Liam Doyle, an American college baseball pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers, is projected to be one of the top players selected in July’s MLB Draft.
He is a finalist for the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy and credits his athletic success to his parents, Kathleen and Steven Doyle.
Highlights
- Steven Doyle played college soccer at UMass Lowell, instilling a competitive spirit in Liam and offering guidance throughout his athletic career.
- Kathleen Doyle provided a nurturing and supportive environment, helping Liam balance baseball, education, and family life.
- Liam’s grandma called him, issuing a last warning, when his swearing moment at an opponent during a game went viral.
Liam Doyle has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting pitching prospects in college baseball. He began his journey at Pinkerton Academy, where he dominated high school competition.
Over his junior and senior seasons, he posted a remarkable 15–2 record with a 0.68 ERA and 226 strikeouts in just 113 innings.
Later, he attended Coastal Carolina University in 2023, but he entered the transfer portal and subsequently transferred to the University of Mississippi.
During the 2024 season, Liam started 11 of 16 games with a 5.73 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 55 innings. However, he transferred to the University of Tennessee.
He entered the 2025 season as Tennessee’s number-one starter and combined with four other pitchers to throw the first no-hitter against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
It is what it is. College sports are how they are nowadays, and I had to do what was best for me to better my career. It sucked. I loved Oxford. It was cool. But I’m so blessed and fortunate to be where I am now, knowing I made the right move for my career and this season.
Liam Doyle
Liam Doyle’s Parents Shaped His Path To Baseball Greatness
Liam Shannon Doyle, the son of Kathleen and Steven Doyle, was born on June 3, 2004, in Boston, Massachusetts. He owes much of his drive and discipline to the unwavering support of his parents.
He grew up in an athletic household, and from a young age, a culture of hard work and dedication surrounded him.
Steven Doyle set the tone for the family’s love of sports, as he played soccer at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
His experience as a collegiate athlete instilled a competitive spirit in Liam and provided valuable guidance as he pursued his athletic career.
Moreover, Steven has been a constant presence in his journey, offering technical advice and simply cheering from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Kathleen Doyle has been the backbone of the family, ensuring a nurturing and supportive environment.
Her encouragement and commitment have helped Liam strike a balance between the demands of training and the importance of family and education.
Together, Kathleen and Steven have fostered a close-knit family dynamic, always prioritizing unity and mutual support.
They are proud of his accomplishments since his journey from Pinkerton Academy.
Liam is named one of four finalists for the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy, which the National College Baseball Writers Association annually awards to the top player in college baseball.
He is the only pitcher among this year’s finalists, joining Florida State’s Alex Lodise, Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy, and UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky.
If Liam wins the Dick Howser Trophy, then he will become the second player in Tennessee history to do so, joining Volunteer legend Todd Helton.
Liam Doyle’s Grandma Gave Him A last Warning
Liam Doyle is renowned for his fiery competitiveness on the mound and doesn’t hold back even when it comes to dropping a few swear words in the heat of the moment.
This season, one outburst in particular attracted more attention than usual, particularly from his grandmother, who is very important to him.
During an interview with Pitching Ninja Rob Friedman, Liam was asked about a viral clip where he appeared to call an opposing hitter a “f—ing p—y” after an offensive timeout.
He confirmed it happened, laughing as he recalled the aftermath.
However, he admitted that his grandma wasn’t too happy with him on that because it went viral and was everywhere.
I got a call from my grandma the next day. That wasn’t too good. But besides that, it was well worth it, and it’s just part of the competition. I feel like sometimes it just comes out, and that’s just how it is with me.
Liam Doyle
Liam revealed she was mainly upset about the language.
Furthermore, he and his aunt even tried brainstorming ways to convince her that he hadn’t said what everyone saw him say, but there was no escaping it.
She wasn’t too happy with the swear words and gave the last warning.
On the other hand, Liam thinks it’ll probably happen again and hopes it goes well again.
Additional Information
- Keith Law of The Athletic ranked Liam Doyle as the top prospect in the 2025 Major League Baseball draft in March 2025.
- He was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in 2025.
- He is majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences.