PORTLAND, Ore. – University of Portland athletics has seen several student-athletes over the years go on to have major success at the professional level. Over the summer, we'll be checking in to see how our Pilot alums are doing at the next level. This week, we want to highlight alumni from our baseball program that are making their mark in the pros. Let's check in on our ballplayers.
Cooper Hummel, Catcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
Earlier this year, former Pilot catcher Cooper Hummel made his dreams come true, earning the call up to the big leagues after the Arizona Diamondbacks put him on the opening day roster. Hummel had spent five years in the minor leagues with a variety of teams before becoming the first Pilot since 2017 to earn the chance to play with a major league ballclub.
Hummel has already made an impact in his first year with the Diamondbacks. He hit a home run in just his fourth game with the Diamondbacks on April 10 against the San Diego Padres and most recently earned his first walk-off hit, a walk-off double on May 31 against the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves to propel the D-Backs to the victory.
Beau Brundage, Outfielder, Bowling Green Hot Rods
Playing with the Tampa Bay Rays' High-A affiliate, the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Beau Brundage is batting .205 over 34 games. Brundage raked at the plate this past May, getting his slugging percentage up to .510 with three home runs, two doubles and two triples. Those three dingers were tied for second on the Hot Rods for the month.
Brundage has spent the past four seasons in the minor leagues playing with six different squads. Last season, the outfielder shined with the Charleston RiverDogs, batting .340 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs as well as an OPS of 1.078. Brundage has batted .243 for his career.
Chad Stevens, Shortstop, Asheville Tourists
The most recent draftee to come from Portland, Stevens has been solid at the plate in his second minor league season and first full season. Playing High-A baseball for the Tourists – a Houston Astros affiliate – Stevens has posted a slash line of .273/.330/.478 (BA/OBP/SLG), notching six doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBIs so far in 44 games.
Astros Future, which covers all things regarding Astros minor league baseball, recently selected Stevens as their Player of the Week on May 16. Stevens earned the honor after batting .500 with three home runs and 11 RBIs the week prior.
