A History of Longwood University Baseball
Longwood University's baseball program boasts a rich history, marked by significant achievements and the development of talented players. From its humble beginnings to its current standing in NCAA Division I, the program has consistently strived for excellence.
Early Years and the 1982 World Series Run
The Longwood University baseball program officially began in 1979, and quickly established itself as a competitive force. Just a few years later, the 1982 Baseball Team achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first program in Longwood athletics history to advance to an NCAA Division II Championship event. This team, captained by David Mitchell, Bruce Morgan, and Denny Ulrey, showcased exceptional talent and determination.
The 1982 team, comprised of 21 members, played their way to the 1982 Division II College World Series in Riverside, California. The team included the program's first three All-Americans: Dwayne Kingery, John Sullivan, and Doug Toombs, marking a turning point for the program's recognition on a national scale. Kingery was named MVP of the South Atlantic Regional, helping the Lancers knock off West Georgia 12-2 in the regional opener and then take a best-of-three series against powerhouse Valdosta State to clinch the regional title. In the World Series opener, the Lancers fell to eventual World Series Champion UC Riverside 6-1. Their historic season ended after a loss to runner-up Florida Southern, 11-0, in the elimination game.
Buddy Bolding Stadium
The Longwood Lancers play their home games at Buddy Bolding Stadium, a baseball stadium located on the Longwood University campus in Farmville, Virginia. The stadium provides an intimate setting for fans to enjoy the game, with a seating capacity of approximately 500.
Michael Tucker: A Lancer in the Major Leagues
One name stands out in the history of Longwood baseball: Michael Tucker. Tucker was the first - and only - former Lancer to make it to the Major League level. Inducted into the Longwood University Hall of Fame in 2005 as part of the inaugural class, Tucker's accomplishments both at Longwood and in the MLB are a source of pride for the university.
Read also: A Look Back at Longwood Softball
Tucker's collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular. During his time at Longwood (1990-92), he earned two-time NCAA Division II 1st-Team All-American honors (1991, 1992). In 1992, he was recognized as the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Division II Player of the Year and the Baseball America Small College Player of the Year. That same year, he achieved the rare feat of winning the NCAA Division II Triple Crown, boasting a .489 batting average with 22 home runs and 74 RBI.
His outstanding performance led to him being drafted in the first round (10th overall) of the 1992 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals. Tucker's MLB career spanned 11 seasons, during which he played with six different teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies. He was also a member of the 1992 United States Olympic Baseball Team, making him Longwood's first and only Olympic athlete. Tucker still holds seven school records, including career batting average (.428) and home runs (45).
Transition to Division I and the Big South Conference
The Longwood Lancers are an NCAA Division I college baseball program that competes in the Big South Conference. This transition to Division I marked a new chapter for the program, bringing increased competition and opportunities for growth.
Longwood’s men’s and women’s golf teams both placed golfers inside the top 10 at the Big South Championships to earn a pair of matching sixth-place team finishes.
Hall of Fame
Longwood University has announced its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Class. Six individuals were inducted at the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sunday evening, November 27, in the Lee Grand Dining Room of the Dorrill Dining Hall on-campus in Farmville. The institution is acknowledging its long history and storied tradition of intercollegiate athletics with the establishment of the new Athletics Hall of Fame. The inaugural class includes Jerome Kersey, Tina Barrett '88, Michael Tucker, Dr. Barbara Smith, Julie Dayton '81, and the late Dr. Elizabeth Burger Jackson.
Read also: Leaders from Longwood
Former women’s lacrosse All-American and Longwood Hall of Fame member Julie Dayton ’81 will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame on Sept. 10.
Other Longwood University News
Longwood University is actively involved in various initiatives and projects that benefit its students and the surrounding community.
The National Science Foundation invests $650,000 in teaching science the Longwood way. This includes personal support and mentoring from faculty, as well as special opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
More than 100 members of the Longwood-Farmville community spent an afternoon this spring exploring their own backyard. When members of a Longwood student volunteer group learned that many children in the region have very few or no books of their own, they sprang into action.
Eleven Longwood students participated in a service-learning project at Grand Canyon National Park over spring break in March.
Read also: Longwood TLE: What Parents Are Saying
The Longwood athletics communications office received recognition in the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)’s Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest for the second straight year.
Alumni are encouraged to give time to the Longwood community to enhance the Longwood alumni experience. Chris Davis ’09 of Richmond, Linda Norris ’81 of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Rob Postel ’96 of Stafford joined the Alumni Board on July 1.
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