5 Facts About Point Park University Baseball

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Point Park University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a rich athletic history, and its baseball program is no exception. As one of the most popular sports at the university, Point Park University baseball has gained a reputation for excellence, with a loyal fan base and a talented team. Here are five interesting facts about Point Park University baseball:

A Brief History of Point Park University Baseball

Point Park University's baseball program was established in 1967, and since then, the team has competed in various conferences, including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the River States Conference. With a strong focus on developing student-athletes, the program has produced several talented players who have gone on to compete at the professional level.

Competitive Excellence

Point Park University's baseball team has a long history of competitive excellence, with several conference championships and national tournament appearances. In 2014, the team won the NAIA Baseball National Championship, defeating Faulkner University 8-4 in the title game. This achievement marked the program's first national championship and cemented its reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college baseball.

Home Field Advantage

The Point Park University baseball team plays its home games at Green Tree Park, a state-of-the-art facility located in nearby Green Tree, Pennsylvania. With a seating capacity of over 1,000, the park provides an intimate and electric atmosphere for fans to cheer on their team. The field features a natural grass surface, a 400-foot center field fence, and a state-of-the-art drainage system, making it one of the premier baseball facilities in the region.

Notable Alumni

Point Park University's baseball program has produced several notable alumni, including players who have gone on to compete at the professional level. One of the most notable alumni is Josh Gonzalez, a pitcher who played for the team from 2014 to 2017 and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 2017 MLB draft. Other notable alumni include Tyler Quigley, a pitcher who played for the team from 2011 to 2014 and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2014 MLB draft, and Anthony Hernandez, a shortstop who played for the team from 2013 to 2016 and was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a free agent.

Coaching Staff

The Point Park University baseball team is led by head coach Loren Torres, who has been at the helm since 2018. Coach Torres has a proven track record of success, with a career record of over 300 wins and multiple conference championships. He is joined by a talented coaching staff, including pitching coach Ryan Ford and hitting coach Ryan Hedrick. Together, the coaching staff provides expert guidance and mentorship to the team, helping to develop the skills and character of each player.

Community Involvement

The Point Park University baseball team is committed to giving back to the community, with players and coaches regularly participating in volunteer activities and charity events. In 2020, the team participated in the "Baseball for a Cause" event, raising over $1,000 for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. The team also hosts an annual baseball camp for local youth, providing instruction and guidance to young players who are just starting out in the game.

Gallery of Point Park University Baseball

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I hope you've enjoyed learning more about Point Park University baseball. With its rich history, talented team, and commitment to community involvement, the program is sure to continue to thrive in the years to come.