Diamond Legacy: A History of University of New Mexico Baseball

The University of New Mexico Lobos baseball program boasts a storied history, marked by conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and a legacy of talented players. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day successes, the program has become an integral part of the university's athletic identity.

Early Years and Program Development

The early years of UNM baseball laid the foundation for the program's future growth. George Petrol led the Lobos from 1947 to 1965, posting a record of 195-240-1 (.448) in his 19 seasons. Bob Leigh took over as head coach from 1966-76, and in his 11 seasons, he coached the Lobos to a record of 309-212-2 (.593). Vince Cappelli was coach for 13 seasons from 1977-89, and he obtained a record of 384-350-6 (.523). These coaches helped build the program and set the stage for future success.

The 1980s: A Seminal Decade

The 1980s proved to be a pivotal era for Lobo baseball. The 1985 team achieved the program's first national rankings, reaching impressive heights. Key players emerged during this period, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

Key Players

Duane: Author of the greatest pitching season in Lobo history, Duane went a perfect 14-0 in 1985, setting marks for winning percentage and wins. He threw 105.1 innings and had a 2.98 ERA that season, but he was also the team leader in wins in 1983.
Andersh: In 1985, Kevin Andersh became one of a pair of first-round picks for UNM in the MLB draft.

Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Nichols: A three-year letterman who statistically played second-fiddle to Andersh and Duane, Nichols carved out his own path with a stellar 1984 campaign. He led that team in wins (6) and in ERA (3.93), and then he proved the perfect complement to Duane in the 1985 season. He parlayed that into being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 15th round of the 1985 draft. He played seven seasons in the major leagues with Cleveland, Atlanta and the L.A.
Fregosi: Fregosi, the son and namesake of the former Major League player and manager, the younger Fregosi had a brilliant three-year career at UNM. The two-time First Team All-WAC selection made it as a third baseman in 1984, but it was his unreal 1985 season that saw him set a slew of records that still hold to this day. Fregosi hit .445 as a junior in 1985, going 94-for-211 on the year, at the time the second-best mark in school history, and it’s still third over 36 years later. He set single-season marks in 1985 for runs (86), his on-base percentage of .547 is still second all-time, his mark of 12 triples is still second all-time, and his 180 total bases was second and is still fourth. He parlayed that season into becoming a second round draft choice, 42nd overall, of the St.
Kuhn: A four-year player for New Mexico, Kuhn started as a pitcher, but moved from the mound to behind the plate, eventually settling in as a designated hitter. The powerful Kuhn made the most of everyday action in 1987 and 1988, leading the team in games played with 55 in 1988. That season he led UNM in runs scored (45) and triples (5).
Snyder: Snyder was a two-year anchor in the infield at first base, and the slugger was at his best when it mattered most. While he hit 12 home runs to lead the 1986 squad, his postseason acumen put him over the top.

The Turn of the Millennium: A Renaissance

The dawn of the new millennium ushered in a resurgence for UNM baseball. The program celebrated individual accolades, including three Mountain West Player of the Year awards, a Pitcher of the Year honor, a Freshman of the Year award, and a Coach of the Year distinction. Nationally, the Lobos saw nine players earn All-American honors, with four being named Freshman All-Americans. Furthermore, 22 players were drafted into the professional ranks, and five signed as undrafted free agents.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Coaching Legacy

The Lobos have been guided by a number of dedicated coaches throughout their history, each contributing to the program's growth and success:

Rich Alday: Coached the Lobos for 18 seasons (1990-2007) and posted a record of 515-513-3 (.501).
Ray Birmingham: Served as head coach for fifteen seasons, amassing a record of 467-413-4 (.531).
Tod Brown: The Lobos' head coach since the 2022 season.

Santa Ana Star Field: A Home Field Advantage

The Lobos play their home games at Santa Ana Star Field, a venue that has undergone significant upgrades to enhance the player and fan experience.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

History and Renovations

After nine years at Isotopes Park, the Lobos returned to Lobo Field in March 2013. The field received a FieldTurf playing surface, upgraded scoreboard, dugouts, bullpens, and bleachers as a part of the first phase of the Lobo Field renovation. Further renovations enhanced the concession areas, the fan plaza between Lobo Field and the softball field, the press box and the bleachers. On December 16, 2015, UNM announced it had reached a 10-year, $1 million deal with Bernalillo company Tamaya Enterprises to rename the stadium Santa Ana Star Field.

Significance

Ray Birmingham emphasized the importance of having a dedicated home field, stating, "We need to have our own place to play. The kids deserve their own field to practice and play on, and now we have that." He envisioned the field as a hub for baseball in New Mexico, hosting not only Lobo games but also state championship games and major tournaments.

Achievements and Records

The Lobos have achieved significant milestones throughout their history, including:

Three conference tournament titles.
Eight regular season conference championships.
Five appearances in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.

Individual Accolades

The program has produced numerous All-America selections, with 27 players earning the prestigious honor. Additionally, 11 players have been named Freshman All-America.

NCAA Records

New Mexico student-athletes have etched their names in the NCAA record books, setting marks in various categories:

Season batting average: Keith Hagman (.551, 1980)
Most triples: Keith Hagman (17, 1980)
RBIs in an inning: Jonathan Gallegos (8 vs. Utah, March 13, 1993)
Doubles by a freshman: Peterson (32, 2011)

Team Records

The Lobos also hold several team records:

Hits by both teams: 68 vs. Fresno State (April 1, 1999)
Triples in a game: 7 vs. CSU-Pueblo (March 27, 1976)
Plate appearances in an inning: 25 vs.

MLB Draft Selections

UNM has a strong track record of producing professional baseball players, with 93 players selected in the MLB draft throughout its history. This includes two first-round picks: Kevin Andersh in 1985, and Peterson in 2013.

tags: #university #of #new #mexico #baseball #history