Houston Christian Huskies baseball | |
---|---|
2024 Houston Christian Huskies baseball team | |
Founded | 1964, [1] 1990 |
University | Houston Christian University |
Head coach | Clay VanderLaan (1st season) |
Conference | Southland |
Location | Houston, Texas |
Home stadium | Husky Field (Capacity: 500 [2] ) |
Nickname | Huskies |
Colors | Royal blue and orange [3] |
College World Series appearances | |
NAIA: 2007 | |
NCAA Tournament appearances | |
2015 | |
Conference tournament champions | |
NAIA: NAIA District 8: 1969 Red River: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 NCAA DI: Great West: 2013 Southland: 2015 | |
Regular season conference champions | |
NAIA: Big State: 1997 Red River: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 |
The Houston Christian Huskies baseball team, known as the Houston Baptist Huskies until 2022, is a varsity intercollegiate athletic team of Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas, United States. [4] The team is a member of the Southland Conference, which is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The team plays its home games at Husky Field in Houston, Texas. The Huskies are currently coached by Clay VanderLaan.
The Huskies baseball team's first stint was from 1964-1970. The team was idle from 1971 to 1989 before returning in the spring of 1990, competing in the sport in every season since.
The Huskies competed at the NAIA level from 1966 to 1969 and again from 1990 to 2007. The team played as an NAIA independent twelve of those seasons (1966-1969, 1990-1996, and 1998). They also competed in the Big State conference for one season (1997) winning the conference championship. The Huskies competed in the Red River Athletic Conference for the final nine seasons (1999–2007) as an NAIA member winning the RRAC conference championship eight of the nine seasons (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) and the RRAC conference tournament championship seven times (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006). In 1969, the Huskies played in the 1969 NAIA Area II Area Tournament, going 1-2. [5] Ray Zaragoza threw a seven-inning perfect game in the first game of a home doubleheader against Bishop College on April 27, 1968. [6]
In 2008, Houston Baptist transitioned to Division I (NCAA) competing as an independent for the first two seasons at the Division I level. From 2010 to 2013, the Huskies competed in the Great West Conference winning the conference tournament championship in 2013. The team was a finalist in the 2011 and 2012 conference tournaments. Houston Baptist University became a member of the Southland Conference before the start of the 2013–14 season. The Huskies won the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament in their second season as an SLC member. In winning the tournament, the Huskies won the SLC auto-bid to the NCAA Division I baseball tournament. The 2015 NCAA Division I baseball tournament marked the Huskies' first appearance in the tournament. [7] [8]
The Huskies (known as the Spartans prior to the conclusion of the 1965 season) split their 1965 home games between Andy Anderson Field in Memorial Park and the new HBC Diamond. [9] [10] HBC Diamond was the home for Houston Baptist Baseball until the program's first stint ended in 1970 and part of right field became the site of a then-future shopping center. [11] The location of HBC Diamond was directly northeast of Sharp Gym on what is now a Houston Christian University-owned shopping center. [12]
Houston Baptist Baseball played at nearby Bayland Park from 1990-1992. [13] [14] [15]
The Huskies opened Husky Field in 1993 and continue to play at the venue as of 2024. Construction began on a 7,200 square-foot indoor training facility behind the right field line in September 2022 which has since been completed. [16]
Coach | Number of Seasons | Overall record | Winning percentage |
---|---|---|---|
Coaching records | |||
Rickey Witt | 3 | 29–119 | .196 |
Rusty Pendergrass | 5 | 177–92 | .658 |
Brian Huddleston | 8 | 305–143–1 | .680 |
Jared Moon | 16 | 401–441–2 | .476 |
Lance Berkman | 3 | 47–104 | .311 |
Overall | 34 | 959–899–3 | .516 |
(Records reflect game results through the conclusion of the 2023 season)
Information Source: [17]
Year-by-Year Results | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Coach | Record | Conference Record | Conference | Notes |
Junior College | |||||
Independent | |||||
