In Lafayette, Indiana, the atmosphere was electric at the 2026 Prospect League All-Star game, and a key figure soaking in the excitement was Nolan Decker. The scene was especially joyful for Decker, who had every reason to smile wide.
Enjoying a summer filled with baseball in his home state, Decker stood out at the All-Star game, matching his number of appearances there with those made for the Eastern Illinois University Panthers throughout the 2026 season. As a rising redshirt sophomore at EIU, the chance to play at such a prominent event was a significant milestone.
But it wasn’t just his summer accomplishments that brightened Decker’s expression. Conversations about the past spring at Charleston seemed to add to his excitement.
“Absolutely awesome,” Decker recalled, reflecting on his 2026 season with EIU. “Very thrilling, to say the least,” he mused, capturing his enthusiasm for the Panthers’ remarkable run that year.
During the 2026 summer, Decker is competing with the Kokomo CreekChubs, but his heart remains with the memories from the spring when EIU won an impressive 33 games. Transferring from Troy to Eastern Illinois did more than just amplify his skills—it reunited him with his childhood best friend, Bryce Riggs, making the season all the more special.
“[He] absolutely dominated this year,” Decker said of his longtime friend, who was named the 2026 OVC Pitcher of the Year.
The duo, both from Noblesville, Ind., plans to become roommates for the 2026-27 school year and both continue with the Panthers’ baseball program.
“Just seeing him on the mound dominating, being able to have the laughs but compete as well has been a blessing,” Decker said.
He says the summer in the Prospect League has helped him get valuable experience while gaining confidence.
EIU will have a new pitching coach in 2027, as Jake Lotz takes over after spending the previous three years at DII Lewis University.