The rivalry between Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Florida (UF) in baseball is one of the most intense and historic in the sport. The two teams have been competing against each other for over 100 years, with their first meeting taking place in 1922. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, with FSU located in Tallahassee and UF in Gainesville, as well as the intense competition for state supremacy.
History of the Rivalry
The FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry has a rich history, with the two teams having played each other over 200 times. The Seminoles and the Gators have met in some of the most iconic ballparks in the country, including Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee and McKethan Stadium in Gainesville. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in college baseball history, including the 1999 game in which FSU’s Marshall McDougall hit a walk-off home run to give the Seminoles a 6-5 victory over the Gators.
Recent Matchups
In recent years, the FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry has been as intense as ever. The two teams have met in the NCAA Tournament several times, including the 2017 Super Regional, in which the Gators defeated the Seminoles 2-1 to advance to the College World Series. The Seminoles have also had their share of victories, including a 2018 series win in which they took two out of three games from the Gators. The rivalry has also produced some of the most talented players in the sport, including FSU’s Buster Posey and UF’s Peter Alonso, both of whom have gone on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball.
The following table highlights some of the key statistics from recent matchups between FSU and Florida:
| Year | Series Winner | Games Won by FSU | Games Won by UF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | FSU | 2 | 1 |
| 2019 | UF | 1 | 2 |
| 2020 | FSU | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | UF | 1 | 2 |
Impact on College Baseball
The FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry has a significant impact on the sport as a whole. The two teams are consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, and their matchups are often televised nationally. The rivalry has also produced some of the most talented players in the sport, with many going on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball. The intensity and competitiveness of the rivalry have also raised the bar for other programs in the country, pushing them to elevate their level of play and compete with the likes of FSU and UF.
Coaching and Player Development
The FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry is also notable for the exceptional coaching and player development that takes place within both programs. FSU’s Mike Martin is one of the most successful coaches in college baseball history, with over 2,000 wins to his name. UF’s Kevin O’Sullivan has also established himself as one of the top coaches in the sport, leading the Gators to multiple College World Series appearances. The two programs have also produced some of the most talented players in the sport, including Alex Bregman and Andrew Miller, both of whom have gone on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball.
The following list highlights some of the key players who have come out of the FSU and UF baseball programs:
- Buster Posey (FSU) - 3-time World Series champion and 7-time MLB All-Star
- Peter Alonso (UF) - 2019 MLB Rookie of the Year and 2-time MLB All-Star
- Alex Bregman (LSU, but originally committed to UF) - 2017 World Series champion and 2-time MLB All-Star
- Andrew Miller (UNC, but grew up in Gainesville and was recruited by UF) - 2-time MLB All-Star and 2016 World Series champion
What is the history of the FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry?
+The FSU vs. Florida baseball rivalry dates back to 1922, with the two teams having played each other over 200 times. The rivalry is fueled by the proximity of the two schools, as well as the intense competition for state supremacy.
Who are some of the most notable players to come out of the FSU and UF baseball programs?
+Some of the most notable players to come out of the FSU and UF baseball programs include Buster Posey, Peter Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Andrew Miller. These players have gone on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball, with many winning championships and earning All-Star selections.
