October is baseball's most important time of the year, as the Fall Classic kicks off and teams compete for Major League Baseball's most coveted prize … the Commissioner's Trophy. In 2024, the New York Yankees faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers with one of Lynn's own representing the Yankees—right-handed relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle. The Latham, New York, native had a solid regular season that year, posting a 2.11 ERA over 42.2 innings. During the Yankees' playoff run he threw 1.1 perfect innings in Game 3 of the American League Division Series to earn a win over the Kansas City Royals, and in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, he closed out the final inning against the Cleveland Guardians. The former Fighting Knight capped off his postseason run by making three appearances during the World Series.
Kahnle knows a thing or two about being involved with championship-caliber teams; during his time at Lynn, he was part of Lynn's 2009 NCAA Division II National Championship baseball team. His collegiate career included a no-hitter against the Saint Leo Lions on March 13, 2010. He was selected by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, becoming the highest draft pick in Lynn's baseball history.
Winning that championship (at Lynn University) was one of the top three highlights of my life. All the guys I played with were incredible. None of us will ever forget it.Tommy Kahnle, Major League Baseball pitcher
Although his professional journey began with the Yankees organization, Kahnle was later acquired by the Colorado Rockies, setting the stage for his Major League debut on April 3, 2014. In a striking full-circle moment, the debut brought him right back to South Florida, playing just 45 miles south of Lynn's campus. When Kahnle stepped onto the mound that afternoon against the Miami Marlins, he became the first player in Lynn's history to play in MLB. Thrown straight into a high-stakes jam, Kahnle navigated the pressure and tossed 1.2 gutsy innings of relief work, where he picked up his first strikeout, allowed just one hit, and battled elite hitters like former MVP Christian Yelich and power hitter Giancarlo Stanton.
The performance proved he belonged on baseball's biggest stage and launched a decade-long career in the big leagues. Recently, Kahnle recalled his successful run at Lynn alongside Baseball Head Coach Rudy "Garb" Garbalosa after hoisting the 2009 NCAA Division II Baseball National Championship trophy. "Winning that championship was one of the top three highlights of my life," said Kahnle. "All the guys I played with were incredible. None of us will ever forget it." Kahnle capped the historic run by earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award after delivering 12 strikeouts over 12.1 scoreless innings to secure Lynn's first baseball national title.
Garb's lesson
Kahnle recalled his "rough" first year at Lynn, admitting he let his grades slip, which made him ineligible to play. Naturally, Head Coach Garbalosa, "Garb," found a way to turn that into a lesson. "He never took it easy on me, but he was always there for me. He kept me in check, which I really appreciated," said Kahnle.
"That first year, he put me in charge of the team's laundry and had me work at the snack stand. It taught me discipline. He helped me tremendously when it came to reaching the next level. I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have him in my life." Not only did Kahnle's grades improve each semester, but his velocity as a pitcher increased in practice. He reunited with the team during his sophomore season and celebrated its championship victory. A year after leaving Lynn to pursue the majors, Kahnle returned to campus for Alumni Weekend. Garb hopes to welcome him back—this time to take the mound at Lynn's new baseball stadium.
