'Sox Across The Nation: Week Two
By: Luke Stefanisko
Welcome to the second edition of ‘Sox Across the Nation, a weekly article series where we cover some of the most noteworthy performances from former Tom Sox players.
With MLB officially beginning Spring Training, former Tom Sox players in the pros will begin popping up in these articles.
And for this week, we will start in the pros.
Cooper Ingle, C, Cleveland Guardians, ‘Sox Class of 2021
After a solid season in the minor leagues for Cleveland, Ingle saw himself promoted to Triple-A before the year ended. He received a non-roster invite to the Guardians spring camp, and has impressed Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
Ingle entered as a substitute in the Guardians Spring opener on Saturday and belted a three-run homer that registered at 105 mph off of his bat. He also correctly used MLB’s new ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) system to challenge a call.
Vogt stated “I think there’s a bright future there, and we’re excited to watch his continued development.” Ingle will look to continue his strong Spring and make his case for the big league roster.
Davian Garcia, RHP, Washington Nationals, ‘Sox Class of 2023
Drafted by the Nationals in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Garcia has quickly progressed through Washington’s organization. He earned a non-roster invite to spring training in West Palm Beach and was impactful in his one appearance of in-game action so far.
Garcia pitched two full innings on Tuesday against the Phillies – a game that would end in a rare tie, 5-5. He struck out three batters, only allowed one hit, and did not allow a run by Philadelphia nor a walk to his opponent.
The performance has a lot of scouts turning heads, as the 22-year old pitched well for High-A Wilmington last season. He hopes to be a key piece of the team’s bright future.
Hudson Lutterman, Anderson French, Luke Craytor, INF, RHP, Virginia Tech, ‘Sox Class of 2025
All three 2025 Tom Sox team members played a pivotal role in helping the Hokies pick up a series victory over a Big Ten foe in Rutgers.
In game two of the series, French collected two hits and two walks while tallying three RBI’s on the day. His second walk of the day sent the game to extra innings, where Lutterman hit a clutch homer that spurred a Virginia Tech walk-off win.
Game three was a tight contest, so the Hokies turned to Craytor in the sixth inning to preserve a
one-run lead. He immediately worked a double play to get them out of the inning, then pitched nearly three spotless frames allowing one hit and striking out four to earn the save. Lutterman and French contributed offensively as well.
The former Tom Sox left their mark in a big way for the Hokies, just like they did with the ‘Sox in 2025.
Kyle Langley, OF, James Madison, ‘Sox Class of 2025
Another member of the 2025 squad, Langley has been one of the brightest spots for the Dukes. Langley leads the team in RBIs, slugging percentage and total bases.
In the team's series sweep of Le Moyne, Langley was excellent in all three games. Game one saw him complete the toughest parts of the cycle, with a homer and a triple along with three runs batted in. In game two Langley once again collected three RBIs while going 3-4 from the dish. He completed a trifecta with three more RBIs in game three with another two hit performance.
Langley will continue to be one of the leaders on a team full of Valley League and Tom Sox alums alike.
Brett Gastman, LHP, Little Rock, ‘Sox Class of 2024
A key member of the 2024 VBL champion squad, Gastman had one of the best weekends a pitcher could have.
He made his first two appearances of the season. In those two games, Gastman faced a total of four batters. Each hitter he faced walked back to the dugout after going down on strikes. Four batters, four strikeouts.
The lefty had a dream debut for the Trojans in his first season after transferring from Charleston Southern.
James Nunnallee, Aidan Teel, OF, Mississippi State, ‘Sox Classes of 2025-25 & ‘23
Two former Tom Sox that followed former UVA Head Coach Brian O’Connor to Starkville are off to great starts, leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated record through their first nine games. Nunnallee has started in six of the Bulldogs nine victories this season; Teel has started in seven of them.
Both Nunnallee and Teel went yard in Mississippi State's 16-3 win over Austin Peay on Tuesday. Teel, who hit two home runs in 2023 with the Tom Sox, mashed a grand slam in the third inning to give his team the six-run lead. 2025 All-VBL Honoree Nunnallee launched a ball to right field in the fifth inning for the second of three Bulldog homers on the night.
MSU currently sits at #4 in D1BASEBALL’s rankings. They’ll travel to Arlington, Texas this weekend to participate in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series.
Colby Wallace, Nick Parham, INF, ECU, ‘Sox Class of 2024
Two of the key contributors to the Tom Sox VBL title-winning squad in 2024 helped the Pirates hand UNC its first loss over the weekend.
Wallace and Parham both made appearances in game two, which would be a 10-3 ECU victory. Wallace collected two hits including a double on the day, Parham entered as a pinch hitter and recorded one at-bat.
After taking eventual NCAA runner up Coastal Carolina to the limit, the Pirates will need consistent contribution from Wallace and Parham to get themselves to Omaha.
OTHER
Dawson Newman (VCU) tossed two and two thirds hitless frames to help VCU defeat Illinois, earning the save in the Rams’ Saturday matchup in Conway, SC.
Derek Williams (Miami) reached base safely every at-bat in games two and three against Lafayette.
Evan Alwine (Pasco-Hernando) threw an inning and a third against South Florida State. The Bobcats are led by former Tom Sox Head Coach Lyndon Coleman.
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.
