Season Review

The DC Grays' 2025 season was one filled with ups, downs and rain. For starters, the Grays finished with 17 wins, their most since 2019, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2022. 

The Grays kicked off the season 4-4. The first eight games were highlighted by an opening night win at the Big Train, 12-11.  

The early stretch of the season showed the Grays' M.O. on offense: they loved to steal. Through the first eight games, they tallied 45 stolen bases, averaging over five per game. 

And then mother nature came knocking. From June 13 to June 19, DC had seven straight games cancelled due to rain. The weather would haunt the league for the remainder of the season. The rainier-than-normal summer cost the Grays three games of their 40 scheduled and postponed what felt like 100 games.  

After the break, the Grays stormed back red hot, winning five out of seven games, and sat atop the South Division standings. In the first game back on June 20 against the Thunderbolts, a 7-0 win, Ty Morris (Marist) threw seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts, earning him pitcher of the week honors for week three. 

As the season went on, some glaring holes came to light for the Grays. First, a lack of depth. Players came and went midway through the season, and left voids on the bench. Leaving a shallow bench and limiting line up options down the stretch of the season. 

Secondly, and more problematic, pitchers struggled to throw strikes. The Grays found themselves in several close games in the final couple of weeks of the season, games that could have been secured as victories. However, many 5+ walk outings from pitchers prevented such close games from becoming wins. 

But this team did not quit. Due to the amount of games cancelled league-wide, all eight teams made the playoffs. The Grays were penciled in as the five-seed and would face the eighth seeded Braves in a play-in game. While the Braves scored three unanswered runs in the seventh and eighth innings, the Grays edged out the victory 7-6, their first playoff win since 2021. 

The season ultimately came to an end against the Senators in a second play-in game. The game was tied at 2-2, with one strike needed for extra innings. But the Senators had other plans, and hit a walk-off RBI double to secure the 3-2 win. 

While the final result may have been disappointing, there is much to look positively upon with the 2025 DC Grays. 

"This team will be remembered as one of the most successful in program history," said head coach Jack Besser. "Above all else, they relentlessly believed in themselves and each other. I'm proud of their growth and grit and can't wait to see what they accomplish going forward."

Team Awards: 

MVP: Ryan Soong (Washing University)

Ryan Soong proved himself to be the team's most feared hitter, showcasing his stellar plate discipline and speed around the bases. Soong led the team in just about every offensive category. 

In 34 games, Soong recorded 37 hits (3 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run), 19 RBIs, 33 stolen bases, 34 walks, .363/.511/.461 slash line.  

Honorable Mention: Joe Marini (Seton Hall)

A late-season addition for the Grays, Joe Marini's veteran bat was a much needed presence to spark the offense in the closing games of the season. 

In just 12 games, Marini had 13 hits (3 doubles, 2 triples), 7 RBIs, 6 walks, .325/.404/.500 slash line.  

Cy Young: Ty Morris (Marist)

His fastball may not have lit up the radar guns, but his off-speed pitches fooled batters. Ty Morris rightfully earned his spot as the Grays' ace this season, limiting base runners and a consistent arm that would pitch deep into games. 

In 40.2 innings (9 games, 8 starts), Morris sported a 3.10 ERA, 20 strikeouts and a 1.451 WHIP. 

Honorable Mention: Ethan Nagy (Lock Haven)

Ethan Nagy's summer with the Grays was short, but left a lasting impact. The flame-throwing two-way lit up the radar gun with his fastball and fooled hitters with his off-speed pitches. 

In his three starts, Nagy recorded a 0.66 ERA, just 1 earned run in 13.2 innings, 19 strikeouts to just 6 walks, a 1.171 WHIP. 

Most Improved Player: TJ Addonizio (Richmond)

TJ Addonizio started the season as an outfielder. But as the season went on, he became an impactful utilityman. His willingness to play any position the team asked of him and bat anywhere in the order was crucial down the line. Addonizio's ability to get on base and steal bases proved invaluable. 

In 31 games, Addonizio netted 21 hits (3 doubles and a home run), 8 RBIs, 9 stolen bases, 23 walks, .239/.432/.307 slash line.  

Gold Glove: Tyler Wiltsey (Rutgers) and Andy Rivera (Holy Family)

75 percent of the world is covered by water, the rest is covered by Tyler Wiltsey and Andy Rivera. 

Wiltsey joined the team in late June and immediately flashed the leather. He made dazzling catches in center field regularly. Seemingly impossible basket catches were made effortlessly by Wiltsey. 

Rivera was a consistent presence in the corner outfield from the get-go. His powerful arm stopped base runners in their tracks, preventing what would be runs scored. He made difficult fly balls in deep foul territory look like a walk in the park. 

Honorable Mention: Joey Chitla (Williams & Mary)

Second base, third base, shortstop, it does not matter. If Joey Chitla is slotted in the field, his glove will be there to save the day, making stellar plays to stop ground balls from turning into hits.