2026 Baseball Roster
Jersey Number 45
Zach Bates
- Year:
- Jr.
- Ht./Wt.:
- 6-2 / 195
- Position:
- LHP
- Hometown:
- Columbia, Mo.
- High School:
- Hickman
 2025 All-Big Ten Third Team |
Career Highs
- Innings pitched: 2.1, vs. Maryland, April 5, 2025 (G1)
- Strikeouts: 4, 2x, last: at Ohio State, May 17, 2025
- Batters faced: 10, 2x, last: at Ohio State, May 17, 2025
- Field chances: 1, 3x, last: at Ohio State, May 15, 2025
- Putouts: --
- Assists: 1, at Ohio State, May 15, 2025
2025 - SOPHOMORE
- All-Big Ten Third Team selection as a relief pitcher.
- Went 2-2 with a 2.83 ERA (9 ER/28.2 IP) in 23 relief appearances in his debut campaign in the Orange and Blue.
- Led the Illini with eight saves, which also ranked tied for fourth most among Big Ten pitchers at the conclusion of the Big Ten Tournament.
- Led all Illinois relievers with 34 strikeouts...held opponents to a .153 average, which was the lowest mark among Big Ten arms that tossed at least 28.2 innings.
- Struck out a season-high four batters on April 5 vs. Maryland (G1)...later matched that mark on May 17 at Ohio State.
- Worked a season-high 2.1 innings on April 5 vs. Maryland (G1).
- Allowed just one earned run over 15.1 innings of work, spanning 11 games, from March 25 to May 6...whiffed 19 batters compated to just six walks during that run.
- Earned the win in the Fighting Illini's 6-5 triumph in 10 innings over Michigan on May 20 in the Big Ten Tournament...1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
2024 - FRESHMAN (AT IOWA CENTRAL CC)
- Appeared in 13 games, all in relief, at Iowa Central CC.
- Tossed 12.2 innings on the season, whiffing 21 batters.
- Pitched 2.0 scoreless frames on March 15 vs. Moberly Area CC.
- Worked a season-high 2.2 innings on Apr. 23 at Des Moines Area CC...also fanned a season-high five batters.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Attended Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo.
- Was a three-year letterwinner...in his high school career, totaled 60.2 IP, 44 H, 28 ER, 56 BB, 99 K, 3.38 ERA.
- High school honors include; one-time all-state, two-time all-district and two-time all-conference.
- Was ranked as the No. 15 LHP in Missouri by Perfect Game.
PERSONAL
- Born on June 8, 2005.
- Son of Mike and Beth Bates.
- Has two brothers, Ethan and Max.
- Chose Illinois because, "after seeing campus, meeting the coaches, etc., it seemed like a great fit and the place I want to call home."
- Pursuing a degree in communication.
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
