Arkansas Razorbacks baseball
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| Arkansas Razorbacks | |
| Founded: [[]] | |
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| University | University of Arkansas |
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| Conference | SEC West Division |
| Location | Fayetteville, AR |
| Head Coach | Dave van Horn (6th year) |
| Home Stadium | Baum Stadium at George Cole Field (Capacity: 10,737) |
| Nickname | Diamond Hogs |
| Colors | Cardinal and White
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| CWS Appearances | |
| 1979, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2004 | |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | |
| 1973, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 | |
| Conference Champions | |
| SWC: 1950, 1985 SEC: 1999, 2004 |
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The University of Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team, sometimes referred to as the Diamond Hogs, is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and is currently coached by Dave van Horn. The program started is entering its 85th season of play in 2008. The University of Arkansas' is one of only three teams in the SEC to turn a profit from its baseball program in recent years, along with SEC Western division rivals Mississippi State and Ole Miss.[1] Many large schools such as Iowa State, Colorado, and Wisconsin have had to drop their baseball programs due to financial losses.[1]
The Diamond Hogs have been to 20 NCAA tournaments, and and five College World Series. (1979, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 2004)
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[edit] Venue
See also: Baum Stadium at George Cole Field
The Razorbacks play baseball home games in Baum Stadium at George Cole Field, which holds 10,737.[2] Arkansas was the first program in the nation to have an average attendance over 8,000 for the course of the season.[3] The Razorbacks sold 10,727 tickets for a game against LSU on May 5, 2007. Baum Stadium has hosted NCAA regionals three of the last four years from 2008.
Baum Stadium was the best college baseball venue in 1998 according to a Baseball America survey.[4] Baum Stadium was rated the second-best college baseball venue in 2003, behind only Auburn's Plainsman Park.
In 2007, Arkansas was the best university team in average attendance in the country, with 8,069 attendees per game, over 700 more per game than second-place LSU.[3] Mississippi State, another SEC school, was third with an average of 6,795 per game.[2]
Before Baum Stadium was built, the Razorbacks played on the original George Cole Field from 1975-1995, named for former all-conference quarterback and shortstop George Cole.[3] The field was next to John McDonnell Field, home of the softball team.[3]
[edit] History
[edit] 1979 College World Series
- See also: 1979 College World Series
The 1979 Arkansas Razorbacks, coached by Norm DeBriyn, won 49 games, lost 15, and finished second in the Southwest Conference (SWC). The Hogs defeated George Washington, Florida, and Delaware (twice) to move out of the East Regional (played at Seminole Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida). The Razorbacks then went to Omaha and defeated Pepperdine, 5-4 and an Arizona Wildcats club, with a young Terry Francona, 10-3. A match up with SWC champion Texas loomed next for the Razorbacks. The Hogs had gone 1-4 against the Longhorns up to this point in the season. The Razorbacks prevailed, 9-4, and earned a contest with Cal State Fullerton for a championship. Texas was eliminated. Arkansas lost twice to the Titans, 13-10, and 2-1, to give the trophy to Cal State Fullerton. Freshman Kevin McReynolds was named to the all-tournament team as an outfielder, along with Steve Krueger at pitcher, Larry Wallace at shortstop, and Marc Brumble as an outfielder.
[edit] 1985 College World Series
- See also: 1985 College World Series
Arkansas came into the South regional hot winning twelve straight games (last loss against fellow CWS team Mississippi State), and winning the SWC tournament with the help of tourney-MVP Dave Patterson. A 20-13 victory over Eastern Kentucky started things off on the right foot for the Hogs. Wins against George Mason, hometown FSU, and Georgia Tech would push the Hogs to their second College World Series.
Arkansas arrived in Omaha in as dramatic fashion as they left it. The Diamond Hogs defeated the Gamecocks of South Carolina in a 14 inning affair, 1-0, but Arkansas would lose to Mississippi State three days later, and fall to the loser's bracket. Facing elimination, the Razorbacks crushed Stanford 10-4, eliminating the Cardinal from the College World Series. Now a win away from the Championship series with Miami (Fl), Arkansas had to face Southwest Conference rival Texas.
Said Razorback third baseman Jeff King of Texas, "We figured we would meet them again."[5] The Hogs were 4-1 against the Longhorns in 1985, including two wins in the Southwest Conference Tournament. Arkansas lead the game 7-0, but the Longhorns battled back and sent the game to extra innings.[6] Texas' Bill Bates hit a leadoff triple in the bottom of the tenth inning with the score tied 7-7.[6] Arkansas coach Norm DeBriyn opted to intentionally walk the bases full and pull the infield in.[6] Doug Hodo then hit a single past the infielders, allowing Bates to score and the Horns to move on, 8-7 in ten innings.[6] The situation was oddly similar to the last time the Hogs reached the College World Series, except Texas was 4-1 against the Hogs in 1979 (including two SWC tournament wins), and Arkansas prevailed in the 1979 CWS match up.
Sophomore third baseman Jeff King and Junior outfielder Ralph Kraus were named to the All-College World Series team.
