College: Column

UnACCeptable Premium
May. 6, 2008
The Atlantic Coast Conference ain't what it used to be. The league expanded this decade in two stages, from a nine-team league to a 12-team super-conference. Football drove the expansion, of course, as Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech joined the league. Since then, Wake Forest—one of the smallest Division I football programs in the country—has played in the Bowl Championship Series, while Miami and Florida State (added in 1992) have slipped from national powers to mediocrity. [...] Continue Reading »

Three To Watch Premium
Apr. 16, 2008
In honor of former BA columnist Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" show on MSNBC, here are the three stories from the first half of the college season that bear watching in the second half. Sorry, the NCAA already has wrapped up this year's "Worst Person in the World" award. [...] Continue Reading »

Polk's Softer Side Premium
Apr. 3, 2008
Ron Polk's career was so rich, it took two John Manuel columns to encapsulate it. This one focuses on Polk's career that has little to do with the NCAA—in other words, the part Polk won't talk about. [...] Continue Reading »

Quixotic Streak Defined Polk Premium
Apr. 3, 2008
Ron Polk's constant criticism of the NCAA detracts from an otherwise outstanding career as a college baseball coach, including eight trips to the College World Series. [...] Continue Reading »

Paltry Sums Premium
Mar. 25, 2008
A study finds that college baseball players are not raking in scholarship dollars. [...] Continue Reading »

HBP Still A Weapon In College Premium
Mar. 11, 2008
Missouri's offense is based around batters "taking a dose." [...] Continue Reading »

Changes Force Increased Parity Premium
Feb. 20, 2008
The recent rules changes have sprung from a desire of Northern teams to have a more even playing field. [...] Continue Reading »

Evolution Has Made Summer Ball Strong Premium
Sep. 11, 2007
Summer college leagues have grown and evolved over the last decade. [...] Continue Reading »

West Continues Dominance Of Post-Gorilla Era Premium
Jul. 11, 2007
The Southeastern Conference is no longer the beast of baseball. [...] Continue Reading »

Great Stories Define The CWS Field Premium
Jun. 14, 2007
Eight teams with the same dream, back home in Omaha . . . Heading into college baseball's pinnacle, here's a quick look at the stories that define the 2007 College World Series field. [...] Continue Reading »

Frequent Visitors, Surprise Guest Highlight CWS Field Premium
Jun. 12, 2007
Eight teams with the same dream, back home in Omaha . . . heading into college baseball's pinnacle, here's a quick look at the stories that define the sport's 2007 College World Series field. [...] Continue Reading »

Committee Whiffed On Mid-Majors Premium
Jun. 5, 2007
The job of choosing 64 teams for the NCAA tournament can't be easy, and every new committee seems to make one or two obvious gaffes. [...] Continue Reading »

Coaches Vexed By 33 Percent Rule Premium
May. 29, 2007
A pair of rules changes could mark the end of college baserball's Golden Age. [...] Continue Reading »

Williams Helps Third School In Three Seasons Premium
May. 10, 2007
Roger Williams has been well traveled, but he's had success wherever he's coached. [...] Continue Reading »

McNeese State Shows Resolve After 3-22 Start Premium
Apr. 24, 2007
McNeese State is trying to put a slow start behind them. [...] Continue Reading »

Sidewinding Approach Suits Glafenhein Fine Premium
Apr. 10, 2007
East Tennessee State senior Caleb Glafenhein, though, redefines value this season. As college baseball reached its midway point in April, his Buccaneers team had played 32 of its 56 regular-season games, and Glafenhein had appeared in 18 of them. He's made seven starts, more than all but one of his teammates. He's made 11 relief appearances as well—third on the team. [...] Continue Reading »

Blanket Approach Appears To Hinder Development Premium
Apr. 3, 2007
When it comes to pitching program, it appears that one size does not fit all. [...] Continue Reading »

Closer Evolution Puts Saves Record In Jeopardy Premium
Mar. 13, 2007
Blair Erickson is getting closer and closer to the NCAA saves record. [...] Continue Reading »

Division I Independents Struggle With Unique Status Premium
Feb. 26, 2007
John Manuel looks at the plight of college baseball's independents. [...] Continue Reading »

Arizona State Gets January Overhaul Premium
Feb. 6, 2007
Good fortune helps Arizona State adds five significant transfers at the semester break. [...] Continue Reading »

A Golden Age For College Baseball Premium
Jan. 19, 2007
Expansion to a 64-field team and the switch to to aluminum bats that behave more like wood bats have ushered in a Golden Age for college baseball. [...] Continue Reading »

Townsend Seeks To Show Real Image Premium
Jan. 13, 2005
Wade Townsend had an eventful year. It included an undefeated 12-0 junior season at Rice, as well as being the eighth overall pick of the 2004 draft. [...] Continue Reading »

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