What is Oral Roberts University?
Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private, interdenominational, Christian liberal arts university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1965 by evangelist Oral Roberts and is named after him. The university enrolls about 4,000 students and offers more than 60 programs of study. ORU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a “Master’s Maintaining Institution.”
Does Oral Roberts Have a Baseball Team?
Yes, Oral Roberts has a baseball team. The ORU Golden Eagles baseball team competes in the Southland Conference (SLC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Golden Eagles have had some success in the SLC, finishing first in the conference in 2000, 2003, and 2004. The team has also made several appearances in the NCAA tournament.
History of ORU Baseball
Oral Roberts began its baseball program in 1965 and has been a member of the SLC since 1997. The team has had some success over the years, including several conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances. The Golden Eagles have also had several players drafted by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.
Facilities and Coaching Staff
The ORU baseball team plays its home games at J.L. Johnson Stadium, a 2,800-seat facility located on the ORU campus. The facility features a turf infield, two batting cages, and a state-of-the-art video board.
The ORU baseball program is led by head coach Ryan Folmar, who is entering his seventh season with the program. Folmar has guided the Golden Eagles to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances, two conference titles, and three regular season championships.
Players to Watch
The ORU baseball team has several players who are expected to make an impact this season. They include:
- Garrett Kueber: Kueber is a senior outfielder who is entering his fourth season with the Golden Eagles. He is a two-time All-SLC selection and was named to the All-Region team in 2019. Kueber is a career .316 hitter and has stolen 21 bases in three seasons.
- Josh McMinn: McMinn is a junior pitcher who was named to the All-SLC team in 2019. He is a two-time SLC Pitcher of the Week and was an SLC All-Tournament selection in 2018. McMinn is 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA in three seasons with the Golden Eagles.
- Dylan Ditzenberger: Ditzenberger is a junior outfielder who is entering his third season with the ORU baseball team. He was named to the All-SLC team in 2018 and was an SLC All-Tournament selection in 2019. Ditzenberger is a career .288 hitter and has stolen 20 bases in two seasons.
Season Outlook
The ORU baseball team is coming off a 32-25 season in 2019 and is looking to make a run at the SLC title in 2020. The Golden Eagles return several key players from last season and should be competitive in the conference.
Ticket Information
Tickets for ORU baseball games can be purchased online at www.orugoldeneagles.com or by calling the ORU ticket office at 918-495-7ORU.
Broadcast Information
ORU baseball games can be heard on the Golden Eagles Radio Network. All home games are also streamed live on the ORU Sports Network.
Social Media
Follow the ORU baseball team on social media for the latest news and updates.
- Facebook: ORU Baseball
- Twitter: @ORUBaseball
- Instagram: @orubaseball
Conclusion
Oral Roberts University has a long and proud tradition of baseball. The ORU Golden Eagles baseball team has had some success in the Southland Conference and has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament. The Golden Eagles return several key players from last season and should be competitive in the conference. Fans can follow the team on social media and purchase tickets online for home games.