What if I told you that there is an all-time career home runs record-holder playing right here in Whitley County? Not a program record holder, but a national record holder… It’s true.
University of the Cumberlands senior catcher Charlie Muniz, a native of Naranjito, Puerto Rico, recently broke the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) record for career home runs when he smacked his 89th ball over a fence during a recent road game against Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla.
Muniz then hit home run number 90 during a March 12 home game against Johnson University (Tenn.), and followed that up by hitting four more homers against visiting Mid-South Conference opponent Georgetown between March 13-14. This impressive stretch of performances earned him MSC Player of the Week honors, the conference announced on Monday.
Muniz’s newly acquired home run record is just the latest in a long list of accolades that includes MSC Player of the Year in 2024 and NAIA First-Team All-American selections in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Despite all of these accomplishments, however, he is staying focused on what matters the more – the team’s success.
“I don’t play this sport for records or individual accomplishments,” Muniz said recently. “I play because I love it. It’s my passion, and at the end of the day, what we want is team success. I thank God for the recognition and the awards, but at the end of the day, it’s about being around great people and great teammates who have a vision for this team.”
Muniz got his start in baseball when he was old enough hold a bat, following in his father’s footsteps, who was also a baseball player himself. He played a lot of travel ball before coming to the states full time as a member of a junior college team in Iowa. He said that he enjoyed his time there, but that coming to UC was, in his words, “one of the best decisions that I ever made.”
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when Muniz was on the verge of breaking the national home run record. He recalls having some struggles coming up to the plate, as the knowledge of the record was adding extra pressure each time he was up to bat. He credits his teammates and coaches for supporting him and putting him back into the right frame of mind, though, eventually allowing him to send the record-breaking ball out of the park at Warner University. Along with the ball went the added stress.
“I feel like that took a little bit of weight off of my shoulders,” Muniz said. “After that, I was able to just come back and play with my regular approach, and just have fun.”
Muniz said that the Patriots’ goal for this season is obviously to make it back to the NAIA World Series and win it all, but he explained that it will take a disciplined, game-to-game approach in order to get to that point. He said that he thinks the team’s chances are good, though, adding that “this is a good group of talented guys.”
Muniz plans to pursue a career in the major leagues after his time in Williamsburg is over, but regardless of what happens, he wants to continue to be involved with baseball in some capacity. As a Fitness and Sports Management major, he is remaining open to any and all avenues that might allow him to pass on his knowledge of the game that he loves.
When asked what advice he might offer to younger players, he said, “When I came here, I was just thankful for the opportunity. I would recommend to every single young person in high school or middle school to take advantage of the opportunities that life gives you. Play your hardest, and be the best that you can be.”
Muniz also advised young men and women to recognize the sacrifices made by their parents and guardians in helping them to be successful in their athletic pursuits. “They sacrifice a lot for you if you are taking it seriously,” he said. “I know how hard my parents worked for me to be here, so always keep in mind that they are a really important piece to this. They are the ones taking you to tryouts and games, and they see your struggles and your successes. Just appreciate those efforts, and take advantage of the opportunities to do what you love.”
The Patriots will be back in action against another MSC foe this week when they make the trip to Henderson, Tenn. to play at Freed-Hardeman University.
For more information on all University of the Cumberlands athletics, visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.
