Get ready for "Heller Ball," we have Iowa Baseball being played this month!
The Iowa baseball squad surprised everyone last season by grabbing hold of first place in the Big Ten standings with a scorching hot stretch of play in April.
Iowa's hot stretch last season included winning eight straight series, but it ultimately wasn't enough as they dropped the final three to Illinois, Oregon, and UCLA.
After a second-round loss in the Big Ten Tournament, the Hawkeyes did not make the postseason and are looking to get back to the mountain top this summer.
In order for Iowa to stay close to the top of the standings and make another postseason push, it will rely on its starting pitching and returning senior infielder, Gable Mitchell.
Gable Mitchell is ranked as one of the best second basemen in the Big Ten
If you recognize Mitchell's name, it is because he is the grandson of legendary Hawkeye and Olympic gold medalist, Dan Gable.
After being limited to only 35 at-bats during his first season with the Hawkeyes, Mitchell has become an anchor in the Iowa lineup and is getting some recognition before his senior season.
Big Ten in the 2026 @d1baseball Preseason Player Rankings: Second Basemen
— B1G on D1Baseball (@B1G_D1Baseball) February 2, 2026
🤝 @MarvTraining
🔗 https://t.co/853iKEckxO pic.twitter.com/Rk8y85WQrq
Mitchell came in at No. 3 in the preseason Big Ten rankings for second basemen, No. 25 overall in college baseball.
Mitchell continues to improve every season, and last season was his best in a Hawkeye uniform.
In 56 games (all starts), Mitchell put up a .329 batting average with five home runs and 44 runs batted in (RBI).
He also added 18 doubles and 12 stolen bases, and was solid in the field with a 0.958 fielding percentage.
Mitchell will be a key factor for the Hawkeyes on offense and defense as he looks to guide them to the postseason this year.
Iowa begins the 2025-2026 season playing in the MLB Desert Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona, from Friday, February 13, to Sunday, February 15.