In our preview of the upcoming 2024 college baseball season, we have compiled a list of the most memorable moments in Pac-12 baseball history. These moments, presented in chronological order, highlight the rich history of the conference. Let’s take a trip down memory lane before the Pac-12 undergoes significant changes.
1. The Conference Of Champions
The first two College World Series were won by Pac-12 teams California and Southern California in 1947 and 1948 respectively. These championships, held in Kalamazoo, Michigan, set the stage for the conference’s dominance in college baseball. In total, Pac-12 teams have won a record 29 CWS titles.
2. Dedeaux’s Triumph
Rod Dedeaux, a co-coach for USC, claimed his first national title in 1958. Leading the Trojans, Dedeaux orchestrated an impressive comeback in the finals against Missouri. Overcoming a 4-0 deficit, USC emerged victorious with an 8-7 win in 12 innings.
3. Hollowell’s Heroics
USC catcher Bud Hollowell, who had a batting average of .183 prior to the CWS, delivered an outstanding performance in the 1963 tournament. He belted four home runs and was named the Most Outstanding Player as the Trojans secured their third title in five years.
4. Arizona State’s Talent
Arizona State’s Rick Monday made history as the first player ever selected in the MLB’s inaugural draft in 1965. His contribution helped the Sun Devils clinch their first national title in the same month. The Pac-12 has produced eight No. 1 overall picks, including Monday, Reggie Jackson, Adley Rutschman, and Spencer Torkelson.
5. Bane’s Brilliance
Eddie Bane, a left-handed pitcher for Arizona State, threw a perfect game on March 2, 1973, against Cal State Northridge. Bane’s remarkable career included a record-setting performance in the nine-inning College World Series game in 1972, where he struck out 17 batters in a win against Oklahoma.
6. USC’s Five-Peat
From 1970 to 1974, the University of Southern California achieved an unprecedented feat by winning five consecutive national titles. This dominant stretch showcased the talents of future major leaguers such as Jim Barr, Brent Strom, Rich Dauer, Dave Kingman, Fred Lynn, and Roy Smalley. The Trojans’ triumph in the 1973 CWS against Minnesota, featuring an extraordinary performance by Dave Winfield, remains one of the greatest games in CWS history.
7. Kindall’s Impact
Jerry Kindall, a former national champion as a player at Minnesota, turned Arizona into a formidable force in college baseball. Under his leadership, the Wildcats claimed the 1976 title. Arizona State and USC responded with championships in 1977 and 1978 respectively. The addition of the two Arizona schools to the Pac-10 in 1978 further intensified the rivalry.
8. Marquess’ Legacy
Mark Marquess, a key player on Stanford’s 1967 CWS team, transformed the Cardinal into a powerhouse during the 1980s. Stanford made five appearances in Omaha from 1982 to 1988 and won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988. These victories included memorable moments such as ending Robin Ventura’s record hitting streak and a walk-off grand slam by Paul Carey.
9. USC vs. ASU Slugfest
In 1998, USC and Arizona State met in the championship game for the first time as Pac-10 rivals. The contest, which concluded a season marked by high-scoring games, ended in a 21-14 slugfest. USC emerged victorious, and coach Mike Gillespie celebrated his first national title. Since then, Arizona State has yet to return to the final.
10. Stanford’s Second-Place Streak
Stanford’s consistent success in reaching Omaha from 1999 to 2003 was marred by three second-place finishes. The Cardinal fell short in the championship game, including a heartbreaking loss to LSU in 2000 and a defeat against Rice in the first best-of-three CWS series in 2003.
11. Oregon State’s Dominance
Under the guidance of coach Pat Casey, Oregon State became a powerhouse from 2005 to 2007. The Beavers made their first CWS appearance in 2005, won the championship in 2006, and overcame the odds as a No. 3 seed to claim the title again in 2007. Notable players such as Darwin Barney and Mitch Canham played pivotal roles in their back-to-back Finals victories over North Carolina.
12. The Rise of Pitching and Defense
In 2010, college baseball witnessed a shift as offense took a backseat. Arizona’s athletic team in 2012 capitalized on this change and defeated two-time defending champion South Carolina to win the CWS. UCLA continued the Pac-12’s success in 2013, winning the championship in a similar low-scoring fashion against the Gamecocks.
According to the Source baseballamerica.com