photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State center fielder Ryker Mahnke high fives second baseman Ben Graves after scoring a run in a 10-2 win over Lawrence at Hoglund Ballpark on Monday, May 12, 2025, in Lawrence.

Free State baseball entered the season with two objectives: to win the Sunflower League and the state. With a 13-1 Sunflower League record, the Firebirds have hit their first goal.

The Firebirds are Sunflower League champions for the first time since 2019. The team has only lost two games so far this year, one against St. Thomas Aquinas — the top 5A school in Kansas — and one against Olathe East. That championship means something for a team that is desperate to take the final step to being the top team in the state.

“Our seniors talked about that in the offseason, and to do what these kids have been able to do in a league that is so tough is a heck of an accomplishment,” Free State coach Mike Hill said.

Throughout the season, the Firebirds have had their fair share of close games. In a three-game stretch across the end of April and the start of May, the Firebirds won all three, each by one run. But the team’s ability to win close games is a testament to their mentality. The Firebirds understand what’s at stake and what they’re up against.

“What it took was for us to go out and really compete every game — take every game seriously,” senior pitcher Blaine Larkin said. “Being able to win those tight ball games, those one, two-run games is really what made the difference for us.”

The Firebirds played eight road games this season and won all of them. Seven of those eight were against Sunflower League teams. Sophomore center fielder Ryker Mahnke said going into a hostile environment and winning is a “big point for us because being able to go into somebody’s house and take their win is a big statement.”

The Firebirds won’t need their ability to win on the road anymore. After their regular-season home finale, they will host a regional before the state tournament in Lawrence. However, the team’s ability to get close wins or steal a game on the road shows the Firebirds’ toughness. That comes from Free State’s large senior group that includes six players who’ve already signed to play college baseball.

Hill said the Firebirds are a player-led team. The coaching staff doesn’t have to do much to ensure the team stays accountable and focused — it comes with the seniors’ experience. Even with a team that is starting three sophomores, the young players don’t show a lack of maturity, and part of that is due to the culture the seniors have developed for the team.

“What I’m proud of most in regards to this group is how far they’ve come in four years,” Hill said. “The talent has been there, there’s no question, but the maturation and work ethic has really improved over the last several years, and I’m really proud of that.”

The first season-long goal is complete. Now, it’s about finishing strong with a state title.

“When you get to the end, you have to fire on all cylinders,” Hill said. “There are just too many good teams. Postseason in Kansas, when it’s one-and-done, is unforgiving. It won’t allow you to have an off day. Our emphasis between now and the regional is to fire on all cylinders — make sure we’re doing the little things correctly.”

The Firebirds hit a short rough patch offensively with a couple of weeks left in the regular season. They managed to win those games when the offense struggled as the pitching staff held teams scoreless or to one run. The team recognized the issue and set out to fix it, and in the past four games, the Firebirds have scored 31 runs. Larkin said it’s on the pitching staff to pick the batters up in those moments and keep the other team from getting any offensive momentum.

Mahnke said the coaching staff does a good job of keeping everyone steady at the plate, even when the team is going through a lull. But the team’s experience helps the Firebirds understand the rhythm of the season and how to overcome those expected lows. There are going to be other low moments in the remaining games, but the team is ready to meet those moments head-on and overcome them.

“There’s always ups and downs in the season, and we just have to figure out how to stay right in the middle and not get too down or not go too high,” senior right fielder Cole Wright said.

Finishing the regular season as Sunflower League champions was important to the team. It validates how good the team is and shows what the Firebirds can accomplish. But the team is still hungry. They’ve got one objective accomplished, but the Firebirds are just as hungry and focused on the bigger one: winning the postseason.

“We’re riding the wave right into regionals and we’re feeling good,” Larkin said.