KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Washburn baseball team was picked fifth in the 2023 MIAA Coaches Preseason Poll, which was released by the conference office Friday morning.
 
The Ichabods are coming off an historic season where they went 33-22 (19-14 MIAA), reached the MIAA Tournament championship game, and made the program's first-ever NCAA postseason tournament appearance. Although 14 seniors graduated from the 2022 squad, there are 26 returners and 15 newcomers that make up the 2023 roster.
 
Central Missouri repeated as the MIAA preseason favorite as the Mules earned 121 points and 11 first place votes. Pittsburg State was picked second with 100 points and Northeastern State received the remaining first place vote and garnered 97 points. Central Oklahoma checked in at fourth with 94 points and Washburn rounded out the top-five with 85 points.
 
The Ichabods will begin the 2023 campaign with four games at the Dugan Invitational in Hot Springs, Ark. starting Feb. 2.
 
2023 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Central Missouri – 121 Points [11 First Place Votes]
2. Pittsburg State – 100 Points 
3. Northeastern State – 97 Points [1 First Place Vote]
4. Central Oklahoma – 94 Points 
5. Washburn – 85 Points
6. Missouri Southern – 77 Points
7. Rogers State – 60 Points
8. Northwest Missouri – 45 Points
9. Emporia State – 43 Points
10. Newman – 33 Points
11. Missouri Western – 26 Points
12. Fort Hays State – 11 Points