ETSU Baseball Opens Season This Weekend

Reigning Southern Conference champions host Marist in three-game series

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Reigning Southern Conference champion East Tennessee State University will open its 2026 baseball season with a three-game series against Marist this weekend. The Bucs, who finished 41-17 last season, will be playing on a new turf field at Thomas Stadium that was previously used by the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

Why it matters

ETSU is looking to build on its successful 2025 campaign that saw the team win the Southern Conference regular-season and tournament championships, as well as make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2013. The new turf field is a significant upgrade to the team's home stadium.

The details

The Bucs will host the Marist Red Foxes, who finished 26-28 last season, for the opening series. ETSU returns several key players from last year's squad, including all-conference selections Michael Harpster, Derek McCarley, Jamie Palmese, Tristan Curless, and Alex Melendez. The team will also welcome back Nate Conner, who spent the last two seasons at Walters State Community College.

  • The series opener is set for Friday, February 14 at 3 p.m.
  • The Southern Conference schedule begins on March 20 when ETSU visits UNC Greensboro.

The players

Joe Pennucci

ETSU's head baseball coach, who is 231-161 in his eight years leading the Bucs.

Michael Harpster

ETSU pitcher named to the Southern Conference first team last season.

Derek McCarley

ETSU pitcher named to the Southern Conference first team last season.

Jamie Palmese

ETSU outfielder named to the Southern Conference first team last season.

Tristan Curless

ETSU pitcher named to the Southern Conference second team last season.

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What they’re saying

“The turf has been great. I mean it's played really well. It took a little time to get down, but once we got it down and broke in, it's been good. When people come to see it, it looks really nice, so it's a great addition to already a beautiful stadium.”

— Joe Pennucci, Head Coach (timesnews.net)

“The support in town is awesome. Our fans are great. It's been so much fun to see different families throughout the years and old timers that have been around since years and years of season-ticket holders. It's great to see them.”

— Joe Pennucci, Head Coach (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The Bucs will play 10 of their first 11 games at home before opening Southern Conference play on March 20 at UNC Greensboro.

The takeaway

ETSU is looking to build on its successful 2025 campaign and make a return to the NCAA tournament, with a strong core of returning players and a new high-quality turf field at Thomas Stadium providing a boost for the team.