In college sports, Texas A&M is well known for its great football team and one of the best basketball teams in the nation. But when it comes to baseball, it’s another story. After struggling for years in the sport, the school recently announced that it was cutting its baseball program, leaving many people wondering: is Texas A&M out of baseball?
The History of Texas A&M Baseball
Texas A&M has a long history in college baseball. The Aggies began playing the sport in 1896 and won the Southwest Conference championship in 1931. Over the years, the team has enjoyed some success, making the NCAA tournament on four separate occasions, including a memorable run to the College World Series in 1999.
The Decline of Texas A&M Baseball
Despite its storied history, Texas A&M’s baseball program has struggled in recent years. The team failed to make the NCAA tournament from 2000 to 2010, and has only made two appearances since then. The team’s overall record since 2000 is just below .500, with only two winning seasons in the last decade.
The Reasons for Texas A&M’s Decision
Given the team’s recent struggles, it’s not surprising that Texas A&M decided to cut its baseball program. The school cited financial reasons as the primary motivation for the decision. The program was operating at a significant deficit, and the school was unable to find the necessary funds to continue operating the team.
The Impact of the Decision
The decision to cut the program has had a significant impact on the players and coaches associated with the team. Over 40 players have been left without a team, and the coaching staff has been let go. The decision has also had an impact on the school’s reputation, as many people have criticized the university for abandoning its baseball program.
The Response from Former Players
Many former players have spoken out against the decision to cut the program. Some have criticized the school for not doing enough to support the team, while others have accused the university of abandoning them after all the hard work they put in.
The Reaction from Other Teams
The decision to cut the program has also had an impact on other teams in the conference. Texas A&M’s conference rivals, such as Texas and Baylor, have expressed their disappointment with the decision. They have also expressed their solidarity with the players and coaches who were affected by the decision.
The Future of Texas A&M Baseball
Despite the decision to cut the program, Texas A&M still has a chance to bring back baseball in the future. The school has expressed its interest in starting a new program and has even begun looking for potential coaches. If the school is able to find the necessary funding, it could be back in the sport within the next few years.
Conclusion
Texas A&M’s decision to cut its baseball program has been met with disappointment from many people, including former players and coaches. The school has cited financial reasons for the decision, but there is still hope that the program could be revived in the future. Until then, the question remains: is Texas A&M out of baseball?
References
- Larsen, M. (2020, June 5). Texas A&M Cuts Baseball Program, But Could Bring It Back. CBS Sports. cbssports.com/college-baseball/news/texas-am-cuts-baseball-program-but-could-bring-it-back/
- Farrer, J. (2020, June 2). Texas A&M Cuts Baseball Program, Sending Shockwaves Through College Sports. The New York Times. nytimes.com/2020/06/02/sports/texas-am-baseball-cut.html
- Breitman, R. (2020, June 1). Texas A&M Cuts Baseball Program, Citing Budget Shortfalls. The Dallas Morning News. dallasnews.com/sports/texas-am-aggies/2020/06/01/texas-am-cuts-baseball-program-citing-budget-shortfalls/