5 Shocking Takeaways From Franklin & Marshall Baseball’s 2025 Season: Key Players And Centennial Conference Battles
The Franklin & Marshall (F&M) baseball program once again navigated the highly competitive landscape of the Centennial Conference (CC) and Division III baseball, concluding the 2025 campaign with a winning overall record that underscores the program's consistent competitiveness. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the Diplomats finished their season with a respectable 21-19 overall record, demonstrating their ability to compete both at home and on the road across a challenging schedule.
The 2025 season was a true test of depth and resilience, particularly after graduating a significant senior class that included five key position players and two relief pitchers. Despite these gaps, Head Coach Ryan Horning, now in his 12th year at the helm, successfully guided the team to a winning percentage over .500, a crucial benchmark for the program.
Franklin & Marshall Baseball: Program Profile and Key Figures
To understand the 2025 season, it is essential to first look at the foundation of the F&M baseball program, a perennial contender in the Centennial Conference.
- Institution: Franklin & Marshall College (F&M)
- Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Nickname: Diplomats (Dips)
- Conference: Centennial Conference (NCAA Division III)
- Home Field: Caplan Field (part of the Baker Campus Fields)
- Head Coach: Ryan Horning (Entering 12th year in 2025)
- Assistant Coaches: Matt Riebesell, Matt Scheuing
- 2025 Overall Record: 21-19 (.525 PCT)
- 2025 Conference Record: 7-11 (.389 PCT)
- 2025 Preseason Poll Rank: 3rd in the Centennial Conference Coaches Poll
The 2025 Season Review: A Tale of Two Halves
The 2025 campaign for the Diplomats was marked by a strong non-conference performance, including a demanding spring break trip, contrasted with a tougher-than-expected run through the Centennial Conference schedule.
1. The West Coast Swing and Non-Conference Dominance
The Diplomats kicked off their 2025 season with a challenging three-game road series against Hampden-Sydney. The team's schedule was purposefully rigorous, including a significant West Coast swing that saw them take on opponents in California. This trip included a three-game series against Redlands, followed by single games against Cal Lutheran and Whittier.
These early non-conference matchups, designed to prepare the team for the intensity of the CC, proved successful in building the team’s overall winning record. They were able to secure key victories, building a strong foundation that ultimately led to their 21-19 final record.
2. Centennial Conference Battles and Key Rivalries
The Centennial Conference schedule proved to be the toughest hurdle for F&M. The Diplomats’ conference play began with a doubleheader against a perennial powerhouse, Johns Hopkins, on March 29th. While F&M showed flashes of brilliance, including ranked wins in the previous season, their 7-11 conference record for 2025 placed them outside the top tier of the league.
The CC is known for its high level of competition in Division III baseball, and the Diplomats were projected to be right in the mix, having been selected third in the Centennial Conference Coaches Preseason Poll. The battle for a playoff spot was fierce, with every series against rivals like Johns Hopkins and others proving critical to their postseason aspirations.
3. The Star Power: Top Performers and Award Winners
Despite the challenges in conference play, several student-athletes delivered standout performances, earning recognition at the conference and regional levels. The team’s success was largely driven by a core group of returning players who stepped up to fill the void left by the previous senior class.
Bobby Falese: The All-Region Power Hitter
The undisputed leader on offense was senior infielder Bobby Falese. Falese followed up a strong 2024 season with another stellar performance, which included a .299 batting average, 11 doubles, 2 triples, 8 home runs, and a team-leading 39 RBI and 43 runs scored. His power and run-producing ability were vital to the team's success. His excellence was formally recognized as he was named an All-Region honoree following the 2025 season, one of the highest individual honors for a Diplomats player.
Other Key Contributors
The offense also received a major boost from junior outfielder Michael von Zuben, who was highlighted as a top returner heading into the season. Additionally, a player named Keller was recognized for his excellent season by being named to the Second Team All-Centennial Conference, showcasing the strength of the team's individual talent across the roster.
Beyond the field, the program maintained its commitment to academic excellence, with multiple student-athletes being named to the 2025 Centennial Conference Honor Roll and five players earning recognition on the 2025 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team.
4. Coaching Stability and The Future of the Diplomats
The F&M baseball program benefits from significant stability at the top. Head Coach Ryan Horning has been a fixture for over a decade, and his leadership has been instrumental in keeping the Diplomats competitive within the Centennial Conference.
Horning's tenure has been marked by a consistent presence in the CC postseason tournament and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on the diamond and in the classroom. His long-term vision and the support from assistant coaches Matt Riebesell and Matt Scheuing are crucial as the team looks ahead to 2026.
The program will look to capitalize on its 21-19 overall record and integrate the experience gained by the younger players during the 2025 campaign. The core of returning All-Region and All-Conference talent, specifically Falese (if he returns for a potential fifth year or if the article is written before his graduation), provides a strong foundation for a deep run in the Centennial Conference playoffs next year.
5. The Home Field Advantage: Caplan Field's Role
A significant factor in the team's success is its home environment at Caplan Field. Located within the Baker Campus Fields complex, Caplan Field has been the site of many Diplomat victories. The facility has seen recent upgrades, with the infield having been laser-graded and top-dressed to ensure an optimal playing surface.
The importance of a strong home record cannot be overstated, especially in conference play. The Diplomats’ ability to defend Caplan Field is a key component of their strategy, making it a difficult venue for visiting Centennial Conference teams.
Looking Ahead to the Next Season
With the 2025 season now in the rearview mirror, the Franklin & Marshall baseball program will shift its focus to recruitment and preparation for the next campaign. The team has proven it can compete nationally with its demanding non-conference schedule and has the individual talent to rival the best in the Centennial Conference. The goal remains a deep run in the CC Tournament and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship.
The program’s consistent performance, the leadership of Coach Horning, and the dedication of players like Bobby Falese and Michael von Zuben ensure that Franklin & Marshall baseball will be a must-watch team in the coming years.
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