Derrick Pitts, a standout outfielder for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, has earned a historic spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. His selection marks the first time a UC player has been chosen for this prestigious squad, underscoring the program’s rising prominence in collegiate baseball.
A Milestone for the Bearcats
The honor comes as Pitts prepares to travel to Taiwan for the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship, a tournament that will run from July 11 through July 15. The event brings together elite college teams from the United States, Chinese Taipei, Japan, and South Korea, using a pool‑play format that culminates in an elimination bracket.
Pitts arrives after a breakout season in which he batted .329, drove in 42 runs, and contributed 12 doubles alongside six home runs. He started every one of the Bearcats’ 58 games, helping the team secure a second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth and earning two appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10 highlights.
USA Baseball’s roster was finalized after an intensive 11‑day training camp held across North Carolina and Virginia. The camp featured 53 invited players, four of whom hailed from the Big 12 conference, before the organization settled on a 28‑man squad that also includes representatives from West Virginia, Georgia, Texas, and Mississippi.
Beyond personal achievement, Pitts’ selection reflects a broader surge in Cincinnati baseball’s national profile. The Bearcats’ recent back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament appearances have positioned the program as a consistent contender, and his inclusion on the USA team signals growing recognition of the program’s talent pipeline.