Sophomore first baseman Cam Kozeal is back in his hometown for the Men’s College World Series with Arkansas.
Kozeal attended Millard South High School where he was named the Nebraska baseball Gatorade Player of The Year in 2022 and 2023. The Patriot graduated in 2023.
Kozeal said that it’s a great feeling to be back and seeing family ahead of the series. His father, Matt, is a part of the grounds crew at the ballpark.
“It’s good to be back in Omaha… Give my dad a hug there on the warning track,” Kozeal said. “I saw him pregame doing all the stuff to the field. I told him he should have mowed, because the grass is a little long but that’s OK.
Kozeal has dreamt of playing at Charles Schwab Field and now it’s a reality for the Razorback.
“It is surreal,” Kozeal said. “It’s a dream come true. It’s a cool journey. It’s very fun, it’s a lot of blessings.”
In his first year with Arkansas, Kozeal transitioned over to first base and found success with a 0.983 field percentage and just five errors the whole year. In the box, he’s hit .321 with 62 RBI and 15 home runs.
Head coach Dave Van Horn said that he’s proud of the growth that he’s seen from Kozeal in his first year with Razorbacks. Kozeal transferred in from Vanderbilt after his freshman season.
The last time that Arkansas was in the College World Series was 2022. The Razorbacks are making their 12th appearance and are in search of their first ever title.
Kozeal said that the team’s bond has helped them play freely this season, which should aid them well at the grand stage in Omaha.
“It’s just a group of guys who like to be around each other,” Kozeal said. “I think it’s easy to be loose when it’s like that.”
Arkansas faces SEC rival LSU at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday.
