For Arkansas baseball fans, the College World Series (CWS) is the ultimate stage. It's where the best college baseball teams from around the country compete for the coveted national championship. And the Razorbacks have been fortunate enough to make eleven CWS appearances throughout their storied history. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Arkansas College World Series appearances, as well as the standout players, coaches, and moments that made each one memorable.
Arkansas CWS Appearances by Year and Results
| Year | Coach | CWS Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Norm DeBriyn | 3-2 Runner-Up |
| 1985 | Norm DeBriyn | 1-2 |
| 1987 | Norm DeBriyn | 1-2 |
| 1989 | Norm DeBriyn | 1-2 |
| 2004 | Dave Van Horn | 0-2 |
| 2009 | Dave Van Horn | 2-2 |
| 2012 | Dave Van Horn | 2-2 |
| 2015 | Dave Van Horn | 0-2 |
| 2018 | Dave Van Horn | 3-2 Runner-Up |
| 2019 | Dave Van Horn | 0-2 |
| 2022 | Dave Van Horn | 3-2 |
Hogs First Trip to Omaha
The first Arkansas College World Series appearance was in 1979, and they finished as runners-up in that year's tournament. The 1979 team featured All-American Ronn Reynolds and solid pitching staff. Unfortunately, they were unable to capture the title, but it was a significant moment in the program's history.
Fast-forward almost 40 years, and Arkansas was back in the CWS in 2018, reaching the finals once again. This time, they were led by a talented squad that included future MLB stars such as Blaine Knight and Carson Shaddy. Although they lost in the championship series, the team gave fans something to cheer about.
Arkansas baseball has not only produced great teams but also top-notch players. Andrew Benintendi, who played for the Razorbacks from 2014-15, won the Golden Spikes Award and was drafted 7th overall in the 2015 MLB Draft. Jeff King, who played for Arkansas in the 1980s, was a two-time All-American and a first-round pick in the 1986 MLB Draft. Kevin McReynolds, who played for the Razorbacks in the 1970s, was a two-time All-American and a first-round pick in the 1983 MLB Draft.
The success of Arkansas baseball can be attributed to the leadership of Norm DeBriyn. DeBriyn began his coaching reign in 1970 and led the Hogs to three conference championships, fifteen NCAA tournaments, and four College World Series appearances. He was named SEC Coach of the Year three times and was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
The Hog's Pen
Finally, Baum-Walker Stadium is a vital part of the Arkansas baseball program. Located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, the stadium has been the home of the Razorback baseball team since 1996. The stadium has a seating capacity of 11,000, and it's one of the best college baseball facilities in the country. It's no wonder the Hogs have had so much success playing in front of their home fans.
Ed Staton
