A Comprehensive History of Akron Zips Baseball
The Akron Zips baseball team, representing the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, holds a significant place in the institution's athletic history. As a varsity intercollegiate team, the Zips competed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level as a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Established in the early days of the university, the baseball program has experienced periods of both success and challenges, ultimately contributing to the rich tapestry of Akron's sporting legacy.
Early Beginnings and Conference Affiliations
The Akron Zips baseball program was established in early 1873, coinciding with the university's first academic year. Over the years, the team participated in various athletic conferences, reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. From 1954 to 1966, Akron competed in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), followed by a stint in the Ohio Valley Conference from 1981 to 1987. In the early 1990s, the Zips joined the Mid-Continent Conference for the 1990, 1991, and 1992 seasons.
Mid-American Conference (MAC) Era
The Zips began competition in the MAC in 1993, marking a new chapter in the program's history. When the conference created its East Division in 2000, Akron was placed within it, solidifying its place in the conference structure.
NCAA Tournament Appearance
The pinnacle of the Akron Zips baseball program came in 1996 when the team secured its sole appearance in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. This achievement was a direct result of their triumph in the MAC Tournament, a testament to the team's hard work and dedication.
Program Elimination and Reinstatement
Despite its long history, the Akron baseball program faced a significant setback on July 10, 2015, when the university announced its immediate elimination. Citing budget problems as the primary reason, the decision brought an end to a program that had been fielding a team since 1873, with uninterrupted play since 1947. The move was part of a larger effort to address the university's financial challenges, which included cutting 215 jobs to save $40 million.
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However, the story of Akron Zips baseball did not end there. In the fall of 2018, it was announced that the team would be reinstated, resuming play in 2020. This resurgence was spearheaded by the appointment of Chris Sabo, a former Major League All-Star and Rookie of the Year, as head coach.
The University of Akron's Athletic Identity
The University of Akron's athletics history stretches back almost 130 years. The Zips' intercollegiate athletics program includes basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball for women, and baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track and field for men.
In 1927, a campus-wide contest was conducted to choose a nickname for the University's athletic teams. Student Margaret Hamlin suggested "Zippers," which was also the name of a popular rubber overshoe sold by Akron's B.F. Goodrich Co.
The evolution of Zippy, The University of Akron’s mascot, began 54 years ago when the student council, under president Dave Frye, decided the University needed a mascot. “Zippy” the kangaroo was officially declared UA’s mascot on May 1, 1953. The first known printed reference to the mascot as “Zippy” was a 1965 Zips football press brochure. The Buchtelite's first use of the name “Zippy” came Sept.
Notable Alumni
Throughout its history, the Akron Zips baseball program has produced several players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. Six former University of Akron ballplayers have made it to the major leagues, a testament to the quality of the program and the talent it has nurtured.
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One such player is Mark Malaska, who shared his experience during his major league debut: "We were at home against Texas (during his major league debut), and behind something like 17-2 - there were maybe 2,000 people left in the stands. I was thinking that I'd probably go in, and figured there was no reason to be nervous because there was hardly anyone watching. Then, the umpire hands me the ball and it's Wally Bell - he's actually from my home town and I'd met him before. I took that as a good omen, but instead of being calm I walked the first two batters I faced. I was out there pitching like my hair was on fire!" (Associated Press Wire. The Day It Started.)
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