CHICAGO – As we approach the heart of the professional season, we take a look at how former members of the UIC baseball program performed as they continue to make strides on diamonds across the country.

Nate Peterson (2022), Louisville Bats (Triple-A), Cincinnati Reds 

2026 Stats: 2-1 overall record, 3.94 ERA, seven games, 29.2 innings pitched, six starts and 28 strikeouts.

After beginning his career in the Milwaukee Brewers system, reaching AAA, Peterson was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the Rule-5 Draft last December and was assigned to the Reds' Double-A affiliate, the Chattanooga Lookouts. He was called up to Triple-A Louisville on May 5 after several stellar outings in Double-A, posting a 1.14 ERA in five appearances.

Zane Zielenski (2024), Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A), San Francisco Giants

2026 Stats: .302 batting average, 15 RBI, 29 hits and seven walks.

Now in his second season in professional baseball, Zielenski has been on a tear to start the 2026 campaign. He was recently called up to the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels on May 12, and two days later hit a two-run home run against the Erie SeaWolves in his first game. The middle infielder has split time at shortstop and second base this year, having recorded a .296 batting average with six runs batted in during the month of May. Zielenski is joining his former UIC teammate Charlie Szykowny for the second time in the minor leagues, having played together for the Eugene Emeralds a season ago.

Charlie Szykowny (2023), Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A), San Francisco Giants

2026 Stats: .283 batting average, two home runs, 16 RBI, 36 hits and 24 runs scored.

After a spring training where he saw extensive playing time with the San Francisco Giants and even loaned to Team USA for an exhibition in preparation for the World Baseball Classic, Charlie Szykowny enters his fourth full season with the Giants organization, as a member of the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Oak Lawn native has split time between first and third base, and has batted .283 with the third-highest hits (36) on the team. Szykowny has collected 10 multi-hit games this season, including a three-hit performance against the Erie SeaWolves on May 14.
 

Luke Pelzer (2025), Quad Cities River Bandits (High-A), Kansas City Royals

2026 Stats: .318 batting average, one home run, 20 RBI, 35 hits and 12 stolen bases.

Pelzer has continued to garner attention in his second season in the Kansas City Royals organization, as a member of the High-A Quad City River Bandits this season. Pelzer followed up a solid April (.295 AVG) with an even better May (.347 AVG). He has collected nine multi-hit performances so far this season. On May 9, Pelzer collected his first professional home run against the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Cole Conn (2023), Midland RockHounds (Double-A), Athletics

2026 Stats: .304 batting average, eight RBI, 17 hits and five stolen bases.

Three years removed from his time with UIC, Conn is now in his second season with the Double-A Midland Rockhounds, in the A's system. Conn has played across 19 games this season, batting a career-high .304 batting average as we approach the six week mark. In his third multi-hit game on May 14, Conn connected on his first home run of the season to contribute to Midland's 4-3 victory over the Frisco RoughRiders.

Cameron Nohos (2025), ACL Padres (Rookie), San Diego Padres

2026 Stats: 0-1, two appearances, 1.69 ERA, 5.1 innings pitched and six strikeouts.

Pitching in the San Diego Padres system, Nohos is in his second professional season, currently with the club's Arizona Complex League (ACL) rookie ball team. This season, Nohos turned in a pair of strong outings on the mound, only allowing one run in five innings. In his outing on May 11, the right hander threw 3.2 innings, striking out two and not allowing an earned run.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Flames earned the top seed in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament after capturing the regular season crown. They will begin tournament play Thursday at 11 AM (CT) against the lowest remaining seed heading into day two of the tournment. Fans interested in more information are encouraged to head to UIC's Championship Central page or the MVC's Championship Central page.
 
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