What is Division Baseball?
Division baseball is the highest level of amateur baseball in the United States. It is played by college-level baseball players and is divided into two divisions, Division I and Division II. Division I baseball is the most competitive level of college baseball and is typically seen as the highest level of amateur baseball in the United States.
Division I baseball is divided into three subdivisions, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference (B1G). Each conference is divided into divisions, with the exception of the ACC, which is divided into two. The B1G includes 11 teams, the SEC includes 12 teams, and the ACC includes 15 teams.
Division II baseball is the second highest level of college baseball and is typically seen as the intermediate level of amateur baseball in the United States. It is divided into two subdivisions, the American Southwest Conference (ASC) and the American East Conference (AEC). Each subdivision is divided into divisions, with the ASC having three divisions and the AEC having two.
Ohio State’s Division Baseball
Ohio State is a member of the Big Ten Conference (B1G) and competes in Division I baseball. The Ohio State baseball team is one of the most successful teams in the Big Ten Conference, having won the conference title five times and having appeared in the College World Series twice.
The Ohio State baseball team is coached by Greg Beals, who has been with the program since 2010. During his tenure, the Buckeyes have won two Big Ten regular season titles and three Big Ten Tournament championships. In addition, the Buckeyes have made two NCAA Regional appearances and one NCAA Super Regional appearance.
In 2021, the Buckeyes finished the season with a 32-17 overall record and a 16-11 record in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes were led offensively by catcher Zach Dezenzo, who hit .329 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. The pitching staff was led by ace right-hander Tanner Tully, who went 11-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 15 starts.
Ohio State’s All-Time Records
The Ohio State baseball team has had a long and successful history in Division I baseball. The Buckeyes have won nine Big Ten Conference titles and have made 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have also been a part of the College World Series on five occasions.
The Ohio State baseball team holds a 1,906-1,360-2 all-time record in Division I baseball. They have won 1,440 games and lost 1,156 in the Big Ten Conference, and they have won 466 games and lost 204 in non-conference play. The Buckeyes have also won nine Big Ten Conference tournament titles and have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including five trips to the College World Series.
Notable Players and Alumni
The Ohio State baseball program has produced some of the best players in the history of Division I baseball. Among the most notable Buckeyes are:
- Barry Larkin – The former Cincinnati Reds shortstop was a three-time All-American at Ohio State and was the 12th overall pick in the 1985 MLB draft. He was also the 1995 National League MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
- Brian Anderson – The former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and was the 15th overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft. He was also a two-time World Series champion.
- Nick Swisher – The former New York Yankees outfielder was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and was the 16th overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft. He was also a two-time World Series champion.
- Joey Votto – The former Cincinnati Reds first baseman was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and was the 44th overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft. He was also the 2010 National League MVP.
- Kurt Suzuki – The former Minnesota Twins catcher was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and was the 67th overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft. He was also a two-time All-Star.
Ohio State’s Facilities
The Ohio State baseball team plays its home games at Bill Davis Stadium, located in Columbus, Ohio. The stadium has a capacity of 6,000 and features a natural grass playing surface. The stadium also features a press box, concession stands, and a full-service pro shop.
The Buckeyes also practice at the nearby Ohio State Varsity Indoor Practice Facility, which features a full-sized infield and batting cages. The facility is also used by the Buckeyes for winter workouts and conditioning drills.
Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament
The Ohio State baseball team has had a long and successful history in the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have made 12 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and have made five trips to the College World Series.
The Buckeyes have won two NCAA Regional championships and one NCAA Super Regional championship. In addition, the Buckeyes have made two trips to the College World Series and have won one game in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament
The Ohio State baseball team has also had a long and successful history in the Big Ten Tournament. The Buckeyes have won nine Big Ten Tournament championships and have made seven trips to the NCAA Tournament as a result of their success in the tournament.
The Buckeyes have won three Big Ten Tournament championships in the last four years and have made four trips to the NCAA Tournament as a result. In addition, the Buckeyes have made three trips to the College World Series and have won one game in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ohio State’s Coaching Staff
The Ohio State baseball program is led by head coach Greg Beals, who is in his 12th season with the Buckeyes. Beals has led the Buckeyes to two Big Ten regular season titles, three Big Ten Tournament championships, two NCAA Regional appearances, and one NCAA Super Regional appearance.
In addition to Beals, the Buckeyes have an experienced coaching staff that includes associate head coach/pitching coach Mike Stafford, assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Steve Caravati, volunteer assistant coach Brian Mann, and director of operations Brad Liddle.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Classes
The Ohio State baseball program has had a long and successful history of recruiting. The Buckeyes have had four Top 25 recruiting classes since 2011, including a No. 3 ranking in 2017.
The Buckeyes have had five players drafted in the first round of the MLB draft since 2011, including pitcher Tanner Tully in 2021. The Buckeyes have also had 11 players drafted in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft since 2011.
Conclusion
Ohio State is a member of the Big Ten Conference and competes in Division I baseball. The Buckeyes have had a long and successful history in Division I baseball, having won nine Big Ten Conference titles and having made 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have also had some of the best players in the history of Division I baseball, including Barry Larkin, Brian Anderson, Nick Swisher, Joey Votto, and Kurt Suzuki.
The Ohio State baseball program has also had a long and successful history of recruiting, having had four Top 25 recruiting classes since 2011 and having had five players drafted in the first round of the MLB draft since 2011. In addition, the Buckeyes have a strong and experienced coaching staff, led by head coach Greg Beals.
The Buckeyes have had a long and successful history in Division I baseball and continue to be one of the most successful teams in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes are a perennial contender for the Big Ten title and the NCAA Tournament and are a formidable opponent on the diamond.