Fordham University Baseball: A Legacy of Excellence

The Fordham Rams baseball team, representing Fordham University, boasts a storied history as a cornerstone of collegiate athletics. As a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference of the NCAA Division I, the team has established itself as a perennial contender. The Rams' legacy is built on a foundation of tradition, marked by their inaugural game in 1859 and an unparalleled record of success.

A Tradition of Winning: The Rams' Historic Record

With over 4,500 victories through the 2022 season, the Fordham Rams baseball program stands as the winningest in college baseball. This remarkable achievement reflects the program's enduring commitment to excellence and consistent performance over its long history.

The Genesis of a Legacy: The First Game

Fordham played its first game on Nov. 3, 1859, against St. Francis Xavier College, a full 21 years before the Polo Grounds opened in Manhattan. Founded in the late 1850s, the Fordham Rose Hill Baseball Club of St. John's College (the precursor to Fordham University, and of no connection at all to St. John's University) played against St. Since then, the University has notched more than 4,000 wins. This historic game marked the beginning of a baseball program that would leave an indelible mark on the sport. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the team's first game, Fordham played Williams College, which was also celebrating its sesquicentennial of baseball play. University President Joseph M. McShane, who had conceived of the anniversary game, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.

From St. John's College to Fordham University

The Fordham University baseball program started in 1859, when it was still called St. John's College. The Fordham Rose Hill Baseball Club of St. John's College (the precursor to Fordham University, and of no connection at all to St. John's University) played against St. This transition reflects the evolution of the institution and the baseball program's continuous presence throughout the university's history.

Major League Rams: A Pipeline to the Pros

Fordham's baseball program has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to achieve success at the highest level of the sport. There have been 56 major leaguers who have played for Fordham, including All-Star pitcher Pete Harnisch and Baseball Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch. Pete Treacey was the first former Ram to make it to the Major League level. Did you know that there were eighteen former St. John's College ballplayers who made it to the majors? Did you know that there were forty-two former Fordham University ballplayers who made it to the majors?

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Frankie Frisch: A star athlete in four different sports at Fordham, Frisch, known as the "Fordham Flash," earned a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame for his outstanding career.
Steve Bellán: Bellán learned how to play the game while he was a student at Fordham from 1863 to 1868. A Cuban who attended what was then St. John's College from 1863 to 1868, played in the major leagues, primarily as a third baseman, and was the first Latin American in professional baseball. “Fordham taught the Caribbean how to play baseball through the connection from Jesuit high schools in Cuba to St.
Gil McDougald: McDougald, who played for the New York Yankees, was a coach on the team.
Vin Scully: Announcer Vin Scully, who played outfield at Fordham before achieving greater fame in the broadcast booth, hit one home run in his Fordham career, which included a game against George H. W. Bush, who was playing for Yale at the time.
Jack Coffey: Coffey is the only player to play with both Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth in the same season (1918 Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox).

These individuals represent the legacy of Fordham Baseball and its impact on the sport.

Jack Coffey Field: Home of the Rams

The team plays home games at Jim Houlihan Park at Jack Coffey Field. Jack Coffey Field, a multisport facility, is named after Jack Coffey, former athletic director and baseball coach at the university. He amassed 817 wins as a baseball coach. This facility serves as a symbol of the program's history and tradition.

Milestones and Celebrations: Honoring the Past

In recent years, Fordham has celebrated significant milestones in its baseball history. Memorabilia that told the story of the team’s history adorned the Lowenstein Center’s 12th-Floor Lounge. Vintage jerseys were displayed alongside 80-year-old ticket stubs, baseballs signed by Fordham greats and replicas of Hall of Fame plaques. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay (FCRH ’82) emceed the evening, which unfolded over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and fond reminiscences. Louis Costanzo (FCRH ’85) examines Fordham baseball memorabilia. These events provide opportunities for alumni, fans, and current players to connect with the program's rich heritage.

Leadership and Vision: The Coaches

Throughout its history, the Fordham baseball program has been guided by dedicated and knowledgeable coaches. Gil McDougald, who played for the New York Yankees, was a coach on the team. Jack Coffey, former athletic director and baseball coach at the university. He amassed 817 wins as a baseball coach. “Our program is a great program, rich in history, tradition and awards,” said Head Coach Nick Restaino (CBA ’93). These leaders have played a crucial role in shaping the program's culture and fostering success on and off the field.

Fordham Baseball Today

As a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Fordham Rams continue to compete at the highest level of college baseball. The team's commitment to excellence, combined with its rich history and tradition, ensures that it will remain a prominent force in the sport for years to come.

Read also: The Rams' Basketball Story

Connecting with the Past: Reminiscences and Reflections

Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay (FCRH ’82) reminisces with Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin. “We had a football player who was a runner at first and I was coaching third base,” Scully said. “There was a fly ball to the outfield and I looked up and here comes the runner. So I holler to him, ‘Go back! Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, regaled the crowd with a Fordham baseball history lesson. “Baseball is the best of all games, filled with heroics that ennoble all of us,” he said. “You carry the burden of that history. These personal stories and anecdotes provide valuable insights into the program's history and the individuals who have contributed to its success.

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