USC Baseball Star Ethan Hedges Prepares for Big Leagues

The University of Southern California (USC) baseball team has made headlines not only for its performance on the field but also for the academic achievements of its players. The team, marking its third consecutive season with over 30 wins, secured a place in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade. Among the standout players is Ethan Hedges, a business student who was selected as the 77th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies.

Hedges, an All-American second-team selection, exemplifies the balance between athletics and academics. He is part of a baseball team that boasts the highest number of students enrolled in the Marshall School of Business at USC, with 18 players pursuing business degrees. Hedges has taken on the challenge of pitching while managing a full course load, stating, “That’s the beauty of USC — it’s not supposed to be easy. Nothing ever worth doing is easy.”

His commitment to both academics and athletics is evident in his approach. Hedges emphasizes that excelling in the classroom is just as significant as success on the field. “I pride myself on excelling both on the field and in the classroom,” he explained. His decision to attend USC was influenced by the university’s strong academic reputation, particularly within the business program. “I actually was considering going to a couple of Ivy League schools… but when USC came into the picture, it was clear that was the choice,” he added.

While Hedges did not enter USC as a top-tier player, he sought a degree that would prepare him for life after baseball. “Coming into USC, I wasn’t the best player… There was always that part of me that was planning for life after baseball,” he said. His choice of the Marshall School was strategic, prioritizing an education that would give him a competitive advantage in the business world.

The team’s culture reflects this focus on academics. Hedges noted that the players and coaching staff view grades as a reflection of an individual’s dedication. “Our coach has a quote that says ‘How you do anything is how you do everything,’” Hedges remarked. This philosophy extends to all areas of life, underscoring the importance of effort in both academics and sports.

Hedges is not alone in his academic pursuits. Over a dozen of his teammates have also chosen to enroll in the Marshall School, driven by a desire to secure their futures beyond baseball. Hedges explained, “A lot of us want to get a business degree coming into college, and Marshall is one of the best.” He believes that the connections and education provided by the school set students up for success in a way that few other institutions can.

In addition to his studies, Hedges has made significant contributions on the baseball diamond. After persistent requests to pitch, he was finally given the opportunity by head coach Andy Stankiewicz. His first season as a pitcher was remarkable, with a 2.40 ERA and a second-place finish in the Big Ten for saves. His hitting performance also improved dramatically, reaching career highs in batting average, hits, home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage.

Hedges’ outstanding dual performance earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten first team and placed him among the finalists for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award. This recognition elevated his profile within MLB circles, culminating in his selection by the Colorado Rockies on July 13, 2025.

“It is everything I ever dreamed of as a kid,” Hedges reflected on his draft experience. “To have that opportunity to be so close is unbelievable.” His hard work over the years has prepared him for this moment, and he is eager to continue his journey in professional baseball. “I’m ready to show ‘em what I’ve got … It’s a dream come true,” he stated.

As Hedges gears up for the challenges of the minor league system, he believes his work ethic is what sets him apart from others. “How I handle myself on the field and off the field is going to separate me from other people in the minors and then help me to excel and propel myself,” he concluded.

With his unique combination of academic dedication and athletic prowess, Ethan Hedges embodies the spirit of USC baseball, paving the way for future student-athletes to follow in his footsteps.