MANKATO — It’s been a pretty good pairing for four straight seasons.
For Dad Matt Magers, he’s been steering the Minnesota State baseball team to 35-or-more wins and top-four regional finishes each spring as head coach. For son Louis Magers, well, he’s been popping home runs and driving in baserunners from the middle of the lineup while also providing quality pitching as a starter.
The ending has yet to be written for 2026, which is Louis’ final college season. The Mavericks finished the regular season 37-12 overall and 29-7 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
“It’s been a fun experience coaching Lou these last four years,” Matt Magers said. “He’s put in the work, become a team leader and has helped us win a lot of games.
“It’s been special seeing him develop as a student athlete. He’s put in the time on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom. It’s been a challenge being a two-way player as a batter and a pitcher but he’s handled it well.”
After 46 games this season, Louis is batting .310, is second on the team in doubles (13), tied for first in home runs (13) and leads the team with 60 runs batted in. He is 2-4 as a starter with a 5.34 earned run average.
For Louis, playing for the Mavericks was a foregone conclusion. He was a bat boy for the team from 2010-12 which left him with a strong connection to the program.
“I saw how the players approached the game, how my dad pulled the strings and motivated the players,” Louis said. “I saw what a successful baseball program looks like. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
After a standout career with the Mankato West High School and Mankato American Legion teams, he jumped to MSU and has never regretted his decision. Playing for the Mavericks and for his dad has been a joy ride.
“My dad may have held me to a higher standard than some of the other players but I liked that,” Louis said. “When the expectations are high it helps me elevate my game. It was what I was hoping for when I got here.”
With the clock winding down on his collegiate career, Louis is looking forward to the next chapter. An avid hunter and fisherman, he’s about to graduate with a degree in environmental science. He’s hoping to stay in the midwest and get a job in the wildlife and fisheries field.
He also wants to keep playing baseball. Whether it’s signing with an independent league team or simply playing town team ball he wants to stay connected.
“We’ll see what happens but right now we want to finish the season strong,” Louis said. “I still don’t think we’ve played our best baseball yet.”
Coming into the season the Mavericks had a core of returning veterans and have had to mix in some underclassmen. Shortstop Jake Berkland is one of the team’s most improved players, batting leadoff at .370, increasing his power with 11 home runs and stealing a team-high 21 bases.
Right-fielder Cole Yearsley has also improved, hitting .351 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs. C.J. Trask is the starting left fielder (.365, 14 doubles, 12 homers, 56 RBIs). Logan Miller has provided stellar defense, prompting coach Magers to label him the best center fielder he’s had with the Mavericks.
Gannon Reidinger (4-0, 1.76 ERA), Daniel Zang (6-1, 2.83), Sam George (7-0, 2.31) and Mack Crowley (6-0 2.88) are at the top of the starting rotation. Ben Irsfeld is the fireman in the bullpen (4-1, 3.48, 3 saves).
“We’ve had to figure out where the pieces fit during the season,” coach Magers said. “Charlie Shau (.331 batting average) has stepped up at third base and Ethan Bowers (.290) has played every game at second.
“We don’t have as much firepower as we did last year. We’ve had to win quite a few 1-run games with our pitching and defense. We’re just trying to do the little things we take pride in doing well.”
The Mavericks are the second seed in the double-elimination NSIC Tournament behind Augustana. MSU begins tourney play at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Sioux Falls against Minot State.