1964 | – | Independent | |||
1965 | – | Independent | |||
NAIA | |||||
Independent | |||||
1966 | – | Independent | |||
1967 | – | Independent | |||
1968 | – | Independent | |||
1969 | - | Independent | |||
NCAA College Division | |||||
Independent | |||||
1970 | – | Independent | |||
NAIA | |||||
Independent | |||||
1990 | Rickey Witt | 4–40 | – | Independent | |
1991 | Rickey Witt | 11–40 | – | Independent | |
1992 | Rickey Witt | 14–39 | – | Independent | |
1993 | Rusty Pendergrass | 23–23 | – | Independent | |
1994 | Rusty Pendergrass | 39–16 | – | Independent | |
1995 | Rusty Pendergrass | 48–9 | – | Independent | |
Big State Conference | |||||
1996 | Rusty Pendergrass | 37–18 | 15–0 | Big State | Champions |
Independent | |||||
1997 | Rusty Pendergrass | 30–26 | – | Independent | |
1998 | Brian Huddleston | 26–26 | – | Independent | |
Red River Athletic Conference | |||||
1999 | Brian Huddleston | 40–19 | 15–0 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2000 | Brian Huddleston | 43–16 | 12–3 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2001 | Brian Huddleston | 34–23 | 9–0 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2002 | Brian Huddleston | 40–17 | 12–0 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2003 | Brian Huddleston | 33–20–1 | 16–10–1 | RRAC | 2nd |
2004 | Brian Huddleston | 41–15 | 13–1 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2005 | Brian Huddleston | 48–7 | 14–0 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2006 | Jared Moon | 40–16–1 | 14–1 | RRAC | Regular season champions tournament champions |
2007 | Jared Moon | 44–20 | 12–3 | RRAC | Regular season champions NAIA World Series |
NCAA Division I | |||||
Independent | |||||
2008 | Jared Moon | 23–24 | – | Independent | |
2009 | Jared Moon | 11–40 | – | Independent | |
Great West Conference | |||||
2010 | Jared Moon | 29–31 | 15–13 | Great West | 3rd place regular season 2nd in Great West Tournament Pool 1 |
2011 | Jared Moon | 22–40 | 16–12 | Great West | 3rd place regular season (T) Great West Tournament finalist |
2012 | Jared Moon | 28–33 | 15–13 | Great West | 4th place regular season (T) Great West Tournament finalist |
2013 | Jared Moon | 34–20–1 | 17–10 | Great West | 2nd place Great West regular season (T) Great West Tournament champion |
Southland Conference | |||||
2014 | Jared Moon | 23–38 | 12–18 | Southland | 10th place SLC regular season |
2015 | Jared Moon | 28–27 | 14–13 | Southland | 7th place SLC regular season, SLC Tournament champion |
2016 | Jared Moon | 24–29 | 12–18 | Southland | 10th place SLC regular season |
2017 | Jared Moon | 29–25 | 18–12 | Southland | 4th place SLC regular season, 3–2 SLC Tournament |
2018 | Jared Moon | 29–30 | 18–12 | Southland | 4th place SLC regular season, 3–2 SLC Tournament |
2019 | Jared Moon | 18–35 | 10–20 | Southland | 12th place SLC regular season |
2020 | Jared Moon | 6–11 | 2–1 | Southland | Season cancelled due to Covid-19 |
2021 | Jared Moon | 14–38 | 11–27 | Southland | 13th place SLC regular season |
2022 | Lance Berkman | 18–36 | 11–13 | Southland | 6th of 8 SLC regular season 0-2 SLC Tournament [18] |
2023 | Lance Berkman | 11–37 | 7–16 | Southland | 9th of 9 SLC regular season [19] |
2024 | Lance Berkman | 18—31 | 9—15 | Southland | 9th of 9 SLC regular season |
Year | Head coach | Record | % | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conference Tournament Results | ||||
NAIA District 8 | ||||
1969 [a] | Lonnie Richards [22] | 1–0 | 1.000 | Champion |
Red River Athletics Conference | ||||
1999 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2000 | Brian Huddleston | 4–1 | .800 | Tournament champion |
2001 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2002 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2003 | Brian Huddleston | 2–2 | .500 | 3rd Round |
2004 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2005 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2006 | Brian Huddleston | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2007 | Brian Huddleston | 2–1 | .667 | 3rd Round |
Southland Conference | ||||
2015 | Jared Moon | 4–0 | 1.000 | Tournament champion |
2017 [23] | Jared Moon | 3-2 | .600 | Consolation Rounds |
2018 [24] | Jared Moon | 3-2 | .600 | Consolation Rounds |
2022 [25] | Lance Berkman | 0-2 | .000 | First Round |
Total | 43–10 | .811 | 14 Appearances | |
The Huskies have competed in one NCAA Division I baseball tournament with a record of 0–2.
