Stetson University Baseball: A Legacy of Excellence and Tradition
Stetson University's baseball program boasts a storied history filled with remarkable achievements and enduring traditions. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a competitive force, the Hatters have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. This article delves into the rich tapestry of Stetson baseball, exploring its notable alumni, significant milestones, and the traditions that define the program.
Early Years and Notable Alumni
Stetson University has a long and proud tradition of developing baseball talent. Numerous Hatters have gone on to be drafted by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, showcasing the program's ability to cultivate skilled players.
The following is a list of Stetson University alumni who have been drafted by MLB teams:
- 1957: Walt Jasinski (RHP) - Los Angeles (NL)
- 1958: Bob Vostry (1B/OF) - Chicago (AL)
- 1970: Pete Dunn (C) - Kansas City, Ashby Frayser (INF) - Montreal
- 1972: Roy Tanner (OF) - Kansas City
- 1974: Stephen Kotenda (INF) - Boston, Ted Loehr (RHP) - Chicago (AL), Dave Braden (LHP) - Texas
- 1975: Jim Howard (OF) - New York (NL)
- 1976: Jesse Wright (LHP) - Oakland
- 1977: Jeff Brueggemann (RHP) - Minnesota
- 1978: Ronnie Pearce (RHP) - Montreal
- 1979: Bill Swaggerty (RHP) - Baltimore, Dan Williams (1B) - Chicago (AL)
- 1981: Wade Rowdon (INF) - Chicago (AL), David Miller (OF) - Baltimore
- 1982: Bob Klusacek (LHP) - San Diego, Mike Burgermeister (RHP) - San Francisco
- 1983: Mike Ullian (LHP) - St. Louis, Jeff Pequignot (OF) - Milwaukee
- 1984: Mike Ullian (LHP) - Houston
- 1985: Jay Nieporte (C) - San Diego, Jeff Henderson (LHP) - Detroit, Scott Gray (INF) - Houston, Rick Malizia (OF) - Baltimore
- 1986: Chris Byrnes (LHP) - New York (AL), Kevin Wasilewski (RHP) - Houston, Fred DeLamata (OF) - Baltimore
- 1987: Chris Dunham (1B) - Cleveland, Steve Woide (LHP) - Toronto
- 1988: George Tsamis (LHP) - Toronto
- 1989: George Tsamis (LHP) - Minnesota, Darin Bruehl (INF) - Houston
- 1990: Mike Pinckes (INF) - Cleveland
- 1991: Jim Waring (RHP) - Houston, Tom Hickox (RHP) - Milwaukee, Craig Risdon (RHP) - Atlanta Braves
- 1992: Larry Hingle (LHP) - Los Angeles (AL), Wes Weger (INF) - Milwaukee, Ernie Yaroshuk (OF) - New York (AL), Tibor Brown (LHP) - New York (AL), Christopher Thomas (C) - Milwaukee
- 1993: Willard Brown (RHP) - Los Angeles (AL), Aaron Iatarola (OF) - Los Angeles (AL)
- 1995: Jeff Smith (C) - Minnesota
- 1996: Mike Lyons (RHP) - New York (NL), Chuck Beale (RHP) - Boston, Eric Knott (RHP) - Arizona Diamondbacks, George Kauffman (RHP) - Kansas City, Javier Gomez (RHP) - Detroit
- 1997: Kevin Nicholson (INF) - San Diego, Clint Chrysler (LHP) - Seattle
- 1998: Sammy Serrano (C) - San Francisco Giants, Brooks Stephens (1B) - Tampa Bay
- 1999: Jeff House (RHP) - Milwaukee
- 2001: Lenny DiNardo (LHP) - New York (NL), Jeff Christy (OF) - Oakland, Frank Corr (OF) - New York (NL)
- 2003: Brian Snyder (INF) - Oakland, Mike Wiley (LHP) - Colorado Rockies, Roger Lincoln (LHP) - Cleveland, Chris Westervelt (C) - Oakland, Rusty Beale (INF) - Cincinnati Reds, Andy Wilson (INF) - New York (NL)
- 2004: Chris Westervelt (C) - Los Angeles (NL)
- 2005: Ryan Dixon (RHP) - St. Louis
- 2006: Chris Johnson (INF) - Houston, Brian Bocock (INF) - San Francisco Giants, Nathan Nery (LHP) - Baltimore
- 2007: Corey Kluber (RHP) - San Diego, Braedyn Pruitt (INF) - New York (AL), Chris Ingoglia (LHP) - Miami Marlins, Shane Jordan (OF) - San Francisco Giants
- 2008: Justin Bass (OF) - Miami Marlins, Brian Pruitt (OF) - Washington, Nick Pugliese (RHP) - Los Angeles (AL)
- 2009: Jeremy Cruz (OF) - Los Angeles (AL), Casey Frawley (OF) - Cleveland, Robby Donovan (RHP) - Houston
- 2010: Jacob deGrom (RHP) - New York (NL)
- 2011: Nick Rickles (C) - Oakland, Lindsey Caughel (RHP) - Baltimore, Tucker Donahue (RHP) - Texas
- 2012: Tucker Donahue (RHP) - Toronto, Sam Kimmel (C) - Baltimore, Lindsey Caughel (RHP) - Los Angeles (NL), Robbie Powell (RHP) - Los Angeles (AL), Ben Carhart (INF) - Chicago Cubs, Jake Boyd (RHP) - Los Angeles (AL), Kirk Schluter (RHP) - Boston
- 2013: Cameron Griffin (LHP) - Pittsburgh Pirates
- 2015: Patrick Mazeika (C/1B) - New York (NL), Garrett Russini (C/OF) - Pittsburgh Pirates
- 2016: Walker Sheller (RHP) - Kansas City, Mitchell Jordan (RHP) - Oakland, Vance Vizcaino (OF) - Kansas City
- 2017: Brooks Wilson (RHP) - Texas
