Virginia Cavaliers Baseball National Championship
The Virginia Cavaliers have a storied history in college baseball, having won one national championship and appearing in the NCAA tournament several times. The Cavaliers are a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and have been since the conference’s inception in 1953. Virginia has won three conference tournament championships and six ACC regular season championships.
Virginia’s National Championship
In 2015, Virginia won its first ever national championship in baseball, defeating Vanderbilt 4-2 in the College World Series. The Virginia Cavaliers had a remarkable run through the tournament, winning six consecutive games, including four straight games against teams ranked in the top 25.
Virginia’s Path to the National Championship
Virginia won the ACC tournament in 2015, defeating rival North Carolina in the championship game. This set the stage for Virginia’s run through the NCAA tournament. The Cavaliers faced off against several tough opponents in the tournament, including UC Irvine, Maryland, and Florida. Virginia beat each of these teams and advanced to the College World Series.
The College World Series
In the College World Series, Virginia faced off against some of the best teams in the country, including LSU and TCU. The Cavaliers won their first three games of the tournament, setting up a championship matchup against Vanderbilt. The game went back and forth, but in the end, Virginia came out victorious, winning 4-2 and claiming their first ever national championship.
The 2015 Team
The 2015 Virginia Cavaliers team was a special one, with many players going on to have successful professional careers. Catcher Matt Thaiss was the MVP of the College World Series and was drafted 16th overall by the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. Adam Haseley and Ernie Clement were also drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB draft.
Virginia’s Other National Championship Appearances
Virginia has made six other appearances in the College World Series, most recently in 2019. The Cavaliers have come close to winning the national championship several times, but have been unable to get over the hump.
Key Players
Throughout the years, Virginia has had many talented players on their baseball team. Some of the most notable players include David Stone, Mark Reynolds, Joe Koshansky, Sean Doolittle, and Ryan Zimmerman.
Notable Coaches
Virginia has had several successful coaches throughout their baseball history. Brian O’Connor has been the head coach since 2004 and has led the Cavaliers to the College World Series four times. Other notable coaches include Dennis Womack, Jim West, and Jim Copeland.
Virginia in the Postseason
Virginia has had a successful run in the postseason since the 2015 national championship. The Cavaliers have made the NCAA tournament in every season since, and have advanced to the College World Series four times.
What Year Did Virginia Win the National Championship in Baseball?
Virginia won their first ever national championship in baseball in 2015. The Cavaliers defeated Vanderbilt 4-2 in the College World Series to claim the title. It was a remarkable run for the team and one that will never be forgotten.
Virginia Cavaliers, National Championship, College World Series, ACC, Matt Thaiss, Adam Haseley, Ernie Clement, David Stone, Mark Reynolds, Joe Koshansky, Sean Doolittle, Ryan Zimmerman, Brian O’Connor, Dennis Womack, Jim West, Jim Copeland