A History of Samford University Baseball
The Samford Bulldogs baseball team, a varsity intercollegiate athletic team representing Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, holds a significant place in the university's athletic history. As a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon), which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Division I, the team competes at the highest level of collegiate baseball. Their home games are played at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium in Homewood, Alabama.
Early Years and Program Development
The history of Samford University's baseball program dates back to the late 19th century. The 1878 baseball team holds the distinction of being the first athletic team in the school's history. This inaugural team comprised just 10 players and a head coach, marking the humble beginnings of a program that would evolve significantly over the decades. The early years laid the foundation for the program's growth, establishing baseball as a key component of Samford's athletic identity.
Transition to NCAA and Conference Affiliations
Samford officially transitioned into the NCAA in 1971, marking a significant step in the program's development. Before this move, the university was affiliated with the NAIA. This transition to the NCAA brought increased competition and exposure, pushing the baseball team to elevate its performance and recruitment efforts. As a member of the Southern Conference, Samford competes against other universities in the region, fostering rivalries and contributing to the conference's overall baseball landscape.
Landmark Seasons and Achievements
The Samford Bulldogs baseball program has experienced several landmark seasons that have solidified its reputation. The 1998-99 men’s basketball team became the first team in program history to reach the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs defeated Central Florida, 89-61 in the finals of the TAAC Tournament to advance to the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to a tough St. John’s team. The team finished with an overall record of 24-6.
The 2011 season was the second best in school history finishing with a 37-23 record, near the top of the league at 18-12 in conference, and had four players drafted in the MLB draft (3 in top 25 rounds). Along the way, swept Auburn, defeated Alabama four the 4th time in a row over the last few seasons, and had two freshmen selected to the Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American team. The pitching staff lead the way with the top ERA in the league and one of the best in the nation.
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The 2012 season was a historic one for the program. Finishing the season with a 41-23 overall record, SoCon Championship, and making the NCAA Tournament in the Tallahassee Regional. After defeating SEC Champion #14 Mississippi St twice in the two meetings, the Bulldogs fell to #3 Florida St. 5-2 in the finals. Along the way the team had victories over #1 Florida, #24 Oklahoma, and Auburn. The team finished in the top 25 in 6 different categories including finishing 2nd in the country in home runs.
In 2018, the team reached the NCAA Tournament again with a Southern Conference Championship. At the Regional they defeated national seed #7 Florida State 7-6 on national television. After losing a close game to Oklahoma, the dogs season ended at 37-26 with a tight 9-8 loss over Mississippi State. The season included one of the longest winning streaks in the nation at 13 games, defeated #22 Auburn, Alabama, and #21 Central Florida along the way. The Dogs would finish 2nd in the regular season before making the run to the championship in the tournament. They would place 3 more players on the All SoCon team as the youth movement continued and would have 3 more players selected in the draft. Freshman pitcher Sam Strickland was one of the top pitchers in the nation last year and would take home Freshman of the Year honors.
The 2019 Season saw a program that had accomplished so much make even more history, earning the program's first Southern Conference regular season title. The team tied a school record with 41 wins. Zach Hester was named the SoCon Pitcher of the Year by the media, while Sonny DiChiara earned league Freshman of the Year honors. Hester, DiChiara, Jordan Fucci and Brooks Carlson were all named first team All-SoCon, while Stephen Jones and Branden Fryman were named to the second team.
The 2023 Season will go down as one of the best seasons in Samford Baseball history and definitely its best achievement - having to win a tripleheader at the Conference tournament to win the title and advance to another NCAA Tournament at Auburn. In the three game day, we defeated UNC Greensboro 7-2 before moving on to beating Wofford twice for the championship. In the opening round defeated #13 USM in an extra innings thriller 4-2 before losing in the finals of the winners bracket 5-4 in a difficult loss. The Dogs won 37 games and won the Regular Season and Post Season tournament for the first time in school history. Following the season we would have 3 pitchers move on to the MLB - Jacob Cravey in the 6th round, Carson Hobbs in the 11th, and Ben Petschke as a Free Agent.
