Ohio Wesleyan University Baseball Team Overview And History

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The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team, also known as the Battling Bishops, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. As one of the oldest baseball programs in the country, the team has seen its fair share of triumphs and setbacks. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team, highlighting their accomplishments, notable players, and coaches.

Early Years (1870s-1920s)

The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team was established in the 1870s, with the first recorded game taking place in 1874. During the early years, the team played against local colleges and universities, including Denison University and Wittenberg University. In the late 19th century, the team began to compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), where they would eventually win several championships.

Notable Coaches and Players

Over the years, the Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team has been led by several notable coaches, including:

• Edwin "Eddie" McKee: McKee coached the team from 1909 to 1942 and led them to three OAC championships. He was also a player on the team from 1905 to 1908.
• Bruce Pelini: Pelini coached the team from 1984 to 2004 and won two OAC championships. He was also a player on the team from 1972 to 1975.
• Tyler Mott: Mott is the current head coach of the team and has been leading them since 2013. He has led the team to two OAC championships and has been named the OAC Coach of the Year twice.

Some notable players who have worn the Battling Bishops uniform include:

• Davey Crockett: Crockett played for the team from 1936 to 1939 and went on to play professionally for the Cleveland Indians.
• Gary Bennett: Bennett played for the team from 1990 to 1993 and went on to play professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Kyle Cunningham: Cunningham played for the team from 2004 to 2007 and went on to play professionally for the Chicago Cubs.

Championships and Awards

The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team has won several championships and awards throughout their history, including:

• OAC Championships: The team has won 13 OAC championships, including back-to-back titles in 1926 and 1927.
• NCAC Championships: The team has won two North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) championships, including titles in 2014 and 2018.
• NCAA Tournament Appearances: The team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 10 times, including a trip to the College World Series in 2003.

Modern Era (1990s-Present)

In recent years, the Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team has continued to thrive, winning two NCAC championships and appearing in the NCAA Tournament several times. The team has also produced several notable players, including Kyle Cunningham, who went on to play professionally for the Chicago Cubs.

Facilities and Equipment

The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team plays their home games at Littick Field, which has a seating capacity of 500. The field is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a press box, dugouts, and a scoreboard.

Community Involvement

The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in several community service projects throughout the year, including working with local youth baseball organizations and participating in charity events.

Conclusion

The Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team has a rich history and a strong tradition of excellence. From their early years in the 19th century to the present day, the team has produced several notable players and coaches and has won several championships. As the team continues to thrive, they remain committed to giving back to the community and developing young men into successful athletes and individuals.

Gallery of Ohio Wesleyan University Baseball Team

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