Coastal Carolina University Baseball: A History of the Chanticleers
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball team has a history marked by transitions, achievements, and a climb to national prominence. From its humble beginnings in the NAIA to its Division I College World Series championship, the program has become a point of pride for Coastal Carolina University.
Early Years and Transition to Division I
Coastal Carolina University's baseball program started in 1974, initially competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). For nearly a decade, the Chanticleers honed their skills and built a foundation in the NAIA. In 1983, Coastal Carolina, along with seven other schools, formed the Big South Conference. This move signaled a significant step forward, as the conference petitioned for Division I status, which was granted in 1985.
Rise to Prominence
The transition to Division I marked a new era for Coastal Carolina baseball. Competing against larger programs and with increased resources, the Chanticleers steadily improved. The program gained recognition for its competitive play and commitment to excellence.
The 2016 College World Series Championship
The pinnacle of Coastal Carolina's baseball history arrived in 2016 with its College World Series (MCWS) victory. The Chanticleers' journey to the championship was marked by resilience and determination.
Key Moments from the 2016 MCWS Run
Coastal Carolina tied the longest win streak in MLB history at 26 games, achieved by the 1916 New York Giants, after not having lost since April 22 against the College of Charleston. The Chanticleers showcased their offensive prowess throughout the MCWS. With the bases loaded, Coastal Carolina went 4-for-7, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Colby Thorndyke was particularly effective in these situations, going 2-for-2 with two doubles, a hit-by-pitch, and seven RBIs with the bases loaded.
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Jacob Morrison emerged as a dominant force on the mound. In one game against Oregon State, he retired 16 consecutive batters after allowing a leadoff home run in the third inning. Morrison led the nation with 10 starts of at least six innings while allowing one or fewer runs. Since the best-of-three MCWS Finals were added in 2003, only three national champions have gone 10-0 in the postseason (UCLA in 2013, Arizona in 2012 and South Carolina in 2011).
Coaching and Leadership
Several coaches have contributed to the success of the Coastal Carolina baseball program. Gary Gilmore served as the head baseball coach. In June 2024, Kevin Schnall was named the new head baseball coach at Coastal Carolina.
Notable Players
Over the years, Coastal Carolina has produced talented players who have gone on to professional careers. As of now, sixteen former Coastal Carolina ballplayers have made it to the major leagues. Kirt Manwaring, known for his defensive skills as a catcher, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1986.
University's History and Growth
To fully appreciate the baseball program's journey, it's essential to understand the university's history. The institution's origins can be traced back to July 23, 1954, when a group of citizens gathered to discuss the creation of a local college. Coastal Carolina Junior College opened on September 20, 1954, as a branch of the College of Charleston.
Key milestones in the University's Development
Independence: Coastal Carolina Junior College became independent when the College of Charleston discontinued its extension program.
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Horry County Higher Education Commission: The South Carolina General Assembly created the Horry County Higher Education Commission to oversee the use of Coastal Carolina's county tax money.
USC Affiliation: The Horry County Higher Education Commission established Coastal Carolina Regional Campus of the University of South Carolina, effective in the fall of 1960. The college became USC Coastal Carolina College, beginning a 33-year relationship with the University of South Carolina.
Campus Development: The present site of the University was selected, with land donated by Burroughs Timber Company and International Paper Company. A fundraising drive raised $317,000 for construction, and the first campus building was completed.
Leadership: Edward M. "Dick" Singleton began his 20-year tenure as director and later chancellor of USC Coastal Carolina College.
Expansion: USC Coastal Carolina College added a junior year, and in 1974, a fourth year was added.
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Performing Arts: Wheelwright Auditorium, the first center for the performing arts in northeast South Carolina, was dedicated.
Independence Achieved: On July 23, 1991, the Coastal Educational Foundation and the Horry County Higher Education Commission voted to seek legislative approval to establish an independent Coastal Carolina University. The South Carolina Legislature passed legislation establishing Coastal Carolina University as an independent, public institution, effective July 1, 1993. Ronald R. Ingle was named the University's first president.
Academic Growth: Coastal Carolina University began offering its first graduate programs in education in the fall of 1993.
Campus Expansion: New facilities were completed, including the E. Craig Wall Sr. School of Business Administration Building and the Eldred E. Prince Building.
Strategic Planning: The Board of Trustees adopted A Journey of Excellence, a plan to guide the University into the next century.
Continued Development: The R. Cathcart Smith Science Center was dedicated, and a campaign to upgrade the facility was announced.
Name Changes: To reflect the growth of academic programs and the maturity of the institution, the four academic schools of the University were renamed colleges.
Enrollment Growth: University enrollment increased to almost 5,000 students from 47 states and 50 countries.
New Programs: A baccalaureate degree program was offered in management-international tourism.
Anniversary Celebrations: The University anticipated its anniversary with plans for the 50th Anniversary Initiatives, an ambitious campaign to raise private funds to support the academic, physical, and athletic needs of the University.
Football Program: A $2 million gift from Loris native Bob Brooks marked the largest single gift in the history of the University and placed the Brooks name on the new football stadium.
Campus Expansion: The campus now comprises 52 main buildings on 302 acres.
Graduate Programs: The long-awaited MBA degree gained approval, and the Wall College of Business began accepting MBA students.
New Leadership: David A. DeCenzo took office as the second president of Coastal Carolina University on May 7, 2007.
Economic Impact: The annual economic impact of the University topped $225 million.
Science Funding: Coastal Carolina University received its largest grant, $2.3 million, from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program that partners graduate students and Horry County K-12 teachers in coastal science research.
Facility Improvements: Horry County voters approved a penny sales tax to provide funding to be divided among the Horry County public schools, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Coastal Carolina University.
Student Housing: The Coastal Carolina University Student Housing Foundation purchased a residential facility near campus and combined it with University Place, increasing the on-campus resident capacity to 3,379.
Academic Recognition: News & World Report ranked the University 26th of Top Public Schools in the South in the Regional Universities category.
Doctoral Program: Coastal Carolina University began offering its first doctoral program, the Ph.D. in coastal and marine systems science.
Strategic Plan: The Board of Trustees adopted a new strategic plan, High-Impact Engagement: The Coastal Carolina University 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, to guide the University and its growth.
From Trojans to Chanticleers
The Coastal Carolina University athletic teams were once known as the Trojans until the mid-1960s. The adoption of the Chanticleers as the mascot reflects the university's unique identity and spirit.
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