West Chester University Baseball Team Overview

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West Chester University, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a public university that has a rich athletic tradition, including a strong baseball program. The West Chester University baseball team, also known as the Golden Rams, competes in the NCAA Division II and has a long history of success. In this article, we will provide an overview of the West Chester University baseball team, including their history, conference affiliation, notable players, and achievements.

History of the West Chester University Baseball Team

The West Chester University baseball team was established in 1869, making it one of the oldest collegiate baseball programs in the United States. Over the years, the team has experienced periods of success and struggle, but they have always maintained a strong commitment to the sport. In the early years, the team played as an independent program, competing against local colleges and universities. In 1950, West Chester University joined the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), which has been their conference affiliation ever since.

Conference Affiliation

The West Chester University baseball team competes in the NCAA Division II and is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The PSAC is a collegiate athletic conference that consists of 18 member institutions, all of which are located in the state of Pennsylvania. The conference is divided into two divisions: the East Division and the West Division. West Chester University is a member of the East Division, which also includes Bloomsburg University, Cheyney University, East Stroudsburg University, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Mansfield University, Millersville University, Shippensburg University, and Slippery Rock University.

Notable Players

The West Chester University baseball team has produced several notable players over the years. One of the most notable players is shortstop Mike Piazza, who played for the Golden Rams from 1986 to 1989. Piazza went on to have a successful major league career, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Oakland Athletics. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Another notable player is pitcher Mark Micowski, who played for the Golden Rams from 1993 to 1996. Micowski was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1996 MLB draft and played in the minor leagues for several years.

Achievements

The West Chester University baseball team has achieved significant success over the years. In 1962, the team won the NCAA College Division Championship, which was their first national championship. In 2009, the team won the PSAC Championship, which was their first conference championship since 1989. The team has also appeared in several NCAA Division II tournaments, including the 2011 tournament, where they lost to the University of Tampa in the regional finals.

Facilities

The West Chester University baseball team plays their home games at Serpico Stadium, which is located on the university's campus. The stadium has a seating capacity of 1,000 and features a grass playing surface, dugouts, and a press box. The stadium was renovated in 2009, which included the installation of new lighting, scoreboard, and fencing.

Coaching Staff

The West Chester University baseball team is led by head coach Adam Bernhardt, who has been at the helm since 2014. Bernhardt has a strong coaching background, having served as an assistant coach at several colleges and universities, including the University of Delaware and the University of Pittsburgh. Under Bernhardt's leadership, the Golden Rams have experienced significant success, including a PSAC Championship in 2019.

Recruitment

The West Chester University baseball team recruits players from all over the country, but primarily focuses on players from the Mid-Atlantic region. The coaching staff attends several baseball showcases and tournaments throughout the year to identify top talent. The team also offers several baseball camps and clinics, which provide an opportunity for prospective players to showcase their skills and learn from the coaching staff.

Scholarships

The West Chester University baseball team offers several scholarships to prospective players. The scholarships are based on athletic ability, academic achievement, and financial need. The coaching staff works closely with the university's admissions and financial aid offices to ensure that players receive the necessary support to succeed both on and off the field.

Conclusion

The West Chester University baseball team has a rich history of success, both on and off the field. With a strong conference affiliation, notable players, and achievements, the team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II. The team's commitment to excellence, both academically and athletically, makes them an attractive option for prospective players. If you are interested in learning more about the West Chester University baseball team, we encourage you to visit their website or contact the coaching staff directly.

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