The Drury University baseball team has had numerous star players throughout the years. These players paved the way for those who have come after them, establishing a winning tradition in the program.
The Scoop recently sat down with the Panthers’ Head Baseball Coach, Scott Nasby. He is entering his 14th season as head coach and has been part of the staff for 20 years. During his time, Nasby has produced 57 all-conference players, 25 all-region selections, seven All-Americans, and two Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year awards.
We asked Coach Nasby to name the top five players he’s seen, who have come through the program.
5. Caleb Cole (2011-2014)
Cole started 218 games in his career, and he was named an All-GLVC selection all four years. He also earned GLVC Freshman of the Year and All-Region honors in his Junior and Senior years. Cole is a member of the Drury Athletics Hall of Fame.
“He was the Energizer Bunny and played at a high level. He moved the house in the weight room and brought smiles to teammates’ faces with his passion.”
4. Cody Bahl (2021-2025)
Bahl earned All-Midwest Region selection in back-to-back seasons, ’23 and ’24. He was also an honorable mention All-Midwest Region in 2023. He had a career ERA of 4.45 and 300 career strikeouts as well.
“Bahl set the single-game strikeout record and had 300 career strikeouts. He became our #1 in innings pitched and was a rotation pitcher who had consistency on the field for 5 years.”
3. Joe Rohlfing (2007-2010)
Joe “Baseball” started in 205 games throughout his 4-year career with the Panthers. He earned two Gold Glove awards, All-Region once, Freshman of the Year, and GLVC All-Conference four times. Rohlfing was inducted into the Drury Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
“Joe was an everyday guy who was a physical competitor from the first day of our program. He played shortstop every day and was the GLVC Freshman of the Year. He set our program up for success for decades to come by starting our program as a winner.”
2. Trevor Richards (2012-2015)
Trevor was a 2-time GLVC champion in his four years with the program. He went on to sign a free-agent deal with the Miami Marlins in 2016. Richards reached the major leagues in 2018, pitching for the Miami Marlins.
“Trevor has built an impressive MLB career with 8 big league teams and has pitched for 7 of them in the major leagues. He has also had numerous postseason appearances. He came in with a two-pitch arsenal at 81-84 mph and a plus change-up and built up to the low 90s. Trevor has had one of the best swing and miss pitches in MLB in the last 6 years.”
1. Nick Thimesch (2011-2014)
Thimesch was a 4-year starter for the Panthers, and he went on to set countless records within the program. Including 104 hits in a season and over 300 hits in his career. He held a .467 batting average during his senior season. Nick was also a founder of the athletic group, the Fanthers.
“Thimesch is now a doctor in Minneapolis and is a great human. Compassionate and competitive. He was always focused and never stressed.”
