'Sox Across the Nation: Week Eleven
By: Luke Stefanisko & Ben Rekosh
We sit thirty days until the Tom Sox take the field in Waynesboro to begin the 2026 season.
The countdown to summer means that college squads are heading into postseason play, and the professional teams are beginning to gain some traction.
Continuing our series here are some more individuals that have been able to call Charlottesville a part of their journey, with a wide variety of topics for this week.
Su Agunloye, NFL (intern), ‘Sox Class of 2023
For the first time in this series, we will highlight someone that is not involved in the sport of baseball. Although, his accomplishment must be noted.
Agunloye is a former Virginia Cavalier, who spent the 2023 summer as an intern with the ‘Sox. He played for the UVA football team for four years, before transferring to two different schools post Charlottesville. After wrapping up his final collegiate season at FIU, Agunloye will now have the opportunity to attend the Ravens and 49ers rookie mini-camp.
Best of luck to Agunloye, as he chases his NFL dreams – the ‘Sox community is rooting for you!
Dawson Newman, LHP, VCU, ‘Sox Class of 2025
A frequent flyer on ‘Sox Across the Nation, Newman has been one of the breakout stars for a solid VCU squad.
In four of his last five outings, Newman hasn’t allowed a run. He appeared in two games over the weekend against crosstown rival Richmond, completing three full innings. In his two showings, he struck out two batters while picking up the win in his Sunday outing.
With the win against Richmond, Newman is now second on the Rams in wins this season. After transferring from Coastal Carolina over the summer, Newman has settled in quickly with his new squad in Richmond.
Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays, ‘Sox Class of 2022
After a historic rise in 2025, the superstar rookie was sidelined to begin the 2026 season with a right shoulder injury. On Tuesday night he finally got the chance to take the mound at the big league level after four rehab appearances in the minor leagues.
He pitched 5.1 innings of shutout baseball in Toronto’s 3-0 win over Boston, striking out three batters and giving up only four hits. A good sight for Blue Jays fans.
Yesavage will look to continue the momentum he built last season; he is currently ranked as the number nine prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Darien Smith, RHP, Richmond Flying Squirrels, ‘Sox Class of 2023
Smith started three games in the 2023 ‘Sox season and has moved up the line in the San Francisco Giants’ organization since August of 2024.
This season he has had a great start to his campaign in Double-A with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Smith has appeared in four games this season, making two starts for the Flying squirrels. In his latest appearance against the Somerset Patriots, he recorded a quality start going six complete innings while striking out five batters.
Through his 20 innings this year, he has only allowed four runs with 19 total strikeouts to his name.
Hayden Smith, LHP, Troy, ‘Sox Class of 2023
Smith pitched 15.0 innings in Charlottesville during the ‘23 championship campaign, and has found a home with the Trojans of the Sun Belt this season.
He is coming off of his best week of the season, earning National Pitcher of the Week and Conference Pitcher of the Week honors for 11 shutout innings across two appearances. The junior threw five hitless innings last Tuesday, and retired 13 consecutive hitters through the ninth. Sunday’s series finale marked the first start of his career, earning the win 1-0 over Marshall.
The left has struck out 18 batters over 26.1 innings this season, as he seeks to help Troy compete for an SBC championship.
Ethan Gibson, IF, Virginia Tech, ‘Sox Class of 2024
One of the key cogs from the ‘24 summer is living up to his nickname yet again: Mr. Consistent. Gibson has played in 40 of 43 games for the Hokies and boasts a batting average of .330 on the year.
Notably, he holds a streak of 14 straight-games notching a hit. This streak was extended on Tuesday in Virginia Tech’s win with a double in the third inning.
It marked his 14th extra base hit of the season.
OTHER
Nick Parham (East Carolina) hit his first homer of 2026 last weekend against South Florida.
Aidan Teel (Mississippi State) launched a monster shot to right-center field as part of MSU’s sweep over LSU on Sunday.
Preston Gamster (TCU) etched his fourth home run of the season on Saturday.
Be sure to follow the Tom Sox on social media and visit tomsox.org for the latest; ‘Sox Around the Nation will publish every Wednesday.
