Arizona State Baseball: A Legacy Forged by Notable Alumni

The Arizona State Sun Devils baseball program stands as a monument to collegiate athletic excellence. With a history marked by five national championships and a consistent stream of elite talent into Major League Baseball (MLB), the program has cemented its place among the giants of college baseball. The Sun Devils have consistently been a force, boasting the highest winning percentage (.681) of all schools in the Pac-12 Conference while a member, and holding an NCAA-leading streak of 54 consecutive 30-win seasons. While many alumni have carved out successful MLB careers, several figures have risen to legendary status, both for their contributions to the program and their achievements in professional baseball.

A Tradition of Excellence

Arizona State University adopted baseball as a varsity sport in 1959. Early success came under the guidance of coach Bobby Winkles, who led the Sun Devils to a 28-18-1 record in their inaugural season. Just a few years later, in 1964, Winkles guided the team to a 44-7 record and a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title. Victories over Utah and Air Force propelled them to the 1964 College World Series.

The program experienced sustained success, with only four losing seasons in its history (1963, 2017, 2018, and 2022). The Sun Devils were nationally ranked every season for 58 years until 2017, with 27 Top 10 finishes, 22 Top 5 finishes, and five seasons finishing as the No. 1 team in the nation.

National Championships and Coaching Legends

ASU's five national championships rank fourth among all schools. The program also leads in the total number of alumni who have played in Major League Baseball. Key figures in the program's history include coaches Bobby Winkles and Jim Brock. Winkles, ASU's first varsity baseball coach, maintained a 524-173 record over 13 years and led the team to national championships in 1965, 1967 and 1969. Brock, who took over after Winkles, accumulated over 1,100 wins, led the Sun Devils to two national championships (1977 and 1981), 11 conference titles, and 13 trips to the College World Series.

Packard Stadium: A Storied Home

From 1974 to 2014, Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark in Tempe served as the home of Arizona State baseball. The stadium witnessed two national championship teams and hosted 17 NCAA regional tournaments. Arizona State's all-time record at Packard was an impressive 1,035-272-1, a .792 winning percentage. In 2010, ASU went 36-3 at home and hosted a Super Regional for the fourth straight season, clinching a College World Series berth on their home field for the third time in four seasons. The final game at Packard Stadium took place on May 20, 2014, with ASU defeating Abilene Christian 4-2.

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The Pantheon of Sun Devil Greats

While numerous players have donned the Sun Devil uniform and gone on to professional success, a select few have achieved legendary status. These players not only excelled during their time in Tempe but also left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball.

3. Dustin Pedroia: The Tempe Dynamo

Dustin Pedroia's career at Arizona State was marked by success both at the plate and in the field. This success seamlessly transitioned to his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox. The legendary second baseman was a key component in the franchise's 2013 World Series victory. Over 11 seasons, Pedroia amassed 1,805 hits, 140 home runs, and maintained a remarkable walk-to-strikeout ratio.

2. Reggie Jackson: Mr. October's Sun Devil Roots

Reggie Jackson, famously known as "Mr. October," played for Arizona State from 1964 to 1966 after initially joining the football team. He holds the distinction of being the first player to hit a home run out of Arizona State's home ballpark. Drafted second overall in the 1966 MLB draft, Jackson went on to a Hall of Fame career. He hit 563 career home runs, earned 14 All-Star selections, won an AL MVP award in 1973, and secured five World Series titles.

1. Barry Bonds: The Tempe Titan

Barry Bonds' impact on the Arizona State baseball program is undeniable. During his time with the Sun Devils, Bonds hit 45 home runs and earned the program's MVP award in 1986. While the team didn't capture another national title during those years, Bonds' influence was evident. His MLB career was even more decorated, with 14 All-Star selections, seven MVP awards, eight Gold Glove awards, and 12 Silver Slugger awards.

Other Notable Alumni

Beyond the three legends, numerous other Sun Devils have achieved success in professional baseball and other fields.

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Baseball Stars

Sal Bando: The Most Outstanding Player of the Sun Devils' first national championship team.
Andre Ethier: A two-time All-Pac-10 selection who played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bob Horner: The first-ever recipient of the Golden Spikes Award.
Paul Lo Duca: Named National Player of the Year by The Sporting News and Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1993.
Rick Monday: The first player ever drafted in the MLB draft.
Mike Leake: One of the most accomplished pitchers in ASU history, posting a 40-6 record with a 2.91 ERA.
Casey Myers: A three-time All-American and two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year.
Willie Bloomquist: Current head coach of the Arizona State University baseball program, three-time All-American.

Golfing Greats

Phil Mickelson: One of the all-time PGA Tour greats, leading former Sun Devils in career earnings.
Paul Casey: A phenomenal ASU Alum.
Pat Perez: Has had a long career.
Billy Mayfair: Had an illustrious career on the PGA Tour.
Chez Reavie: The ASU alum was successful from a young age.
Matt Jones: Has had a solid professional career.
Dan Forsman: Was a solid player on the PGA and Champions Tours.
Jim Carter: ASU's first NCAA champion.
Tom Purtzer: Had a solid career on the PGA Tour and an even better one on the Champions Tour.
Grayson Murray: Turned pro.
Bob Gilder: Won six PGA Tour tournaments and a whopping ten Champions Tour tournaments.
Howard Twitty: Saw success on the PGA Tour.
Joey Snyder III: A Sun Devil NCAA title team member.
Alejandro Canizares: Saw some success internationally.
Chan Kim: Kim turned pro.

Hall of Fame Inductees

The Arizona State University Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional athletes and coaches who have made significant contributions to the university's athletic programs. Several baseball alumni have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including: