A Diamond Legacy: The History of Franklin Pierce University Baseball
Franklin Pierce University, a private institution nestled in Rindge, New Hampshire, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1962. While the university is known for its diverse academic programs and scenic campus, its athletic programs, particularly baseball, have carved a significant niche in the NCAA Division II landscape. This article delves into the history of the Franklin Pierce University baseball program, tracing its evolution, accomplishments, and the key figures who have shaped its identity.
From College to University: A Foundation for Growth
Originally established as Franklin Pierce College in 1962, the institution underwent a transformative period, achieving university status in 2007. This transition reflected the college's growth and expansion of its academic offerings. The early years saw the campus evolve from a collection of four older buildings to a comprehensive layout with residence halls, classrooms, and athletic facilities.
The university's athletic journey began in NCAA Division III from 1972 to 1975, followed by a stint in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in 1976. In 1987, Franklin Pierce gained dual membership in NCAA Division II and NAIA, officially commencing participation in 1988. In 2000-01, Franklin Pierce College joined the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10), marking a significant step in its athletic development.
The Genesis of the Baseball Program
The Franklin Pierce University baseball program officially commenced in 2001, marking the beginning of a new era for the university's athletic department. From its inception, the program aimed to establish itself as a competitive force within the Northeast-10 Conference and the NCAA Division II ranks.
Jayson King's Era: Building a Baseball Powerhouse
Under the leadership of head coach Jayson King, the Franklin Pierce baseball program experienced unprecedented success. King's tenure, spanning 17 seasons, saw the team achieve a remarkable record of 606-282-3 (.682). His contributions to the program were widely recognized, earning him six ABCA/Rawlings Region Coach of the Year awards and seven NEIBA Division II Coach of the Year honors.
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During King's leadership, Franklin Pierce made national headlines on the baseball diamond. Whether it be College World Series appearances or MLB Draft picks, Franklin Pierce enjoyed unprecedented success.
Key figures who have shaped the identity
Bruce Kirsh spent 45 years at Franklin Pierce - including 39 years as Director of Athletics. He helped lead the school into NE10 membership. Kirsh's biggest impact can still be felt on campus due to the facility improvements during his tenure - including the construction of Sodexo Field, Pappas Field, the Pappas Training Center and the new softball facility. Kirsh also served as men's basketball head coach for 12 years and compiled a 254-119 (.719) mark.
Dr. George Hagerty, the President of Franklin Pierce from 1995 to 2009, oversaw the institution's move to the NE10 as well as its transition to University status. Hagerty served as head of the NCAA Division II Presidents' Council from 2005-06 and of the NE10 Presidents' Council from 2007-08.
Cindy Armanis another influential figure at Franklin Pierce, serving in a variety of roles in the athletic department since August of 1985 - including but not limited to head coach of the softball program from 1986-90, followed by her roles as Compliance Coordinator and Head Athletic Trainer.
Facility and Resources
Franklin Pierce University provides its baseball program with modern facilities and resources to support its training and development. The Grimshay-Gudewik Activity Center at Northfields, also known as "The Bubble", serves as the hub of the university's Campus Recreation program. The Bubble serves as a recreation area for the entire campus population, as well as both a weight room and inclement-weather practice facility for Franklin Pierce's intercollegiate athletic programs.
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Notable Alumni: Making it to the Majors
The Franklin Pierce University baseball program has produced several talented players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. Steve Hathaway was the first former Raven to make it to the majors. Two former Franklin Pierce University ballplayers have made it to the majors.
Kevin McGowan, a three-year member of the Franklin Pierce pitching staff, saved his best for last, as he ultimately settled into the third-starter role in a loaded 2013 rotation, which featured 13th-round draftee and Northeast-10 Conference Pitcher of the Year Trevor Graham as the ace and fellow future Major Leaguer Steve Hathaway as the number-two. McGowan made 13 starts for the eventual regional champions that spring, and recorded 60 strikeouts, against just 16 walks, on the way to a 3.20 ERA and a 7-2 record over 78.2 innings. Arguably the signature moment of his career came in the 2013 East Regional title game, when he took the ball some 26 hours after throwing a complete game in an elimination contest and fired a pair of scoreless innings to kickstart a 5-1 victory over Wilmington (Del.). McGowan would be drafted by the Mets in the 13th round (386 overall) by the Mets in the 2013 MLB Draft, eight picks after Graham and 34 ahead of Hathaway.
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