- 2018: Logan Gilbert (RHP) - Seattle, Brooks Wilson (RHP) - Atlanta Braves, Jack Perkins (RHP) - Philadelphia Phillies, Ben Onyshko (LHP) - Seattle, Austin Hale (C) - Minnesota, Joey Gonzalez (RHP) - Houston, Mike Spooner (OF) - Cincinnati Reds
- 2019: Mitchell Senger (LHP) - New York (NL), Robbie Peto (RHP) - Tampa Bay, Vlad Nunez (RHP) - Chicago (AL)
- 2020: Robbie Peto (RHP) - Los Angeles (NL)
- 2023: Christian Pregent (C) - New York (NL), Austin Amaral (RHP) - Washington
- 2024: Gio Cueto (C) - Los Angeles (NL), Aric McAtee (RHP) - Chicago (AL)
- 2025: Lorenzo Meola (SS) - San Francisco Giants, Isaiah Barkett (INF) - San Francisco Giants, Ty Van Dyke (RHP) - St..
These players represent a diverse range of talent and positions, highlighting Stetson's ability to develop well-rounded baseball players.
Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom: Defining Excellence
Among the many talented players who have donned the Stetson Hatters uniform, two names stand out: Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom. These pitchers have not only achieved remarkable success in MLB but have also brought considerable recognition to the Stetson baseball program.
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- Corey Kluber: Drafted in 2007 by the San Diego Padres, Kluber has become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, Kluber is known for his exceptional command, poise, and ability to consistently perform at a high level.
- Jacob deGrom: Selected in 2010 by the New York Mets, deGrom has emerged as a true ace. With multiple Cy Young Awards to his name, deGrom's electrifying fastball and devastating slider have made him one of the most feared pitchers in the game.
The success of Kluber and deGrom serves as an inspiration to current and future Stetson players, demonstrating the heights that can be reached with dedication and hard work.
Key Moments and Memorable Games
Stetson baseball history is punctuated by numerous key moments and memorable games that have shaped the program's identity. These events have not only provided thrilling entertainment for fans but have also contributed to the team's legacy of excellence.
A Nail-Biting Matchup Against FGCU
One such moment occurred on a sunny Sunday afternoon in 2017 when the Hatters faced off against FGCU in a decisive game of an early-season ASUN series. The game featured a pitching duel between Stetson's Logan Gilbert and FGCU's Garrett Anderson. Gilbert started the game strong, striking out the side in the first inning and continuing his dominance into the second.
Despite Gilbert's stellar performance, the Hatters struggled to score against Anderson. However, in the fifth inning, Stetson managed to scratch across a run, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. This game exemplified the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Stetson's Championship Culture
Stetson University's Athletics Program operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition, and Leadership. This commitment to developing a "culture of champions" is evident in the baseball program's consistent pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
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Traditions and Pride
Stetson University baseball is steeped in tradition, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie among players, coaches, and fans. These traditions help to create a unique and special atmosphere around the program.
The Legacy of John B. Stetson
The university's namesake, John B. Stetson, was a man of innovation, independence, and a commitment to the well-being of his workers. Stetson's entrepreneurial skills were matched by his passion for his employees, providing good wages, extensive benefits, and opportunities for recreation and community involvement. This legacy of caring and commitment continues to inspire the Stetson baseball program.
Stetson also helped find the YMCA in Philadelphia and was an early benefactor of Floridaâs Deland University, renamed John B. Stetson University in 1889.
The Stetson Hat: A Symbol of Identity
The Stetson hat is more than just a piece of headwear; it is a symbol of identity and tradition. Just as John B. Stetson's hats became iconic representations of American style, the Stetson Hatters baseball team embodies the values of hard work, dedication, and excellence.
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