Baseball season has arrived, and the UAH Chargers are set to open the 2026 campaign in a big way, traveling to Houston for the 2026 Houston Winter Invitational at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.
UAH enters the season under the steady leadership of Head Coach Hunter Royer, who begins his 17th season at the helm of the program. Royer is the all-time winningest coach in UAH baseball history, owning a career record of 434-308-2. During his tenure, he has guided the Chargers to three NCAA South Regional appearances (2012, 2014, 2021), a Gulf South Conference Tournament Championship in 2014, and runner-up finishes in the GSC Tournament in both 2012 and 2016.
Top Returners Lead the Charge
UAH brings back three players recognized on the GSC Top Returners list, anchoring the lineup with experience and production.
Senior infielder Caleb Mahan enters his final season in Huntsville after appearing in 93 career games with 63 starts over the past three seasons. Mahan owns a .311 career batting average, along with 49 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and 59 runs scored, providing a reliable presence in the middle of the order.
Junior shortstop Hugh Windle earned conference recognition after taking over as UAH's everyday shortstop in 2025. Windle proved to be a consistent on-base threat, scoring 26 runs while stringing together multiple hitting streaks, including a five-game streak in March. His team-first approach stood out as he tied for the GSC lead with nine sacrifice bunts.
Sophomore infielder Sean Lapinskes rounds out the Top Returners after an impressive freshman season. Lapinskes started 34 games, split time between second and third base, and earned GSC Freshman of the Week honors on Feb. 18. He finished the year with a .321 batting average, ranking among the top-hitting freshmen in the conference.
Newcomers to Watch
UAH also landed three players on the GSC's "2026 Newcomers to Watch" list, adding fresh impact to both the lineup and pitching staff.
Nathan Mayfield returns to the Huntsville area after playing at Motlow in 2025 and graduating from Bob Jones High School, bringing local ties and collegiate experience to the roster.
On the mound, UAH welcomes Mercer transfers Brayden Lawrence and Zach Murphy, both left-handed pitchers expected to play key roles in the Chargers' starting rotation this season.
The Chargers Unique 2026 Schedule
In the GSC Baseball Preseason Poll, voted on by league head coaches, UAH was projected to finish 10th, giving the Chargers added motivation to outperform expectations.
The 2026 schedule also features several unique and historic venues. Along with opening at Daikin Park, UAH will play an exhibition game at Toyota Field on March 31 against the Rocket City Trash Pandas as part of the Global Baseball Series 2026. The Chargers will also return to Rickwood Field in Birmingham on March 11 to face Miles College, competing at the oldest existing professional baseball stadium in America.
Season Opener
UAH's 2026 season officially begins Friday, January 30, when the Chargers take on No. 6 North Greenville in Houston. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
