A Legacy on the Diamond: Exploring Seattle University Baseball History and Statistics
The Seattle University baseball program boasts a rich history, beginning in 1950, and has produced talented players who have left their mark on the sport. From the early days of Johnny O'Brien breaking barriers to the modern era of NCAA Division I competition, the Redhawks have contributed to the fabric of baseball. This article will delve into the program's history, highlighting key moments, notable players, and statistical achievements.
Early Years and the Rise of Redhawk Talent
The Seattle University baseball program started in 1950, laying the foundation for a future of athletic achievement. It did not take long for the Redhawks to find success.
Johnny O'Brien holds the distinction of being the first former Redhawk to reach the Major League level. In 1952, Johnny O'Brien was also the first collegiate player to score 1,000 in a season.
Redhawks in the Major Leagues: A Pitcher's Paradise
Interestingly, every single former Redhawk to play in the majors has been a pitcher. Although all five former Seattle University ballplayers who made it to the majors were pitchers, one of them also homered during his career, four times!
Janson Junk, a Decatur grad, is one of the five former Seattle University ballplayers who made it to the majors. "I had a lot of nerves leading up to my debut, but once I got on the field, everything was calm and I realized that it’s the same great game I've been playing my whole life, just brighter lights and a bigger stage," said Junk, upon his MLB debut with the Angels.
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A Broader Look at Seattle University Athletics in the Mid-20th Century
Seattle University excelled in more than the hardwood during the 1950 and 1960’s as women’s tennis star Janet Hopps was the first female to be the No. 1 ranked collegiate player in the nation. In 1958, Hall of Fame inductee, Elgin Baylor, paced a men’s basketball team that advanced to the Final Four and defeated number one ranked (at that time) Kansas State University. In the national title game, with Baylor limited by a broken rib, Seattle U fell short to an Adolph Rupp led University of Kentucky squad. The success of men’s basketball, continued into to the 1960’s with outstanding players such as Eddie Miles, John Tresvant, Rod Derline, Clint Richardson and Tom Workman, all of whom went on to successful NBA careers. In fact, during a period of time during the 1960’s no other NCAA institution produced more NBA players than did Seattle University.
Transition and Return to Division I
Facing local economic depression, declining enrollments and mounting financial pressures for athletics competitiveness, the competing interest for discretionary spending and corporate sponsorship support with emergence of the NBA Seattle Supersonics franchise, and NCAA compliance legislation requirements intensifying, then University President Fr. William Sullivan made the difficult decision to reclassify Seattle University athletics from NCAA Division I to independent status in 1980.
In the late 1990’s, current University President, Fr. Stephen Sundborg, S.J. began to explore a return to NCAA Division I athletics. Led by President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, Seattle University began its return to NCAA Division I membership in 2007. The University entered the then five-year reclassification process in 2008.
Modern Era: Conference Titles and NCAA Tournament Appearances
The Redhawks have achieved significant success since rejoining Division I. Through December 2019, the Redhawks have claimed 54 team and individual conference titles since 2012.
Women's basketball claimed the University's first WAC team regular-season title in 2013. Sprinter and high jumper Shaddye Melu, '16 claimed seven of those in indoor and outdoor track and field. Blaise Wittenauer-Lee, '17, of women's swimming captured five WAC championships and went on to become women's swimming's first NCAA Division I Championship qualifier. Academic All-American Stephanie Verdoia led the Redhawks to its first four WAC titles in women's soccer and was named the Seattle Sports Commission Female Sports Star of the Year.
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Men's soccer has earned four NCAA Tournament berths since 2013. The Redhawks advanced to the second round in 2013 with a win over Creighton. The Redhawks were a Sweet 16 team in 2015 after defeating national power UCLA at Championship Field before a capacity crowd. In 2017, the Redhawks beat Washington to reach the tournament's second round. Women's soccer has advanced to five NCAA Championships and was a PK away from a Sweet 16 berth in 2014 in a heartbreaking loss to South Carolina.
Men's golf won its first WAC Championship in 2017, while women's basketball achieved the feat in 2018, each advancing to their respective NCAA Tournaments. Softball added yet another team to earn its first WAC Championship and NCAA DI Tournament appearance, achieving both in 2019.
Men's basketball qualified for its first postseason in 46 years in 2015. The Redhawks beat Pepperdine and Colorado in a College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Tournament run. They also advanced in the 2016 CBI by defeating Idaho at home. The Redhawks returned to the CBI Tournament in 2018 following a historic season that saw the first 20-win Division I season since 1963-64.
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tags: #Seattle #University #baseball #history #statistics
