Lightning Combine Experience and Fresh Talent for 2026

As Opening Day draws closer for the Leesburg Lightning, the roster is set with another strong mix of proven collegiate talent, familiar faces, and exciting newcomers. Head coach Rich Billings has assembled a group filled with offensive production, pitching depth, and versatility as the Lightning prepare for the 2026 Florida Collegiate Summer League season.

Several players have experience playing under Coach Billings at the collegiate level, while others bring résumés filled with strong spring performances and championship experience.

Just like in years past, the Lightning roster combines returning experience with fresh talent. Outfielder Charlie Keller from Ball State University headlines the returning group after spending last summer in Leesburg. Keller gives the Lightning a familiar face with experience in the organization and the ability to contribute at multiple positions.

Pitchers

The Lightning roster features a deep pitching staff with several arms Coach Billings could rely on in both starting and bullpen roles throughout the summer.

Right-hander Bryan Burtoft from Holy Family University joins the Lightning after posting solid numbers during the spring season. Burtoft logged 47.2 innings while recording 23 strikeouts and should provide valuable innings for a staff looking for consistency.

Left-hander Brandon Reiter from the University of Pittsburgh could quickly become one of the staff's most intriguing arms. Reiter showcased swing-and-miss stuff this spring, striking out 16 hitters in just over 10 innings pitched and giving Coach Billings another potential late-game weapon out of the bullpen.

The pitching staff also includes several younger arms looking to develop over the course of the summer, something that has become a staple under Coach Billings as the Lightning continue helping collegiate players gain valuable experience in competitive summer baseball.

Infielders/Catchers

The Lightning infield enters the season with a combination of offensive firepower, versatility, and defensive stability.

First baseman Jack Waddingham from Daytona State College comes to Leesburg following an outstanding spring season in which he hit .368 with 53 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs, and 36 RBIs while posting an impressive .537 on-base percentage. Waddingham's ability to consistently reach base should make him a key middle-of-the-order contributor this summer.

Middle infield depth comes from shortstop Justin Lopez from Florida A&M University and shortstop Dylan Green from Winthrop University. Both provide athleticism and defensive reliability.

Versatile infielder Hudson Reed from Troy University gives the Lightning another player capable of contributing at multiple spots around the infield, while catcher Turner Gross from Western Carolina University adds collegiate experience behind the plate and should play an important role working with the pitching staff.

Outfielders

The Lightning outfield features a strong combination of returning familiarity and proven offensive production.

Charlie Keller from Ball State University returns to Leesburg after spending last summer with the organization and enters the season following a productive spring campaign that included eight home runs and 23 RBIs. Coach Billings values Keller's versatility, as he can play multiple positions while providing middle-of-the-order power.

Outfielder Marcello Cortale from Florida Tech joins the Lightning after a strong offensive spring season in which he collected 59 hits, 12 home runs, and 41 RBIs. Cortale's power bat should provide another important offensive presence for Leesburg.

Outfielder Gabe Campos from Eckerd College also enters the summer coming off a productive season after batting .375 in limited action and could become another contributor in the Lightning lineup.

As Opening Day nears, Lightning fans can expect another exciting summer of baseball as a new group looks to make its mark in Leesburg. The Lightning open their season on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. as they take on the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at Pat Thomas Stadium.

Adam Rothschild (Susquehanna University)