Introduction to UF Baseball
The University of Florida (UF) is a perennial powerhouse in college sports, and baseball is no exception. The UF Gators have been among the top programs in college baseball for decades, winning multiple NCAA Championships and an impressive number of conference titles. UF is nationally ranked in baseball, and the program consistently produces high-level talent for the MLB.
UF Baseball History
UF’s baseball program is a relatively young one compared to other college baseball teams around the country. The Gators first fielded a baseball team in 1912 and have since established a legacy of excellence. In the early years, the program won several state and regional championships. The team reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 1962 and has made the tournament in all but two years since then.
The Gators began playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1990 and have won a total of nine SEC championships, including three in the last ten years. UF has also won five NCAA Championships, including back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006. In addition, the Gators have produced a number of MLB players over the years, including multiple All-Stars.
UF Ranked in Baseball
UF is consistently ranked in the top 25 in college baseball. The Gators have been ranked in the top 10 in the country for the last eight years and are currently ranked in the top five. UF is currently ranked No. 4 in the latest USA Today/ESPN Baseball Coaches Poll, No. 3 in the NCBWA Poll, and No. 4 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Poll.
In addition to the national polls, UF is also ranked in the SEC. The Gators are currently ranked No. 2 in the league behind the No. 1 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores. UF is also one of the top teams in the NCAA RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) rankings, which are used to determine the NCAA Tournament field.
UF’s Success in the NCAA Tournament
The Gators have had great success in the NCAA Tournament over the years. Since 1962, UF has made the tournament in all but two years and has reached the College World Series (CWS) eleven times. The Gators have won five CWS titles, including back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006. In addition, the Gators have advanced to the Super Regionals sixteen times, the most of any team in the SEC.
UF’s NCAA Tournament Appearances by Year
- 1962
- 1963
- 1964
- 1965
- 1966
- 1967
- 1968
- 1969
- 1970
- 1971
- 1972
- 1973
- 1974
- 1975
- 1976
- 1977
- 1978
- 1979
- 1980
- 1981
- 1982
- 1983
- 1984
- 1985
- 1986
- 1987
- 1988
- 1989
- 1990
- 1991
- 1992
- 1993
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
UF’s Recent Success
UF has been one of the top teams in college baseball in recent years. The Gators have won three SEC championships in the last ten years, including back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016. UF has also advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last eight seasons, including a trip to the CWS in 2017. This past season, the Gators reached the Super Regionals before being eliminated.
UF’s MLB Draft Picks
The UF baseball program has produced a number of MLB players over the years. Since the program’s inception, over 200 players have been drafted by MLB teams, with over 100 of those players coming in the last ten years. The Gators have had at least one player drafted in the first round in each of the last ten years, including two players taken in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
UF’s All-Stars
The UF baseball program has also produced a number of All-Stars at the MLB level. Over the last ten years, there have been eight UF players who have been named to an All-Star team. The most recent UF All-Star was pitcher Alex Faedo, who was a member of the 2017 American League All-Star team.
Conclusion
The University of Florida is one of the top programs in college baseball. The Gators have been ranked in the top five in the country for the last eight years and have won nine conference titles and five NCAA Championships since 1962. UF is also one of the most successful teams in the NCAA Tournament and has produced a number of All-Stars and MLB Draft picks.