[edit] 1987 College World Series
- See also: 1987 College World Series
Arkansas was 51-16 in 1987, and finished in fifth place at the CWS. The Hogs finished second in both the SWC regular season and postseason tournament. The Regional was played in Huntsville, Alabama, and the Razorbacks defeated Middle Tennessee, West Virginia, and Clemson (twice) in order to play in Omaha. Texas, who Arkansas had gone a lowly 1-4 against during the season and now was ranked #1 nationally, loomed in a Rosenblatt Stadium showdown.
Texas defeated Arkansas, 13-6, but Arkansas rebounded with a win against future SEC foe Georgia, eliminating the Bulldogs. Georgia was led by pitcher Derek Lilliquist (14-2), who had 19 HR and 60 RBI entering Omaha.[7] Another future SEC opponent was on the horizon, this time in the form of Tigers from LSU. The Tigers came out on top, 5-2, but were eliminated two days later, with Texas eliminated a day later.
[edit] 1989 College World Series
- See also: 1989 College World Series
Ten years after the successful 1979 campaign, the Razorbacks were again headed to Omaha. First, the 51-16 Razorbacks played their way through the Northwest Regional, losing first to Le Moyne before defeating George Washington, Illinois, Arizona State, and Le Moyne to move to the College World Series.
Once in the College World Series, the Diamong Hogs met Wichita State. The Shockers had actually been defeated by the Razorbacks 5-1 in Fayetteville, which was the Razorbacks' first game of the season. Arkansas lost 3-1 on June 2, and had to stave off elimination against North Carolina. The Tar Heels were eliminated, and Arkansas had another shot at the Shockers, who had lost to Florida State and was now fighting to remain in Omaha, as one more loss would eliminate them.
Wichita State defeated Norm DeBriyn's Razorbacks, 8-4, eliminating them. The finish was good for fifth place in the CWS. Wichita State would go on to win the National Championship, fighting off elimination three times more. Six of the eleven all-CWS team were members of the Wichita State Shockers, including Eric Wedge. Arkansas Razorbacks outfielder Troy Eklund was elected to the All-American team.
[edit] 2004
Arkansas won the SEC Western Division, a portion of the SEC crown, and visited the College World Series again in 2004.[8]
[edit] 2004 College World Series
- See also: 2004 College World Series
The Razorbacks began play in their home stadium in the Fayetteville Regional. Arkansas defeated Le Moyne first, but lost to Wichita State 1-4. The Razorbacks had not seen the last of the Shockers, though, and after a 10-7 win over Missouri, defeated them two times on June 6, 2004 to advance to the Super Regionals.
Arkansas had to play Florida State twice to move on to Omaha, but the games were again at Baum Stadium. The Diamond Hogs prevailed, 7-4 and 4-2 and went on to Omaha.
Arkansas was an eight seed in 2004, and for the fourth time in five Hog apperances, Arkansas' first game in Omaha was against the Texas Longhorns. #1 Texas prevailed 2-13, and the Razorbacks were one loss from elimination. The Arizona Wildcats would bump the Razorbacks from Rosenblatt Stadium in their next game, 2-7.
[edit] 2004 SEC Tournament
- See also: 2004 SEC Baseball Tournament
The Hogs were picked to finish last in the SEC,[9] but instead was the #1 seed in the SEC Tournament.[10] The Diamond Hogs lost to Luke Hochevar and the Volunteers of Tennessee, 6-8 in 13 innings.[11] Kyle Norrid of Tennessee hit a three-run double in the 12th inning, but the Hogs returned with four straight singles to keep the game going.[11] Chris Kemp hit a game winning double the next inning, and Craig Cobb retired the Razorbacks to earn the save. The game was the third of the day to extend into extra innings.[11] The Hogs then defeated Ole Miss and Tennessee by the counts of 4-3[12] and 4-1[13] respectively, before losing to South Carolina, 2-3.[14] Arkansas went into the ninth down 3-0, and loaded the bases with no outs. Jake Dugger drove in a run with a single. Following a strikeout, Brett Hagedorn added to the Razorbacks score with a sacrifice fly.[14] Scott Hode grounded out for out number three, and the rally fell short.[14] The Gamecocks would win the championship by defeating Vanderbilt.[15] Arkansas finished third in the SEC tournament.
[edit] Post-Season Appearances
[edit] Conference Tournaments
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[edit] NCAA Tournament
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Source: Razorbacks baseball History in NCAA and Conference Postseason Tournaments
[edit] Alumni
[edit] All-Americans
- The Razorbacks have produced 17 All-Americans. Jeff King, Kevin McReynolds, Nick Schmidt, Phillip Stidham, and David Walling have earned the honors twice.
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Source: Razorbacks baseball All-Americans
[edit] Freshman All-Americans
- The Razorbacks have also produced 11 Freshmen All-Americans.
