The Butler Bulldog baseball coaching staff added three talented arms to the program on Wednesday with the addition of Grayson Bradberry, Jake Thomas and Garyson Smiddy. Two right-handers and a lefty will add quality depth to the 2026 roster.
 
"We are very excited about the additions we've made with this recruiting class," Beemer stated. "We set out to address specific needs of top end pitching talent and we feel we've done that. We managed to identify, recruit, and sign quality young men that will help impact our 2026 season in a multitude of ways. The competitiveness, athleticism, projectability, and potential swing and miss arsenal of pitches will be a great addition to our program. In the ever changing landscape of college baseball, you still win with people and we feel strongly we have added three great young men who will help us on and off the field."
 
Grayson Bradberry
RHP
6-0, 175
Columbia City, Ind.
Columbia City H.S.
 
Bradberry is a right-handed pitcher from Columbia City, Indiana playing under the direction of head coach Justin Dailey. He was recognized as the Conference Pitcher of the Year in the Northeast 8 after his junior season. Bradberry started the year as a team captain and finished it as the Team MVP after posting a 1.76 ERA. He struck out 63 batters and therefore was named First Team All-Conference. Bradberry's top performance came against Huntington North when he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Vikings while striking out 13 batters.
 
The right-hander had similar numbers during his sophomore campaign. Bradberry had 62 strikeouts to go along with a 2.71 ERA. He earned Second Team All-Conference honors at that conclusion of that season. Bradberry also played club ball for the Indiana Barnstormers.
 
Coach Beemer on Bradberry: Grayson in our opinion is truly one of the best pitchers in the state of Indiana. He's extremely athletic down the mound and shows signs of still having his best days ahead of him. Grayson has a very high-spin fastball and breaking ball. He's shown the ability to start, and the competitive fire to be a back-end type arm as well. The speed of his arm along with his ability to command multiple pitches gives us the feeling that he could be a difference maker right away here in Indianapolis. We're glad to have the standout from Columbia City High School joining us next year.
 
Personal: Son of Billy and Melissa Bradberry… Has two siblings; Payton and Madelyn.
 
Why Bradberry Chose Butler: From the very first time I stepped on campus, Butler felt like home. I really like the coaching staff and how excited they are about the future of Bulldog baseball. Butler also has a great business program.
 
Jake Thomas
RHP
6-3, 190
Kansas City, Mo.
Staley H.S.
 
Thomas is a right-handed pitcher from Kansas City, Missouri that has earned three varsity letter at Staley High School under the leadership of head coach Dionandre Josenberger. Thomas has helped the Falcons record 27 wins and multiple conference championships.
 
Thomas was recently selected as a Second Team All-Conference talent after striking out 22 batters over 22.2 innings of action. He held a 1.23 ERA and recorded four saves. Thomas only walked seven batters last year and limited the opposition to four earned runs. His top high school performance thus far was throwing three perfect innings to close out the district quarterfinal game. Thomas also played club ball for the Prodigy Prospects.
 
Coach Beemer on Thomas: Jake is a young man we identified early in the process. His ability to spin the breaking ball both for strikes and for swing and miss out of the zone will give him a chance to help us early in his career here at Butler. Jake has shown the ability to really command the strike zone and give hitters fits in the box. He's extremely projectable and his fastball velocity continues to tick up as he's been steady in the upper 80's with more in the tank. Jake plays at a very competitive high school in Kansas City, Mo. We look forward to big things from him in a Bulldog uniform right from the start.
 
Personal: Son of Jeff and Courtney Thomas… Has two siblings; Evan and Ansley.
 
Why Thomas Chose Butler: I had an immediate connection with the coaching staff and the campus vibe. I wanted to be part of the Butler family and help Coach Beemer accomplish future goals.
 
Garyson Smiddy
LHP
6-7, 220
Defiance, Ohio
Defiance H.S.
 
Smiddy is a left-handed pitcher from Defiance, Ohio that plays for head coach Rick Weaver. He helped the Bulldogs post a 21-6 overall record that included an 8-1 mark against conference opponents.
 
Over the summer of 2024, Smiddy struck out 25 batters over 14 innings. He had a perfect ERA and only issued three walks. His top individual performance was a 12-strikeout, no-hitter. Smiddy played club ball for the Warhawks.
 
Coach Beemer on Smiddy: Garyson is a talented late bloomer that we are thrilled to have. He's extremely hardworking and has truly turned himself into a premier talent. He stands 6'7 so will fit in well with current Bulldogs Gabe Pancratz 6'8, Corbin Snyder 6'7, and Jack Griffiths 6'6. Garyson being left-handed brings us a different look to the class. Through his hard work and dedication, his pitches continue to get better and better. When you look at the competitiveness, the upside, the work ethic, and the ability that is already evident, it's hard not to be excited to see him toe the rubber at Bulldog Park. He's set to have a big year for Defiance High School in Ohio, a contender every year, and we can't wait to get him to Indianapolis after that.
 
Personal: Son of Gary and Kristen Smiddy… Has three siblings; Elyse, Katie and Audrey.
 
Why Smiddy Chose Butler: It felt like home.
 
"I'd also like to thank Bladen Bales and Ross Learnard for their tireless effort they put in on the recruiting trail," Beemer added. "They were able to find the right pieces to help move our program forward."
 
Butler's 2025 schedule will be released next week. Please check ButlerSports.com for more information and updates as the upcoming season approaches.