In this edition of our alumni update, we highlight four former Hawks baseball players who are making an impact at the next level, including the first Heartland player to reach the MLB.
 
Colin Holderman- RHP- Pittsburgh Pirates
A 2016 Heartland graduate, Holderman debuted for the New York Mets in 2022 before he was traded mid-season to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Last season, Holderman appeared in 24 games, registering a 3.81 ERA in 28.1 innings pitched. So far this season with Pittsburgh, the 6'7 righty has been an anchor in the Pirates' bullpen, as he has registered five holds in 5.0 innings pitched. Holderman has yet to allow a run, while yielding just 3 hits and 1 walk on the young season. This spring, Holderman's fastball reached 99.9 MPH.  Reese Dutton- RHP- USC Upstate
Dutton has been a key pitcher for USC Upstate's staff this season, as the right-hander has compiled a 2.63 ERA in 48.0 innings pitched (8 starts) to lead the charge for the Spartans. The 2022 Heartland graduate currently has 56 strikeouts, compared to just 12 walks. In a March 31^st outing against Winthrop, Dutton allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in 8.0 innings pitched, while also compiling 9 punch-outs.
Austin Cain- INF- Nicholls State
A 2020 Heartland graduate, Cain has been a key piece to Nicholls State's lineup over the past three seasons. Cain currently holds a .299/.364/.402 slash line with 1 home run, 15 RBI's and 8 doubles across 127 at-bats for the Colonels. Cain was named a Third Team All-Southland Conference selection following his 2021 season after recording a .283/.372/.387 slash line with 2 home runs and 18 RBI's.
Jake Armstrong- RHP- Western Illinois
Armstrong transferred to Milwaukee following his 2019 stint with Heartland, and moved-on to Western Illinois entering the 2022 season. So far in 2023, Armstrong has appeared in eight games with seven starts. He currently holds a 5.14 ERA in 42.0 innings pitched, while also recording 32 strikeouts compared to 21 walks.