OCALA, FL (352today.com) -The College of Central Florida (CF) baseball team has vaulted into national prominence over the past four seasons, with two JUCO World Series appearances and a National Championship title in 2023. That success has caught the eye of Major League Baseball, as more players continue to move on to NCAA Division I programs and the professional ranks.
This year, two CF pitchers were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft. Joey Wimpelberg, a sophomore right-handed pitcher and Ohio State commit, was picked in the 17th round by the Detroit Tigers. Just two rounds later, freshman right-handed pitcher Cory Geinzer was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round. Both players boast fastballs clocked in the mid-90s.
The growing success of the CF baseball program is a testament to what head coach Marty Smith has built over his 30-year career at the college. The program has become known for bringing in high-potential athletes and developing them into next-level talent—whether that means a four-year college program or a professional baseball career.
Over the last five seasons, 19 CF players have advanced to professional baseball, either through the draft or by signing free-agent contracts.