I believe Franklin College also beat D1 Butler University. Another feather in the cap of a DIII. It's not very often that a DIII beats a D1, if ever, so those accomplishments are to be cherished. I can't imagine the joy of the DIII players after one of those rare feats.
Posts: 396 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 02, 2007
Originally posted by switchitter: It's not very often that a DIII beats a D1, if ever, so those accomplishments are to be cherished.
There are some very, very competitive D3 schools that regularly make it onto the schedules of D1's in the regular season, simply because the D1's know they can play. If you look at a school like Rollins in FL, you'll see that not only do they make it on the schedule, but they win also. This is the alma mater of former AL rookie of the year, John Castino.
Pray not for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs.
Posts: 2947 | Location: il | Registered: November 15, 2006
Trinity (TX) had Notre Dame on the ropes, up 8-5 getting well into the game. Ended up losing 11-8. Game was played at the San Antonio Missions' Stadium. I was fortunate enough to be there (had to borrow my hotel room blanket because it was cold and windy believe it or not!). Got to watch Golden Tate play ball; a key player on the Irish football squad.
Anyway, yes, the top-tier D3s often do quite well in these matchups.
"I would be lost without baseball. I don't think I could stand being away from it as long as I was alive." Roberto Clemente #21
Posts: 2927 | Location: Neither Here Nor There | Registered: November 26, 2003
I believe we will see this more and more as the 35 man roster limit at D1 causes spreading of talent around to other divisions. You will still have your perrenial D1 powers, but the entire D2 - D3 - NAIA - Juco talent pool should be rising as a result of 5-10 less players on D1 rosters. I know this has been debated at length elsewhere here. But in the end - baseball players just want to play baseball, and anything can happen when 9 ballplayers take the field on any given day.
Just a note; Rollins College is a D2. There are no D3's in FL. The D2's in FL are very strong... Barry, Tampa, Florida Southern & Lynn are powerhouses.
Posts: 337 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 08, 2006
Originally posted by fsmjunior: Just a note; Rollins College is a D2. There are no D3's in FL. The D2's in FL are very strong... Barry, Tampa, Florida Southern & Lynn are powerhouses.
That's absolutley correct, thus solidifying my statement that a DIII win over a D1 is a superb acheivement. I realize there are a few select DIII's that can compete with D1's, but it's not the norm at all.
Posts: 396 | Location: Michigan | Registered: September 02, 2007
Florida D2 programs successfully recruit and sign D1 talent every year. There aren't enough in-state D1 roster spots to match the talent. Lots of kids go out of state or stay home and play D2. D2's also benefit from the transfer waiver allowing D1 transfers to play immediately, without stting out a year. I know two new D1 transfers playing at FL Southern this year.
Posts: 5348 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
