A Look at Auburn Baseball’s Ike Irish
In the world of college baseball, few players have made as significant an impact as Ike Irish. The Auburn Tigers’ standout catcher and designated hitter has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s offense and a rising star in the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
Born on November 26, 2003, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ike Irish attended St. Mary’s Preparatory School in Orchard Lake. There, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to an undefeated 44-0 record, culminating in a national championship. His exceptional performance earned him First Team All-American honors from MaxPreps and Collegiate Baseball in 2022. Rated as the No. 2 player and top-ranked catcher in Michigan by Perfect Game, Irish showcased his talents on the national stage by competing in the 2021 Perfect Game All-American Classic and the USA Baseball PDP League .
Irish’s transition to college baseball was seamless. In his freshman season with the Auburn Tigers, he played and started in all 58 games, leading the team with a .361 batting average, 86 hits, and 24 doubles—setting a new Auburn freshman record. His 24 doubles were the most among freshmen nationally and tied for the sixth most in program history. Additionally, he ranked second on the team with 50 RBIs and 130 total bases. His remarkable performance earned him Freshman All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball, D1 Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game/Rawlings, as well as a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team
In his sophomore year, Irish continued to impress. He played in 47 games, starting 45, and posted a .319 batting average with 59 RBIs and 14 home runs, tying for the team lead. His 59 RBIs were tied for the eighth most in the SEC and tied for the fourth most by an Auburn player since 2010. He also demonstrated versatility by playing 24 games at catcher, 11 as the designated hitter, and 10 in right field. Defensively, he tied for third in the league with nine runners caught stealing and added an outfield assist. His consistent performance earned him First Team All-SEC honors and a spot on the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List .
As a junior in 2025, Irish has solidified his status as a leader on the Auburn Tigers. He has continued to produce at the plate, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive success. His leadership extends beyond his on-field performance, as he has become a mentor to younger players and a key figure in the team’s pursuit of postseason success.
Looking ahead, Ike Irish is considered a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft. His combination of offensive prowess, defensive skills, and leadership qualities make him an attractive candidate for professional baseball teams. Scouts have taken note of his consistent performance and potential for growth at the next level.
Ike Irish’s journey from a standout high school player in Michigan to a key contributor for the Auburn Tigers exemplifies the impact of dedication, talent, and hard work. As he continues to excel in college baseball, his future in the sport looks promising. Whether he remains at Auburn for his senior season or embarks on a professional career, Ike Irish’s legacy in college baseball is already firmly established.
