Against all odds, the Birmingham Southern baseball team continues to win.
The Panthers, who once seemed uncertain about whether they would make the NCAA Tournament, have captured the hearts of the nation over the past two weeks with a storybook run leading up to the final round of the tournament.
Can you believe it?!
The Birmingham Southern Panthers are Super Regional Champions and will advance to the DIII College World Series!!!!!š pic.twitter.com/Eiyjm7gbvS
ā BSC Athletics (@BSCsports) May 25, 2024
Last Saturday afternoon, the Panthers swept Denison University in the Super Regional, winning two road games to advance to the Division III College World Series for the second time in program history. Brilliant performances from senior Ian Hancock and freshman Charlie Banks helped propel the BSC offense to 17 runs over the two games, while holding Panthers starters Drake LaRoche and Josh Riesen to a combined four runs over 16 innings pitched.
“We never expected this amazing opportunity and experience to come along, and it was right there,” Hancock told AL.com after BSC's win. “When you see how devastating it is with schools closing, you don't know it at the time, but God has a plan and things will work out according to that plan, and this opportunity has been incredible.”
RELATED: Birmingham Southern baseball team advances to super regional
The DIII CWS will be held in Eastlake, Ohio, in a double-elimination tournament that will see eight Super Regional champions compete against each other. Seeded seventh among the remaining field, the Panthers will begin their championship run Friday at 3:45 PM CST against No. 2 Salve Regina. By the time the sun goes down, Birmingham-Southern College will be no more.
The Panthers' story has garnered national attention and has been featured in ESPN, Yahoo!, The Washington Post and other outlets. Several documentary crews, including one from MTV, have sought permission to follow the team. Twice a day.
The Panthers are relying on community support to cover the rest of the travel expenses. GoFundMe It has already surpassed its goal of $100,000.
“Please support the Birmingham Southern baseball team in their historic final season!” the fundraiser message reads. “100% of the funds will go toward travel expenses and championship rings. The remaining funds will go to the BSC baseball team staff to help them with their next steps. Yay Panthers! On and on. Always. Let's win it all!”
The Panthers will fly to the College World Series, thanks in part to a donation from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. In a social media post, the Birmingham-Southern University athletic department thanked the tribe for giving the players a “once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.”
“The Poarch Band of Creek Indians are proud to donate $25,000 to help the Birmingham Southern baseball team achieve its goal of competing in a Division III national championship,” the tribe said in a statement. “We believe sports have the power to unite communities and inspire excellence, teamwork and perseverance.”
“We wish them the best and are confident they will represent not only Birmingham Southern but the entire state of Alabama with pride and honor.”
Charles Vaughn is a contributing writer for Yellow Hammer News.
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