Does BYU Play Baseball?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Brigham Young University (BYU) fields a competitive NCAA Division I baseball team that competes in the West Coast Conference (WCC). The Cougars are proud to be among the top teams in the conference and have established a proud tradition of excellence in the sport of baseball.
History of BYU Baseball
BYU’s history of baseball dates back to the late 1800s when students at Brigham Young Academy played the sport. The first official year of the BYU baseball program was in 1908. Since then, the Cougars have gone on to become one of the most successful teams in the WCC. The Cougars have made 24 NCAA Tournament appearances and have won 19 conference championships.
BYU’s Coaching Staff
The Cougars are led by head coach Mike Littlewood, who has been with the program since 2002. Littlewood is a two-time WCC Coach of the Year award winner and has taken the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament six times. The Cougars also have one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the conference, with five assistant coaches, including former BYU player Mark Anderson, and a volunteer coach.
BYU’s Facilities
The Cougars play their home games at Larry H. Miller Field, which was built in 1996 and has a capacity of 2,500 fans. The field has recently undergone a major renovation, which included the installation of a new scoreboard and lights. The Cougars also utilize the nearby Miller Park, which is used for practice and is home to the BYU baseball camps.
BYU’s Success on the Field
The Cougars have enjoyed much success on the field over the years. In 2018, the Cougars won their 4th consecutive WCC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 24th time in program history. The Cougars have also earned five NCAA Regional titles and one College World Series appearance in the past 10 years.
BYU’s Record Against Major Programs
The Cougars have had success against some of the top programs in the nation, including the likes of UCLA, Arizona, and Stanford. The Cougars are 8-2 against UCLA since 2009, 5-3 against Arizona since 2009, and 5-3 against Stanford since 2009.
Notable Players
The Cougars have produced several standout players over the years, including three-time All-American Kasey Ko, two-time All-American Mitchell Bialosky, and All-American first baseman Brock Whitney. The Cougars have also had several players selected in the MLB Draft, including outfielder Bronson Larsen and pitcher Dalton Carroll.
BYU’s Postseason Success
The Cougars have had a great deal of success in the postseason since joining the WCC in 2014. The Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament five times, advanced to the Super Regionals twice, and made one College World Series appearance. The Cougars have also won six conference titles since joining the WCC.
BYU’s Future Outlook
The Cougars look to be in good shape going forward. The Cougars have a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players that should make them a force in the WCC for years to come. The Cougars also have a new facility and have plans to renovate Larry H. Miller Field in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BYU does play baseball and has been a mainstay in the WCC for years. The Cougars have a proud tradition of success and have been one of the top teams in the nation for the past decade. The Cougars have enjoyed success in both the regular season and postseason and have the talent and coaching staff to continue their success for many years to come.
Keywords: BYU, Baseball, NCAA, WCC, Mike Littlewood, Larry H. Miller Field, Kasey Ko, Mitchell Bialosky, Brock Whitney, Bronson Larsen, Dalton Carroll