Midland College Freshman Catcher Caleb Eagar Leads Offense

Eagar hitting .500 as starting catcher for No. 7 Chaps

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Caleb Eagar, a freshman catcher for the nationally ranked Midland College baseball team, has made a strong impact so far this season. Hitting .500 with a 1.399 OPS in the 3-hole, Eagar has stepped up as a key offensive contributor for the Chaps despite his young age.

Why it matters

Eagar's performance as a freshman starting catcher and middle-of-the-order hitter is impressive, as it's rare for a first-year player to take on such a prominent role for a top-ranked junior college program. His success speaks to his talent and maturity, and could foreshadow a bright future for the Chaps with Eagar leading the way.

The details

Eagar, a product of Arlington Heights High School, was recruited to Midland College by assistant coach Brady Roper after a strong performance at an all-star event. The 18-year-old has gained 15 pounds of muscle since arriving on campus and has embraced his roles as the starting catcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter for the 14-2 Chaps.

  • Eagar turned 18 years old in August 2025.

The players

Caleb Eagar

A freshman catcher for the Midland College baseball team who is hitting .500 with a 1.399 OPS in the 3-hole for the nationally ranked Chaps.

Hector Rodriguez

The head coach of the Midland College baseball team, who has been impressed with Eagar's performance as a freshman starter.

Brady Roper

An assistant coach for the Midland College baseball team who recruited Eagar to the program.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I've been really grown and taken it in stride, kind of like being who I am. I feel like I've adjusted well coming into college. Being a middle-of-the-lineup guy has been a little more of an adjustment, but I definitely think I've been swinging it pretty well and I just want to keep it going.”

— Caleb Eagar (mrt.com)

“This is a league that's known for its offensive production, a kid you can put in that 3-hole is a big thing. It kind of acknowledges his ability, number one, but also he's a really, really good teammate, a really good baseball player. He's very smart, he's intelligent. He plays the game the right way and then being a catcher as well, it helps to have those characteristics behind the plate. He's done a really good job so far and he's been a big presence in the middle of the order. He's a guy who's going to give you a good at-bat and he's going to play hard for you.”

— Hector Rodriguez, Head Coach, Midland College (mrt.com)

What’s next

The Chaps will look to get off to a strong start in Western Junior College Athletic Conference play this weekend when they host Frank Phillips College in a four-game series.

The takeaway

Caleb Eagar's impressive performance as a freshman starting catcher and middle-of-the-order hitter for the nationally ranked Midland College baseball team showcases his talent and maturity, and bodes well for the Chaps' future success.