BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Head coach Jim Chester and the Gardner-Webb baseball team have announced the signing of nine players that will join the Runnin' Bulldogs. Of the signees, the Dawgs picked up a pair of pitchers, three infielders, one catcher, two outfielders, and a utility player.
Jimmy Alfonsin | Freshman | Infield | Clayton, NC | Grace Christian
Jimmy was named to the 2025 NCISAA 3A All-State Team and played a key role in leading his team to the 2025 NCISAA 3A State Championship. A four-year varsity starter, Jimmy posted an impressive .419 batting average and 1.281 OPS during the 2025 season. He recorded 31 hits, including 10 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 home runs, while driving in 20 RBIs.
Jack Beard | Freshman | Pitcher | Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Christian
Jack earned CISISA All-Conference honors and was named PG Fall World Series MVP. A three-year varsity starter, he delivered an outstanding 2025 season on the mound, posting a 2.10 ERA over 48 innings pitched, with 45 strikeouts and only 13 walks.
Harrison Frank | Freshman | Pitcher | Cleveland, OH | Holy Name HS
Harrison is a three-year varsity starter and letterman who has earned Scholar Athlete recognition each season for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher. He received All-District honors in 2025 and was named to the Second Team All-Conference in both 2024 and 2025. On the mound, Harrison posted a 6–1 record over 52.1 innings pitched with a 1.34 ERA, 59 strikeouts, 16 walks, and a 1.01 WHIP.
Colton Hicks | Freshman | Infield | Ashburn, VA | Independence HS
Colton was named Potomac District Player of the Year and Independence High School MVP for both 2025 and 2024. A standout performer, he earned First Team All-Potomac District (1B), All-Region 1st Team (1B), VHSL Class 5 All-State 2nd Team, and PBR All-State 2nd Team honors. At the plate, Colton hit .484 with a .914 slugging percentage, 18 extra-base hits, and 26 RBIs during the 2025 season.
Hudson Newell | Freshman | Catcher | Marietta, GA | North Cobb Christian
Hudson is a two-time 2A State Champion and 2A Region 6 Champion. A standout catcher, he earned All-Region honors twice and was named a PG All-American. In 2025, Hudson posted a .388 batting average with a .508 on-base percentage while catching 158 innings.
Brady Pollard | Freshman | Infield | Durham, NC | Durham Academy
Brady was named to the 2025 All-TISAC Conference Team and is a two-time team captain. A five-year varsity member and four-year varsity starter, he also earned the 2024 Most Dedicated Award and represented baseball on the 2024 Student-Athlete Leadership Team. At the plate, Brady posted a .365 batting average with a .941 OPS in 2025 (Perfect Game) and a career .382 OBP at Durham Academy.
CJ Proch | Freshman | Outfield | Cranberry Township, PA | Pittsburgh Central Catholic
CJ is a three-year varsity starter and WPIAL All-Section selection. For Pittsburgh Central Catholic (2024), he hit .451 with 3 HR, leading all 6A sophomores in Pennsylvania in slugging % and home runs, while ranking among the top five in RBI, batting average, and OBP. With the 2025 Marucci Spikes National team, CJ batted .463 with a .780 SLG, 1.300 OPS, and 3 HR in top national events.
Dillon Walls | Freshman | Outfield | Douglassville, PA | Episcopal Academy
Dillon is a four-year varsity starter who earned First Team All-Division honors in 2023 and 2024 and was recognized as a Scholar Athlete. He also achieved a Top 500 National Rank (Perfect Game). At the plate, Dillon posted a .332 batting average with 13 extra-base hits in 2024 at Episcopal Academy. On the basepaths, he stole 16 bases in 2023 at Berks Catholic.
JD Westveld | Freshman | Utility | Richardson, TX
JD is a four-year varsity starter at IMG, an All-American Honorable Mention, and a .400 career high school hitter who broke the school record for hits as a sophomore. He hit .501 during the 2024 high school season and .355 in 2025, and added 3 home runs during the 2025 summer season with the Dallas Patriots.
