Needham Commits to Chapman University

A native of Newbury Park, CA, Needham has been among the most versatile and dependable players in the program over the past two seasons. As a two-way standout at pitcher and first base, Evan has been a key contributor both offensively and on the mound.

During the 2025–26 season, Needham batted .376 with 41 hits, 22 RBIs, and a .430 on-base percentage. On the mound, he served as one of the team's most trusted late-inning arms, recording four saves while continuing to provide quality innings throughout the season. Defensively, he was outstanding at first base, posting a .978 fielding percentage and consistently delivering in high-pressure situations.

Over his two-year career at Mendocino College, Needham compiled a .351 batting average with 61 hits and 37 RBIs, while also appearing in 27 games as a pitcher and earning five career saves.

Needham was recognized for his outstanding sophomore campaign by earning Second Team All-Bay Valley Conference honors and was also selected to the 2026 CCCBCA Academic All-State Team, which honors sophomore student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Chapman University is widely regarded as one of the premier academic institutions in the western United States. Located in Orange, CA, Chapman combines outstanding academics with a nationally respected baseball tradition. The Panthers compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and are known for consistently contending at the national level.

The program is led by Scott Laverty, who completed his 13th season as head coach in 2025–26. Laverty led Chapman to the 2019 NCAA Division III National Championship, the university's third national title in baseball history. That season, the Panthers won 44 games and set the NCAA Division III record with 524 strikeouts. Laverty was named both the D3baseball.com and ABCA Division III Coach of the Year.

Coach Michael Nackord praised Needham's development and impact on the program, "Evan has been one of the most dependable players in our program. Whether contributing at first base, on the mound, in the batter's box, or in the classroom, he developed into a multifaceted player and used his baseball intelligence to make adjustments along the way, making him one of the most effective and valuable players on our team. Chapman University is getting a much more polished version of Evan as he takes the next step in his career. We are looking forward to following him throughout his time at Chapman."

The entire Mendocino College Baseball family congratulates Evan and his family on this outstanding achievement. We are proud of all he has accomplished and look forward to seeing him continue his success at Chapman University.