Notable Alumni

In the span of five years, Ben Casparius went from collecting strikeouts at Old Mountain Field, to winning a World Series in his rookie season. Ben Casparius joined the Ocean State Waves in the summer of 2019 from UNC Chapel Hill, where he then made the decision to transfer to the University of Connecticut, his hometown college. As a Wave in 2019, Casparius made a great impact on the community, taking leadership in our school reading program and venturing out to local elementary schools and endorse the value of academic success as well as athletic.  

Following his summer with the Waves, Casparius headed to Storrs eager to make an impact on the Huskies' 2020 season, which was inevitably cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But, made his impact known in the 2021 season as he threw for 91.2 innings, recording 127 strikeouts with a 4.03 ERA and 8-5 record. Following his senior season with Connecticut, Casparius was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Since then, Casparius has been a steady climber throughout the Dodgers Minor League system. His most notable progression coming in 2024, where he started at the AA level on opening day in April, and made his Major League debut in August. That year, the Dodgers went on to win the World Series, Casparius playing a key role in the championship series. The Dodgers went on to win a second-consecutive World Series Championship in the 2025 season, where Casparius spent the entire season at the Major League level, despite battling injuries throughout the season. 

Jake Cook spent two summers with the Ocean State Waves, the first in 2023 following his freshman campaign with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. In both years, Cook was signed as a two-way player, taking reps both on the mound and in the outfield. On the mound, the Mississippi native topped out at 96 mph at just 19 years old. In his collegiate seasons, Cook also spent time training both positions in his first two years. Throughout his junior campaign, Cook exclusively competed in the outfield, and found ways to excel at the plate. In just one season, he became the key contributor in their lineup, while making exceptional plays in the outfield. 

Following his standout season and NCAA tournament run, Cook received an invite to the 2025 Major League Draft Combine. At the combine, Cook took first in the 30-yard dash and long jump events, and tied the all-time record for the dash. His stellar performance continued to impress professional scouts, enough to earn him an early draft selection. The Madison, MS native was seleted in the 3rd round of the 2025 MLB Draft with the 81st pick. 

Cook spent the remainder of 2025 training and rehabbing injuries, and is now playing for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays following a one-month stint with the Blue Jays' Rookie affiliate. 

Cade Kuehler joined the Waves in the summer of 2021 after his freshman year at Campbell University. Atop community outreach, summer camp involvement and more, Kuehler quickly developed to professional caliber both on and off the field. Kuehler pitched in five games, totaling 6.2 innings, only allowing six hits, four runs, and recorded 8 strikeouts. After returning to Campbell for his second season, Kuehler was selected to compete for Team U.S.A. in the summer of 2022.

After three standout collegiate seasons and successful summers, Kuehler was selected in the 2nd round of the 2023 Major League Draft, the organization's highest-ever draft selection at pick No. 70 by the Atlanta Braves

Since being drafted Kuehler has spent most of his time rehabbing, and recording innings with Augusta Green Jackets and Rome Emperors. The right-handed pitcher missed the 2025 season with a UCL tear and rehabilitation, but is actively making his way back into the rotation with the Green Jackets.