Individual Accomplishments and MLB Draft History
Individual players from Samford have achieved significant recognition, both during their collegiate careers and beyond. Center Fielder Philip Ervin became the first player in baseball program history to be drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft, when the Cincinnati Reds selected him with the 27th overall pick of the 2013 MLB Draft.
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The program has a history of producing MLB draft picks, a testament to the quality of coaching and player development at Samford. Rex Keeling became the first Samford player selected in the NFL Draft in 1967. Craig Beard became the first Samford player taken in the NBA Draft when the Chicago Bulls selected him in the fourth round of the 1985 Draft.
After the teams 2013 season ended in the SoCon Tournament, junior outfielder Phillip Ervin was selected in the 1st round - 27th pick overall by the Reds and is the highest pick in both Samford and Southern Conference Baseball history. Also selected in the 10th round by the Twins was pitcher CK Irby. The program has had 5 drafted in the top 10 rounds in the last 3 years as well.
Dominant right handed pitcher Jared Brasher was drafted in the 8th Round giving the program another top 10 round draft pick. Later in the draft outfielder Kevin Williams went in the 13th round to the Angels and four year starter TJ Dixon went in the 25th round to the Twins.
The MLB draft came calling again in selecting Heath Quinn in the 3rd round by the Giants, followed by Alex Lee and Hunter Swilling later in the draft. Also had two signees taken with a 3rd pick who will be signing as well.
The team reached the finals of the SoCon Tournament for the 4th time in 5 seasons just missing out on another trip to the NCAA tournament and had another player drafted, Andres Gracia by San Diego Padres, for the fifth season in a row.
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After the season the team had two more players drafted - Ty Filliben in the 12th round to the Pirates and Tripp Martin in the 22nd round to the Rangers - to take the total up to 15 players drafted in the last four seasons.
These selections highlight the program's ability to develop talent and prepare players for professional baseball careers.
Recent Success and Program Transformation
Since 2011 the program has been taken to new heights. In the years prior to 2005, the program averaged around 20 wins a season, but the team has averaged just over 36 wins a season in that time. The consistent grown in quality of student athletes, facilities, and wins has remained.
The History of Samford Baseball dates back to the early 1900's but there has never been a more successful period for the program then the last 18 years. In this period of time the coaching staff, including under head coach Tony David, with strong support from their administration, have completely changed the face of the program and the year-to-year level of expectation. Since taking the reigns of the program as Head Coach, Tony David has guided the program to 3 successful years in a row, Conference Championship, and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The 2024 Season ended as so many have the last 14 years with Samford participating the the SoCon Tournament Championship game. Unfortunately this time the Dogs came up just short in a 10-9 defeat. In another successful season Samford won 36 games and had the season highlight of defeating #3 Kentucky during the regular season and finishing one game away from another regular season title as well. The team would also finish with the second most home runs in school history on the season. In the tournament Samford used a dramatic 9 run 7th inning to defeat Mercer 9-7 followed by a decisive 10-1 win over Wofford to advance to the finals.
The 2022 Season began the David era and an almost complete restart to the roster after heavy departures with a large senior class, the draft, and portal. Returning only a few position player starters and virtually no pitchers with valuable pitching experience. The roster featured only 2 seniors and was made up mostly of freshman and sophomores. The Bulldogs would go on to finish 2nd in the Southern Conference regular season against a league that featured a number of experienced teams, defeat #10 Florida State and defending national champion Mississippi State as well. As is tradition the Dogs had another outstanding run in the Conference tournament advancing to the Finals of the winners bracket undefeated after 22-3 win over Western Carolina and 13-10 over Mercer.
The 2021 Season saw Samford reach its third NCAA Regional. Despite playing probably the toughest schedule in program history, the team won 35 games, marking the 13th time in the last 15 full seasons the Bulldogs have won at least 30 games. The Bulldogs finished second overall in the Southern Conference regular season standings, and entered the SoCon Tournament as one of the tournament favorites.
The 2020 Season got off to an incredible start, with the Bulldogs posting a 13-2 overall record, including an 8-0 mark at home.
Facilities and Program Support
The Samford Bulldogs baseball team plays its home games at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium in Homewood, Alabama. The consistent grown in quality of facilities. The support from their administration, have completely changed the face of the program and the year-to-year level of expectation.
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