2026 Baseball Roster
Jersey Number 29
Nick Groves
- Year:
- Sr.
- Ht./Wt.:
- 5-11 / 185
- Position:
- OF
- Hometown:
- Bayfield, Ontario, Canada
- High School:
- École secondaire Monseigneur-Bruyère
CAREER HIGHS
- Hits: 4, vs. Rutgers, March 20, 2026
- Doubles: 2, vs. SIUE, April 14, 2026
- Triples: 1, 3x, last: vs. #19 Oregon, April 18, 2026
- Home runs: 1, vs. Rutgers, March 21, 2026
- Total bases: 6, vs. Rutgers, March 21, 2026
- RBI: 3, 3x, last: vs. Rutgers, March 21, 2026
- Runs scored: 4, at Texas State, Feb. 22, 2025
- Walks: 3, 3x, last: at Penn State, March 27, 2026
- Hit by pitch: 2, at Rutgers, May 2, 2025 (G1)
- Sac flies: 1, 3x, last: vs. Minnesota, March 14, 2026
- Sac bunts: 1, 6x, last: vs. Bradley, May 6, 2026
- At bats: 6, 4x, last: vs. #19 Oregon, April 18, 2026
- Stolen bases: 3, vs. Abilene Christian, Feb. 15, 2025
- Field chances: 7, at #20 USC, March 7, 2026
- Putouts: 6, 2x, last: at #20 USC, March 7, 2026
- Assists: 1, 3x, last: at Iowa, May 2, 2026
2025 - JUNIOR
- Appeared in 43 games, making 41 starts, for the Illini in his first season at Illinois.
- Posted an overall slash of .324/.493/.385 to go along with 40 runs scored, nine doubles, 18 RBI, 40 walks and 15 stolen bases.
- His on-base percentage of .493 was the fifth-highest mark among all Big Ten players at the conclusion of the Big Ten Tournament.
- His 15 stolen base were tied for seventh-most among all Big Ten players...swiped a season-high three bases on Feb. 15 vs. Abilene Christian...most stolen bases in a single season by an Illini since 2022.
- Led the Illini with 40 walks.
- Recorded 16 multi-hit games on the season, tied for third most on the squad.
- Made his Illinois debut on Feb. 14 vs. Abilene Christian...went 2-for-4 with three RBI and walk.
- Had a season-best seven-game hitting streak from March 8-18...went 9-for-24 (.375) with three doubles and three RBI.
- Reached safely in all five plate appearances in the first game of the Illini's doubleheader at Rutgers on May 2...went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and was hit by a pitch twice.
2024 - SOPHOMORE (AT NIAGARA)
- Second Team All-MAAC
- MAAC All-Academic Team
- Played and started in 46 games for the Purple Eagles.
- Hit .326 primarily out of the leadoff position.
- Blasted his first career homer against Queens on Feb. 25, went on to hit a career high three homers.
- Set a new career high in hits, runs, doubles, and RBI in his sophomore season.
- Drew 34 walks and ended fifth in Niagara history in walks.
- Made 101 putouts with three assists while not committing an error.
- Caught the final out of the MAAC Championship to secure the program’s first MAAC Title.
- Had a 24 game on base streak during the season.
- Had 20 multi-hit games, with 11 two-hit games, eight three hit game, and a four hit game against Fairfield on May 12.
- Was the first ever Niagara player to reach base in an NCAA Tournament game as he was hit by a pitch to open the game against Oklahoma State on May 31st.
2023 - FRESHMAN (AT NIAGARA)
- All-MAAC Rookie Team.
- One of just three Purple Eagles to played in all 47 games while starting in 46 games, hit leadoff in all 46 starts.
- Was second on the team in batting average at .339 while leading the team with a .504 on-base percentage which was second in the MAAC.
- Had 57 walks which set a new Niagara single-season record and a MAAC single-season record…he had the most walks in the country for a freshman…led the country in walks per game at 1.21 walks per game while also leading all freshman in on base percentage.
- Ended the season on a 24 game on base streak which was a team high.
- Had 18 multi hit games, which included 13 two-hit games and five three-hit games.
- Drove in 22 runs while swiping a team high 21 bases.
- Had 100 putouts in the field along with 14 assists and finished the season with a .974 fielding percentage.
- Earned MAAC Rookie of the Week honors twice.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Attended École Secondaire Monseigneur Bruyère in London, Ontario, Canada.
- Was part of the Great Lakes Canadians program.
PERSONAL
- Born on Aug. 11, 2003.
- Son of Todd and Anne Groves.
- Has one brother, Jeff.
- Chose Illinois because, "of the winning culture, professional development and great academic and athletic resources."
- Pursuing a degree in agricultural and consumer economics with a focus on financial planning, along with a minor in business.
Illini Baseball | 03.18.25 Cinematic Recap vs. Indiana State
Wednesday, March 19
ILLINI BASE | Head Coach Dan Hartleb Availability (2/12/25)
Thursday, February 13
Illini Athletics | Week of Appreciation Coaches Video Dan Hartleb
Monday, December 09
Illini Baseball | Team IMPACT Signing
Friday, September 22