Year | Round | Opponent | Result/Score |
---|---|---|---|
NCAA Division I Tournament Results | |||
2015 | First Round Second Round | Houston Rice | L 4–6 L 1–3 |
Source: [8]
The Huskies participated in the 2007 NAIA World Series with a record of 3–2.
Year | Round | Opponent | Result/Score |
---|---|---|---|
NAIA World Series | |||
2007 | First Round Second Round Third Round Fourth Round Fifth Round | Lindenwood (Mo) Cumberland (Tenn) Walsh Azusa Pacific Lewis-Clark State | L 4–18 W 5–2 W 10–5 W 5–1 L 7–8 |
Source: [26]
Houston Christian has had 8 Major League Baseball Draft selections since the draft began in 1965. [27]
Huskies in the Major League Baseball Draft | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Player | Round | Team |
1971 | Ron Mahood | 7 | Expos |
1996 | Ryan Thomas | 23 | Padres |
1996 | Trevor Enders | Rays | |
1998 | Galen Shea | 19 | Tigers |
2000 | Brian Steffek | 27 | Dodgers |
2003 | Kyle Smith | 18 | Reds |
2010 | Johnathan Moore | 45 | Rangers |
2012 | Robbie Buller | 35 | Diamondbacks |
2015 | Zach Nehrir | 16 | Diamondbacks |
2017 | Addison Russ | 19 | Phillies |
2018 | Tyler Depreta-Johnson | 35 | Rangers |
2023 | Morris Austin | 10 | Brewers |
Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University (HBU), is a private Baptist university in Houston, Texas. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Its Cultural Arts Center houses three museums: the Dunham Bible Museum, the Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Southern History.
The Houston Christian Huskies, HCU or Huskies are the athletic teams that represent Houston Christian University, located in Houston, Texas, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Southland Conference for most of its sports since the 2013–14 academic year; as of the current 2023 NCAA soccer season, its men's soccer team competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The Huskies previously competed the D-I Great West Conference from 2008–09 to 2012–13 after spending one season as an NCAA D-I Independent during the 2007–08 school year ; in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1998–99 to 2006–07; and as an NAIA Independent from 1989–90 to 1997–98. Houston Christian's (HCU) official school colors are royal blue and orange.
The St. Thomas Celts are the athletic teams that represent the University of St. Thomas, located in Houston, Texas, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) as a provisional member since the 2019–20 academic year. The Celts previously competed in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2011–12 to 2018–19; as well as an NAIA Independent within the Association of Independent Institutions (AII) from 2007–08 to 2010–11.
The Houston Christian Huskies men's basketball team, known as the Houston Baptist Huskies until 2022, represents Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas, in NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. The team is coached by Craig Doty, who was hired on March 15, 2024.
Husky Field is a baseball venue on the campus of Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas, United States. It is home to the Houston Christian Huskies baseball team of the NCAA Division I Southland Conference. Opened in 1993, it has a capacity of 500 spectators. The facility features a press box and natural grass surface. It hosted the 2008 Red River Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament and the 2007 NAIA Region IV Tournament. Construction began on a 7,200 square-foot indoor facility in early-September 2022, located down the right field line.
The Houston Christian Huskies Football team, formerly known as the Houston Baptist Huskies until the 2021 season, is the intercollegiate American football team for Houston Christian University located in Houston, Texas, United States. The team currently competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a full member of the Southland Conference.
The Houston Christian Huskies softball team, known as the Houston Baptist Huskies until 2022, represents the Houston Christian University, located in Houston, Texas. The Huskies are a member of the Southland Conference and participate in NCAA Division I college softball. The team is currently led by head coach Mary–Ellen Hall and plays home games at Husky Field.