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Source: Razorbacks baseball Freshmen All-Americans
[edit] Major Leaguers
36 former Razorbacks have played at least one game in the Majors.[16]
| Name | Years in MLB | Years at UA | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darrel Akerfelds | 1986-1991 | 1981-1982 | Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies |
| Sid Benton | 1922 | 1912 | St. Louis Cardinals (a cup of coffee)[17] |
| Bud Bloomfield | 1963-1964 | 1955-1956 | Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals |
| Kevin Campbell | 1991-1995 | 1984-1986 | Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins |
| Bubba Carpenter | 2000 | 1988-1991 | Colorado Rockies, New York Mets |
| Chuck Corgan | 1925-1927 | 1922-1925 | Brooklyn Robins |
| Babe Ellison | 1916-1920 | 1914-1916 | Detroit Tigers |
| Matt Erickson | 2004 | Milwaukee Brewers | |
| Gerry Hannahs | 1976-1979 | 1971-1974 | Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Howard Hilton | 1990 | 1984-1985 | St. Louis Cardinals (played only two games) |
| Eric Hinske | 2002-present | 1996-1998 | Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays (MLB Rookie of the Year) |
| Dick Hughes | 1966-1968 | 1957-1958 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Lefty Jamerson | 1924 | 1919-1921 | Boston Red Sox (another cup of coffee)[18] |
| Skeeter Kell | 1952 | 1948-1951 | Philadelphia Athletics |
| Jeff King | 1989-1999 | 1984-1986 | Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals |
| Jimmy Kremers | 1990 | 1985-1988 | Atlanta Braves |
| Les Lancaster | 1987-1993 | 1982-1984 | Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals |
| Cliff Lee | 2002-present | 2000 | Cleveland Indians |
| Tim Lollar | 1980-1986 | 1977-1978 | New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox |
| Kevin McReynolds | 1983-1994 | 1979-1981 | San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals |
| Mike Oquist | 1993-1999 | 1987-1989 | Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics |
| Tom Pagnozzi | 1987-1998 | 1983 | St. Louis Cardinals (All-Star and 3 time Gold Glove winner) |
| Kit Pellow | 2002-2004 | 1995-1996 | Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies |
| Scott Pose | 1993-2000 | 1988-1989 | Florida Marlins, New York Yankess, Kansas City Royals |
| Johnny Ray | 1981-1990 | 1978-1979 | Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angles |
| Ronn Reynolds | 1982-1990 | 1979-1980 | New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, San Diego Padres |
| Pat Rice | 1991 | 1979-1980 | Seattle Mariners |
| Jeff Richardson | 1989-1993 | 1984 | Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox |
| Tim Sherrill | 1990-1991 | 1986-1987 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Phil Stidham | 1994 | 1989-1991 | Detroit Tigers |
| Chuck Tompkins | 1912 | 1909-1911 | Cincinnati Reds (cup of coffee) |
| Matt Wagner | 1996 | 1991-1992 | Seattle Mariners |
| Jim Walkup | 1934-1939 | 1928-1929 | St. Louis Browns, Detroit Tigers |
| Jack Whillock | 1971 | 1962-1964 | Detroit Tigers |
| Roy Wood | 1913-1915 | 1912-1913 | Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians |
| Dan Wright | 2001-2004 | 1997-1999 | Chicago White Sox |
Source: Razorbacks baseball-Razorbacks in the Majors
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] Sources
- ^ a b "SEC Football Sports Links." History of the SEC. Retrieved on 5-16-2008.
- ^ a b "Ranking the SEC Baseball Venues." Southeastern Conference Baseball Venues. Southerncollegesports.com. Retrieved on 5-3-2008.
- ^ a b c d "Baum Stadium." 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks baseball Media Guide. Baum Stadium section. Hogwired.com. Retrieved on 5-3-2008.
- ^ "Razorback Facilities." Baum Stadium. Retrieved on 5-3-2008.
- ^ McNabb, David. "Texas Again Blocks Arkansas' Path." Dallas News Archives. The Dallas Morning News Retrieved on 5-11-2008.
- ^ a b c d "Texas Rallies to beat Arkansas in 10th, 8-7." June 10, 1985.L.A. Times Archives Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 5-11-2008.
- ^ "College World Series Georgia's Only Veteran Can't Even Play." May 29, 1987. Article Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 5-14-2008.
- ^ "Baseball - 2004 Schedule/Results." 2004 Schedule/Results Hogwired.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "Coaches Pick LSU to Win SEC Baseball Title." 2/2/2004. SEC Baseball Coaches' Vote. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "2004 SEC Baseball Tournament Bracket Announced." 5/23/2004. Article. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ a b c "2004 SEC Baseball Tournament - Day One." 5/26/2004. Game 4. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "2004 SEC Baseball Tournament - Day Two." 5/27/2004. Game 6. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "2004 SEC Baseball Tournament - Day Three." 5/28/2004. Game 10. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ a b c "2004 SEC Baseball Tournament - Day Four." 5/29/2004. Game 10. SECsports.com Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "Gamecocks Edge Vandy 3-2 to Win SEC Baseball Tournament Title." May 30, 2004. Article. Retrieved on 5-17-2008.
- ^ "Players who Played for University of Arkansas." List of Players Baseball-reference.com Retrieved on 5-14-2008.
- ^ "Sid Benton Statistics." [1] Baseball-reference.com Retrieved on 5-14-2008.
- ^ "Lefty Jamerson Statistics." [2] Baseball-reference.com Retrieved on 5-14-2008.
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