of newcomers. “This group is not only talented on the field but excels in the classroom as well. I really like the balance of players we are adding with 4 pitchers, 3 position players and a legit 2-way player. Every member of this class has a high ceiling to help our program compete in the Missouri Valley Conference for years to come.”
Caden Crawford, First Baseman, Liberty Township, Ohio (Cincinnati Hill Christian Academy)
Coming to Evansville from Liberty Township, Ohio, first baseman Caden Crawford brings an impressive bat and a strong glove to the Aces infield. This past spring, Crawford led all of the Miami Valley Conference with six home runs, batting .367 with 33 RBI and stealing eight bags. In his prep career, Crawford has launched eight homers across two seasons, while helping lead CHCA to the Division III state championship just five months ago.
“We are really excited about the addition of Caden to the 2022 recruiting class,” said assistant baseball coach Keirce Kimbel. “Caden is a physical kid that displays a lot of athleticism and has the chance to have power at the D1 level.  He should be a staple in our lineup for years to come.”
Max Hansmann, Right-Handed Pitcher, Elmhurst, Ill. (York High School)Joining the Aces from the Chicagoland area, Hansmann brings a talented right arm to Evansville’s pitching staff. With an impressive breaking ball, Hansmann looks to add even more strength to a burgeoning crop of pitchers for the Aces, while also getting it done in the classroom, where Hansmann holds a 4.45 GPA on a 4.0 scale at York High School.
“We’re excited to be able to add a guy like Max to our pitching staff,” said Evansville pitching coach A.J. Gaura. “He’s a high character guy both on and off the field. His ability to compete at a high level and spin a breaking ball should allow him to have an impact early in his career.”
Elias Hachem, Right-Handed Pitcher, Oak Park, Ill. (Mount Carmel High School)
A tall right-hander from the Chicagoland area, Elias Hachem joins Hansmann in adding to the Aces pitching staff depth. With a fastball that tops out over 90 miles per hour, Hachem posted a 3-0 record with a 1.54 ERA in seven appearances for Mount Carmel last spring.
“Elias is a great addition to our pitching staff as brings a physical presence to the mound,” said Gaura on the northern Illinois product. “At 6’7″ 235 lbs, he has a FB that really gets on hitters and breaking ball that projects to have wipeout potential. I’m excited to watch him develop both on and off the field over the next 4 years.”
Andrew Payton, Catcher, Martinsville, Ind. (Martinsville High School)
Joining the Aces from Martinsville, Ind., Andrew Payton is a stout addition behind the plate. A season ago, Payton recorded a fielding percentage of .968 with 213 putouts and 55 assists to help lead Martinsville High School.
“Andrew has been on our radar since his Freshman year at Martinsville,” said Carroll on the Indiana native. “He is an elite catch and throw guy behind the plate. AP is a competitor and leader on the field. I look forward to him being on campus next fall.”
Willard Peterson, Left-Handed Pitcher, Evansville, Wis. (Evansville High School)Going from Evansville, Wisconsin to Evansville, Indiana, Willard Peterson joins the Aces pitching staff. A 6’2″ left-hander, Peterson brings a fastball that averages 88 miles per hour.
“Willard is a big strong LHP from the state of Wisconsin that is just scratching the surface of his potential,” said Gaura on the Wisconsin addition. “He possesses high level pitch characteristic that should allow him to develop into a front-line starter or power back end bullpen arm during his time here at UE.”
Kannon Stull, Outfielder, Jeffersonville, Ind. (Jeffersonville High School)
Coming to Evansville from just down the Ohio River, Kannon Stull adds another impressive glove and bat to the Aces outfield. This spring for Jeffersonville High School, Stull ran-up a .383 batting average with 21 RBI and 12 extra-base hits.
“Kannon is an athletic outfielder who possesses the five tools needed to compete in the MVC,” mentioned Carroll on the outfielder. “He will continue to develop those tools here at UE and will make an impact on our roster.”
Jack Taczy, Left-Handed Pitcher, Fox River Grove, Ill. (Cary-Grove High School)
With a high 80s fastball, Fox River Grove, Illinois’ Jack Taczy enters the fold for the Aces. The 6’3″ lefty adds another talented arm to the Aces pitching staff heading into the 2023 season.
“Jack is an exciting LHP that we are looking forward to watch grow in our program,” said Gaura on the Illinois native. “He already possesses the ability to throw 3 pitches for strikes and control the running game. I’m excited to be apart of Jack’s development as he continues work in the weight room and discover just how good