The 2013 Houston Baptist Huskies football team represented Houston Baptist University—now known as Houston Christian University—as an independent in the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Huskies, playing the program's first season, were led by first-year head coach Vic Shealy and compiled a record of 3–4. However, they were not considered a FCS team for scheduling purposes until 2014. They played three home games at Crusader Stadium and one home game at BBVA Compass Stadium. This was an exhibition season for the Huskies. The season did not count against the players academic eligibility, but they also were not eligible for the FCS playoffs. They played a mixed schedule of schools from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), NCAA Division II, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The Houston Christian Huskies women's basketball team, known as the Houston Baptist Huskies until 2022, is the women's basketball team that represents Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. The team currently competes in the Southland Conference. The Huskies are currently coached by Donna Finnie.
The 2015–16 Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This season was head coach Ron Cottrell's twenty-fifth season at HBU. The Huskies played their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium. They were members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 17–17, 10–8 in Southland play to finish in fifth place. They defeated Southeastern Louisiana to advance to the semifinals of the Southland tournament where they lost to Stephen F. Austin. They were invited to the College Basketball Invitational where they lost in the first round to UNC Greensboro.
The 2016–17 Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The season was head coach Ron Cottrell's 26th season at HBU. The Huskies played their home games at Sharp Gymnasium as members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 17–14, 12–6 in Southland play to finish in a three-way tie for second place. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Southland tournament to Sam Houston State. The Huskies received an invitation to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament where they lost in the first round to Campbell.
The 2017–18 Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They were led by head coach Ron Cottrell in his 27th season at HBU. The Huskies played their home games at Sharp Gymnasium as members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 6–25, 2–16 in Southland play to finish in a tie for 11th place. They failed to qualify for the Southland tournament.
The 2017–18 Houston Baptist Huskies women's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2017–18 college basketball season. The Huskies, led by fifth year head coach Donna Finnie, played their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium and were members of the Southland Conference. They finished with an overall record of 10–18 and 6–12 in Southland play to finish in tenth place. They failed to qualify for the Southland women's tournament.
The 2018–19 Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team represent Houston Baptist University in the 2018–19 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They are led by head coach Ron Cottrell in his 28th season at HBU. The Huskies play their home games at Sharp Gymnasium as members of the Southland Conference.
The 2018–19 Houston Baptist Huskies women's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2018–19 college basketball season. The Huskies, led by sixth year head coach Donna Finnie, played their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium and were members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 8–20, 3–15 in Southland play to finish in a tie for last place. They failed to qualify for the Southland women's tournament.
Jared Wayne Moon is an American baseball coach and former catcher. He played college baseball at Houston Baptist for coaches Rickey Witt & Rusty Pendergrass from 1990 to 1994. He was also the head coach of the Houston Baptist Huskies from 2006–2021.
The 2019–20 Houston Baptist Huskies women's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 2019–20 college basketball season. The Huskies, led by seventh year head coach Donna Finnie, played their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium and are members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 8–21, 4–16 in Southland play to finish in a tie for 11th place. They failed to qualify for the Southland women's tournament, but the tournament would later be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 1983–84 Houston Baptist Huskies men's basketball team represented Houston Baptist University in the 1983–84 college basketball season. This was head coach Gene Iba’s seventh of eight seasons at HBU. The Huskies played their home games at the Sharp Gymnasium and were new members of the Trans America Athletic Conference. After finishing atop the conference regular season standings, the Huskies followed that success by winning the TAAC tournament to receive an automatic bid to the 1984 NCAA tournament – the only appearance in program history. Houston Baptist was beaten by Alcorn State in the play-in round to finish the season 24–7, 11–3 in TAAC play. The Huskies led the league in field goal percentage and, as of 2017, the 1983-84 team has the tenth-highest all-time season shooting percentage of an NCAA Division I team. Of the team members, three represented the Central African Republic men's national basketball team at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
The 2022 Houston Baptist Huskies softball team represented Houston Baptist University during the 2022 NCAA Division I softball season. The Huskies played their home games at Husky Field and were led by thirty–first year head coach Mary-Ellen Hall. They were members of the Southland Conference.
The 2022–23 Houston Christian Huskies men's basketball team represented Houston Christian University in the 2022–23 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Huskies, led by 32nd-year head coach Ron Cottrell, played their home games at Sharp Gymnasium in Houston, Texas as members of the Southland Conference. They finished the season 10–22, 7–11 in Southland play to finish in a tie for sixth place. As the No. 6 seed in the Southland tournament, they lost New Orleans in the first round.
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