TCU Baseball Stars Gear Up for USA CNT Training Camp
FORT WORTH – Excitement is building as the TCU baseball program prepares to make a significant impact at the upcoming USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp, set to kick off on June 29 in Cary, North Carolina. A stellar quartet from TCU, featuring three standout players and their associate head coach, is ready to showcase their talent on this prestigious national stage.
Meet the TCU Trio Heading to Training Camp
Noah Franco: A Dual Threat
Noah Franco, a first-team all-conference selection and a two-time Freshman All-American, had a remarkable debut season at TCU. He wrapped up the year with a .313 batting average, slotting fourth on the team with 68 hits. Leading the charge with 16 doubles and tying for second on the squad with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs, Franco’s prowess doesn’t stop at the plate. He also exhibited his versatility on the mound, boasting 18 strikeouts in just 12 1/3 innings of work, while limiting opponents to a mere .245 average.
Tommy LaPour: The Ace on the Mound
Joining Franco is Tommy LaPour, an NCBWA second-team All-American who proved to be a dominating presence as a starting pitcher. LaPour’s stats speak volumes, as he ranks second in the Big 12 with a 3.09 ERA across 16 starts. With a string of six consecutive quality starts, he mirrored the achievements of former TCU star Nick Lodolo, marking the first occurrence of such a streak since 2019. LaPour led the Horned Frogs in wins with 8, innings pitched at 90.1, and 88 strikeouts, while holding opponents to a low .231 average.
Nolan Traeger: Rising Star
Nolan Traeger, a Perfect Game Second-team Freshman All-American, made his mark with 43 starts in 47 games. With a .327 batting average, he ranked third on the team, tallying 52 hits that included eight doubles, three triples, and three home runs. Notably, Traeger demonstrated his defensive skills with a stellar .995 fielding percentage behind the plate, adding a team-high of three pickoffs to his achievements.
TCU’s Legacy with USA Baseball
Both Franco and Traeger are no strangers to USA Baseball, having represented the organization on previous teams. Franco is a proud two-time USA Baseball alum, being part of the 2022 and 2023 18U squads, while Traeger also holds the honor of being a two-time alum from the 2023 15U and 2023 18U teams.
Assistant Coach Bill Mosiello
The team will also be reinforced by their associate head coach, Bill Mosiello, who takes the role of third base coach for the Stars at the Training Camp. Having previously served as an assistant coach for the U18 squad in 2017, Mosiello brings invaluable experience to the coaching staff as they gear up for a competitive series against the Stripes.
What Lies Ahead for the Stars
The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp will feature 56 premier non-draft-eligible college players, competing in a thrilling five-game intrasquad series from June 29 to July 3. The camp will culminate in the announcement of the final Collegiate National Team on July 3, ahead of their international journey.
Game Schedule
- First Game: Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis at 5:35 p.m. ET
- Subsequent Games: USA Baseball’s National Training Complex in Cary at 6:30 p.m. ET
- Finale: Segra Stadium in Fayetteville at 6:35 p.m. ET
Post-camp, the remaining players will form the Collegiate National Team Prospects squad, competing in a Fourth of July game against the Appalachian League Select Team.
TCU’s Rich History with USA Baseball
TCU has consistently produced elite talent for USA Baseball, with a lineage that dates back to 2006, when pitcher Jake Arrieta first secured a spot on the National Team roster. Since then, numerous Frogs, including Kyle Winkler, Josh Elander, and Andrew Mitchell, have continued this proud tradition. As TCU eyes more representation on the national scene, fans can only anticipate what’s next for their star athletes.
The excitement surrounding the TCU baseball program and their upcoming challenges with USA Baseball continues to build. With a robust combination of talent and coaching expertise, the Frogs are ready to take on this remarkable opportunity—one that can truly elevate their game to new heights. For more information on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, visit USA Baseball.
Let’s cheer on these talented athletes as they embark on this thrilling journey!
