The Gannon University baseball team has been a staple of the NCAA Division II sports scene for decades, with a rich history of competitiveness and achievement. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the team has built a reputation for producing talented players and winning games.
Team History and Conference Affiliation
Gannon University's baseball team was established in 1947, and since then, the team has been a member of several conferences, including the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Currently, the team competes in the PSAC, which is one of the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division II.
Conference Championships and Postseason Appearances
Throughout its history, the Gannon University baseball team has won several conference championships, including four PSAC titles and two GLIAC titles. The team has also made several postseason appearances, including two NCAA Division II World Series appearances in 2001 and 2006.
Notable Alumni and Current Players
The Gannon University baseball team has produced several notable alumni, including former Major League Baseball (MLB) players and current coaches. Some notable alumni include:
- Justin Orenduff, a former MLB pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals
- Jake Cress, a former MLB pitcher who played for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics
- John Killian, a former MLB catcher who played for the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs
Currently, the team has several talented players, including:
- Derek Switzer, a senior pitcher who has been named to the PSAC West All-Conference team
- Alex Dzimian, a junior infielder who has been named to the PSAC West All-Conference team
- Ryan Obrecht, a sophomore outfielder who has been named to the PSAC West All-Conference team
Coaching Staff
The Gannon University baseball team is led by a experienced coaching staff, including:
- Head Coach Justin Douds, who has been leading the team since 2014 and has a winning record of over.500
- Assistant Coach Matt Jones, who has been with the team since 2015 and has helped develop several talented players
- Assistant Coach Ryan Gbur, who has been with the team since 2018 and has helped improve the team's pitching staff
Facilities and Training
The Gannon University baseball team plays its home games at McConnell Family Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 1,000. The stadium features a state-of-the-art playing surface, batting cages, and a weight room.
The team also has access to several training facilities, including the Gannon University Athletic Training Center, which provides athletic training and physical therapy services to student-athletes.
Recruiting and Tryouts
The Gannon University baseball team is always looking for talented players to join its roster. The team holds several recruiting events throughout the year, including open tryouts and prospect camps.
If you're interested in joining the team, you can contact the coaching staff directly or fill out the team's recruiting questionnaire.
Community Involvement and Outreach
The Gannon University baseball team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in several community outreach programs, including:
- The Gannon University Baseball Clinic, which provides free baseball instruction to local youth
- The Adopt-a-Player program, which pairs team members with local youth for mentorship and guidance
- The Community Day event, which features a free game and autograph session with the team
Alumni Association and Booster Club
The Gannon University baseball team has a strong alumni association and booster club, which provides support to the team and its players. The association and club host several events throughout the year, including the annual Baseball Alumni Weekend.
If you're interested in joining the alumni association or booster club, you can contact the team's coaching staff or fill out the membership application.
Final Thoughts
The Gannon University baseball team is a program rich in history and tradition. With a strong coaching staff, talented players, and excellent facilities, the team is well-positioned for success in the years to come.
If you're a fan of college baseball or just looking for a exciting and competitive team to follow, the Gannon University baseball team is definitely worth checking out.
What is the Gannon University baseball team's conference affiliation?
+The Gannon University baseball team is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
How many conference championships has the Gannon University baseball team won?
+The Gannon University baseball team has won four PSAC championships and two GLIAC championships.
What is the name of the Gannon University baseball team's home stadium?
+The Gannon University baseball team plays its home games at McConnell Family Stadium.