5 Reasons Why Central Florida CC Baseball Is A JUCO Powerhouse: Draft Picks, World Series Glory, And The 2025 Season
The College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots baseball program has firmly established itself as one of the elite junior college (JUCO) programs in the nation, consistently developing high-level talent and competing for national championships. As of December 21, 2025, the team is gearing up for another highly anticipated season following a strong 2025 campaign that saw them finish as the FCSAA Runner-Up and send multiple players to the professional ranks. This deep dive explores the team's historic achievements, their impressive track record of player development, and the foundation that makes CF a consistent powerhouse in the competitive Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA).
Located in Ocala, Florida, the CF Patriots are not just a regional contender; they are a national brand, evidenced by their recent NJCAA World Series victory and their impressive pipeline to the MLB Draft. The program’s success is built on a foundation of strong coaching, aggressive recruiting, and a culture that prepares athletes for the rigors of NCAA Division I baseball and beyond. The latest news highlights the continuing success of their pitching program, with two Patriots recently selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, cementing their reputation as a premier destination for aspiring professional players.
The College of Central Florida Baseball Program: A Full Profile and Biography
The College of Central Florida, often referred to simply as CF, is a public college and a member of the Florida College System. The baseball program, known as the Patriots, competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I, which is widely recognized as one of the most competitive levels of college baseball in the United States.
Program Overview (CF Patriots Baseball)
- Institution: College of Central Florida (CF)
- Location: Ocala, Florida
- Nickname: Patriots
- Conference: Mid-Florida Conference (MFC) of the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) / NJCAA Region 8
- Home Field: CF Baseball Field (Ocala, FL)
- Recent Season Record (2025): 39-18 Overall
- Major Achievement: 2023 NJCAA Division I Baseball World Series National Champions
- 2025 Season Finish: FCSAA Runner-Up
Coaching and Leadership Staff
The program is spearheaded by a dedicated coaching staff focused on player development and competitive excellence.
- Head Baseball Coach & Manager of Athletics: Marty Smith
- Assistant Baseball Coach: Jon Koenigsfeld
Under Head Coach Marty Smith, the Patriots have vaulted into national prominence over the past four seasons, consistently reaching the JUCO World Series and turning out professional talent.
From Ocala to the World Series: The Patriots' Championship Legacy
The College of Central Florida Patriots achieved the pinnacle of junior college baseball glory by winning their first-ever NJCAA Division I Baseball World Series National Championship. This monumental victory solidified the program's place in history and announced CF as a true national powerhouse.
The Historic 2023 National Title
The Patriots secured the NJCAA DI Baseball World Series title on June 3, 2023, in Grand Junction, Colorado. The team capped off the greatest season in school history with a dominant 13-6 victory over Wabash Valley in the championship game. This "Perfect 10" run to the title was a landmark achievement, showcasing the team's depth, power, and pitching prowess on the biggest stage in JUCO baseball.
Championship Culture and Competitive Edge
The 2023 championship was not a fluke; it was the culmination of a program-wide commitment to excellence. The Patriots have demonstrated a consistent ability to compete at the highest level, frequently advancing deep into the FCSAA State Tournament and earning berths in the JUCO World Series. This championship culture is a significant draw for top high school talent looking for a fast track to both NCAA Division I baseball and the professional ranks.
The MLB Pipeline: CF Patriots' Recent Draft Success and Alumni Network
One of the most compelling aspects of the Central Florida CC baseball program is its proven ability to develop professional-caliber players. The Patriots serve as a direct pipeline, helping athletes refine their skills and significantly increase their visibility to Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts.
2025 MLB Draft Selections
The 2025 MLB Draft continued CF’s impressive run of professional placements. Two CF pitchers, Joey Wimpelberg and Geinzer, were selected, highlighting the strength of the team's pitching development program. This success is part of a larger trend, as over the last five seasons alone, 19 Patriot players have advanced to professional baseball, either through the draft or by signing free-agent contracts.
Notable Player Development and Alumni
The program's impact extends beyond players who move on to four-year schools; CF alumni are actively involved in professional baseball at various levels. The alumni network includes former Patriots players and coaches who are now coaching in pro ball, such as Zach Bove, who serves as a Pitching Coach for the Kansas City Royals (MLB). This network provides current players with invaluable connections and mentorship, further solidifying the program’s reputation as a high-level development hub. The program also boasts a recent FCSAA State Player of the Year in Dawson Harmon.
2025 Season Recap and What's Next for the Central Florida CC Baseball Team
The 2025 season was another highly successful campaign for the CF Patriots, demonstrating the program’s ability to reload talent and maintain competitive dominance immediately following a national championship year. The team's final record stood at an impressive 39-18 overall.
FCSAA Runner-Up Performance
The Patriots finished the 2025 season as the FCSAA Runner-Up, showcasing their consistency in the challenging Florida junior college landscape. Their offensive firepower was evident throughout the year, with the team accumulating 68 home runs and 377 runs batted in (RBI) over the 2024-25 season. This offensive output, combined with strong pitching, kept them in contention for another state title.
The Next Level: Player Transfers
A key measure of success for any JUCO program is its ability to move players on to NCAA Division I and professional levels. The 2025 season was a major success in this regard, with 13 players from the FCSAA Runner-Up squad moving on to continue their baseball playing careers at higher levels. These transfers ensure that the Patriots’ impact is felt across the college baseball landscape, from the SEC to the ACC and beyond.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
As the College of Central Florida prepares for the 2026 season, the focus will be on integrating new recruits with the returning core to once again compete for the NJCAA World Series. The schedule for the upcoming season is set to include competitive matchups, such as games against Rollins College, and participation in premier events like the Florida Early Bird JUCO Classic. The consistent excellence of the coaching staff, combined with the proven development model, suggests that the CF Patriots will remain a top-tier program and a must-watch team in junior college baseball.
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