A History of Flagler College Baseball

The Flagler Saints represent Flagler College, a liberal arts college located in St. Augustine, Florida. The athletic program at Flagler College began in the 1973-74 academic year. The Flagler Saints compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are primarily members of the Peach Belt Conference. The athletic director is Jud Damon. Men's sports at Flagler include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and track and field.

Early Years and Conference Affiliations

In 1977, Flagler's athletic programs became members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In 1990, they became charter members of the Florida Sun Conference, now known as The Sun Conference.

Baseball Field: Drysdale Field

The baseball field, named Drysdale Field, was dedicated on April 12, 2011, before a game between Flagler and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The field is named in honor of Walter Irvine Drysdale (1905-1993), a St. Augustine native. Drysdale, known as "Driz," was a star athlete in high school and played freshman football at the University of Florida. He also gave tennis lessons at the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels, was a club champion golfer, and was a catcher on the St. Augustine Saints baseball team.

Key Players and Moments

Every team has that one special player. For the Flagler Saints baseball team, that player might be Jake Brandenberger. Brandenberger, a member of the freshman class of 2011, is currently entering his fourth and final year of his Saints career.

Skylar Fox, a transfer from St. Petersburg College, is looking to make an immediate impact on the Saints baseball team.

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A main contributor to lofty expectations could be junior transfer student Kyle Bird.

Coaching and Leadership

Every team needs a leader. For the Flagler College baseball team, their leader is on his way back. Head Coach David Barnett is pushing for even greater success this year.

MLB Draft Success

In the 2012 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, three former Saints - Garrett Bush, Jonathon Arnold, and John Sgromolo - were drafted by the Angels, Brewers, and Dodgers, respectively. Arnold, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted in the 30th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Former pitcher for the Flagler College Saints, Jonathan Armold has just completed his first season of Minor League Baseball pitching for the Milwaukee Brewer’s affiliate in the Arizona League.

Flagler Saints: A Comprehensive Overview

Flagler College, located in St. Augustine, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and athletics. Founded in 1968, the institution rapidly evolved into a dynamic hub for academic and extracurricular pursuits, with its athletic teams officially commencing in the 1973-74 academic year. Known as the Flagler Saints, these teams embody the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and dedication that defines the college's ethos.

Conference Affiliations and NCAA Division II

The Flagler Saints have navigated various conference affiliations throughout their history, reflecting their growth and commitment to excellence. Initially, in 1977, the athletic programs gained membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), marking a significant milestone in their development. Subsequently, in 1990, Flagler College became a charter member of the Florida Sun Conference, currently recognized as The Sun Conference, further solidifying its presence in collegiate athletics.

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Today, the Flagler Saints proudly compete in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports, showcasing their talent and determination across a wide spectrum of athletic disciplines. As primary members of the Peach Belt Conference, they adhere to the rigorous standards and regulations set forth by the NCAA Division II, ensuring fair competition and academic integrity.

A Diverse Range of Sports

The Flagler Saints offer a diverse array of sports programs for both men and women, fostering a well-rounded athletic experience for its student-athletes. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and track & field (indoor), providing ample opportunities for male athletes to excel in their chosen fields. Similarly, women's sports encompass basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor), and volleyball, empowering female athletes to achieve their full potential and contribute to the college's athletic legacy.

Athletic Facilities and Resources

Flagler College is committed to providing its student-athletes with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their training and development. At the heart of the athletic complex lies the Flagler Gymnasium, which has served as the home of the men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball programs since 1976. With a seating capacity of 1,750 spectators, the gymnasium provides an electrifying atmosphere for fans to cheer on their beloved Saints.

Over the years, Flagler Gym has undergone numerous physical improvements and equipment upgrades to enhance the student-athlete experience. In the summer of 1998, a new pro-style maple floor was installed, which was subsequently refurbished in the summer of 2006, featuring the new athletics logo as its centerpiece. Additionally, the locker rooms were rebuilt in 2005, providing separate facilities for men's basketball, women's basketball, and women's volleyball, as well as a visitor's locker room.

