Fresno State Athletics
July 14: 2008 Baseball team wins the College World Series
7/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
July 14, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State Athletics has had many memorable moments during its history. Each day during the month of July, Gobulldogs.com will highlight a great moment from Fresno State Athletics history.
July 14: 2008 Baseball team wins the College World Series
In 2008 the Bulldog baseball team took the nation by storm when they beat the odds and won the 2008 College World Series, signing their names into school and national history books.
Getting to the national championship series was no easy task for the Dogs. The Bulldogs, a No. 4 regional seed, won the Long Beach Regional with wins over nationally ranked No. 11 Long Beach State and No. 6 San Diego and then took two-of-three games over No. 3 national seed Arizona State to win the Tempe Super Regional. Making history, the Dogs entered the College World Series as the lowest seeded team to ever play in the series.
With a `never give up' attitude and a `we over me' mentality the Dogs proved to be a dangerous threat to the likes of nationally ranked No. 5 Rice, No. 2 North Carolina and No. 6 Georgia.
The Dogs began their journey to the history books by beating Rice 17-5 and then North Carolina twice to reach the CWS Championship series against Georgia. After losing the first game, 7-6, Fresno State sprang back in game 2, winning 19-10 and then proved who the true Bulldogs were with a 6-1 win in the championship game. With the win, the Dogs became not only the lowest seeded team to play in the CWS but also the lowest seeded team to win an NCAA championship in any sport. The Bulldogs captured America's heart and showed a fierce dedication not only to the game but to their team as well.
"I couldn't be more proud of what they did and accomplished," said Head Coach Mike Batesole said after the win.
Following the win, the Bulldogs were welcomed home by thousands of fans who lined Barstow Ave. Fans followed the team into Bieden field where players were given the opportunity to thank the community for their support.
The 2008 season ended with third baseman, Tom Mendonca being named the CWS Most Outstanding Player and Batesole named National Coach of the Year by "Collegiate Baseball" newspaper and Baseball Writers. Left fielder Steve Susdorf was named Athlete of the Year by Fresno's local media and the Bulldog baseball team was nominated for an ESPY Award in the Best Upset category.
Coming tomorrow: Jaleesa Ross becomes the first player in WAC history to be named WAC tournament MVP in back-to-back years. Sets school record for most 3-pointers made
We Are Your Team - For Fresno State ticket information log onto gobulldogs.com or call 559-278-DOGS.
