Missouri Baptist Picked to Lead 2026 Heart Baseball Conference Coaches’ Poll 

Missouri Baptist University has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Baseball Conference Coaches' Poll, earning 218 points to top the conference entering the spring season. The Spartans join the Heart this year as a full member after multiple championship seasons in the American Midwest Conference. 

2026 Heart Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll 

Missouri Baptist – 218 
Central Methodist – 212 
Grand View – 191 
MidAmerica Nazarene – 181 
Mount Mercy – 174 
Baker – 138 
Park – 121 
Clarke – 115 
Peru State – 87 
William Penn – 80 
William Woods – 80 
Culver-Stockton – 79 
Benedictine – 74 
Graceland – 34 
Missouri Valley – 16 

Spartans Enter Heart Play as Preseason Favorite 

Missouri Baptist enters its first season of Heart competition ranked No. 11 nationally in the NAIA and holding a 10–4 overall record heading into conference play. The Spartans are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, capturing their eighth AMC Tournament Championship and securing their third consecutive AMC Regular Season title. Missouri Baptist also claimed its second straight conference tournament crown last season. 

Heart Baseball Positioned for Competitive 2026 Season 

The Heart returns several proven contenders entering the 2026 campaign. Central Methodist University captured the 2025 Heart Baseball Championship, while Grand View University secured the 2025 Heart Regular Season title. With returning contenders and strong depth throughout the conference, the 2026 Heart baseball season is set to feature another competitive race for postseason positioning and the Heart Baseball Championship.