The weight room is equipped with free weights and state-of-the-art Cybex equipment. Also constructed were new offices for four coaches and an athletic training room. The baseball field, Drysdale Field, was dedicated April 12, 2011, before the Flagler-Savannah College of Art and Design game. The field is named in honor of Walter Irvine Drysdale (1905-1993), a native of St. Augustine. "Driz" as he was called, was a star athlete in high school and went on to the University of Florida, where he played freshman football. He gave tennis lessons at the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels, was a club champion golfer and was a catcher on the St. Augustine Saints baseball team.

Volleyball Dominance

Among the Flagler Saints' many athletic achievements, the volleyball team stands out for its remarkable success and consistent dominance in the Peach Belt Conference. The team has clinched the regular conference title five times, with a remarkable streak from 2009 to 2011 and further triumphs in 2016 and 2017. Moreover, the volleyball team has emerged victorious in the conference tournament on six occasions, mirroring their regular-season success with wins from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2015 to 2017.

Their outstanding performance has earned them seven appearances in the NCAA Regional Tournament, where they have consistently showcased their talent and determination. In 2009, 2011, and 2017, the Flagler volleyball team captured the Southeast Regional title, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. Notably, the 2011 team advanced to the Elite 8, while the 2009 and 2017 teams reached the Final 4, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate volleyball.

Men's Tennis Triumphs

In addition to volleyball, the Flagler Saints have also achieved significant success in men's tennis, with the program claiming the NAIA national title in both 1977 and 1986. These victories stand as a testament to the dedication, skill, and teamwork of the men's tennis players and coaches who have proudly represented Flagler College over the years.

Men's Basketball Achievements

The Flagler Saints' men's basketball program has also enjoyed its share of success, with multiple appearances in the NAIA national tournament. The team competed in the tournament three times, in 2003, 2004, and 2005, advancing to the second round in the latter two trips. More recently, in 2020 and 2021, the men's basketball team earned berths in the NCAA Division II basketball tournament, further highlighting their resurgence and commitment to excellence.

Individual Standouts and MLB Draft Picks

Throughout the history of Flagler College baseball, numerous student-athletes have distinguished themselves as exceptional players and leaders, leaving an indelible mark on the program. Jake Brandenberger, a member of the freshman class of 2011, stands as a prime example of dedication and perseverance, entering his fourth and final year with the Saints. Similarly, Skylar Fox, a transfer student from St. Petersburg College, brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team, poised to make an immediate impact.

The Flagler Saints' baseball program has also produced several Major League Baseball (MLB) draft picks, showcasing the caliber of talent and coaching within the program. In the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, three former Saints-Garrett Bush, Jonathon Arnold, and John Sgromolo-were selected by the Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. Jonathan Arnold, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted in the 30th round by the Milwaukee Brewers and has since completed his first season of Minor League Baseball, pitching for the Brewer's affiliate in the Arizona League.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Flagler Saints embody a rich tradition of athletic achievement, sportsmanship, and academic excellence. From their early days in the NAIA to their current standing in the NCAA Division II, the Saints have consistently strived for greatness, earning accolades and recognition both on and off the field. With a diverse range of sports programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to fostering the holistic development of its student-athletes, Flagler College continues to be a beacon of athletic excellence in the heart of St. Augustine, Florida.

Rivalries and Competition

Flagler College maintains competitive rivalries with several institutions, contributing to the excitement and intensity of their athletic programs. These rivalries often reflect geographic proximity, conference affiliations, or historical matchups, adding an extra layer of significance to each contest. Some notable opponents include:

Albany State University
Armstrong State University
Augusta University
Barry University
Bethune-Cookman University
Brewton-Parker College
Claflin University
Columbus State University
Eckerd College
Edward Waters University
Embry-Riddle University (Fla.)
Florida Memorial University
Florida Southern College
Florida Tech
Francis Marion University
Georgia College
Georgia Southwestern State University
Keiser University
Lander University
Lipscomb University
Lynn University
Nova Southeastern University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Rollins College
Saint Leo University
SCAD-Savannah
Southeastern University

These rivalries not only provide thrilling matchups for fans but also serve as a catalyst for the Flagler Saints to elevate their performance and strive for victory.

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