With the spring fast approaching, Arizona State baseball gears up for another season competing at the Division 1 level. So far this pre-season, they have failed to make the NCAA’s Top 50 composite-ranked college baseball teams. The program did receive votes to be among the other top programs, but their vote count was too low to make the rankings list, meaning they are on the outside looking in. ASU has a long, rich history of successful baseball teams and standout players; however, it seems this season they need to make a resurgent statement in the college baseball scene.
Made up of a large class of in-state players, with new additions from Hawaii, Baton Rouge, among others, ASU baseball is looking to stand out among the high-level programs in Arizona. Competitors Grand Canyon and the University of Arizona have found themselves in the Top 50 mix, both being ranked higher than ASU. Grand Canyon and Arizona both have a rich history, much like ASU, and seek to compete at the College World Series again this year after having successful 2022 seasons. Without an appearance in the College World Series since 2010, Arizona State baseball knows the goal and needs success this season to continue to grow the program.
After a 26-32 2022 campaign, ASU looks to bounce back and remain relevant in the Arizona baseball scene. While ASU is a massive D1 school, its struggles are often seen, as Arizona remains one of the highest level baseball states in the nation. Throughout the year in Arizona, teams and players are constantly showcasing their talent when pitted against other high level programs. From little league to high school and junior college (JUCO) baseball, Arizona has no shortage of talent ready to be seen on the national level. ASU must excel in 2023 to retain their standing as one of the better programs in the country at the D1 level.
Head Coach Willie Bloomquist, boasting a 14-year MLB career, has commandeered the program since June of 2021. Many of his former teammates and faces around the MLB have complimented his ability to run the program as well as his knowledge of the game. Coach Bloomquist undoubtedly has high expectations for the 2023 roster. Much improvement is needed to rebound from the 2022 campaign, but with Bloomquist at the top and the addition of new, talented players, ASU is ready for a resurgent season in 2023.
Fans can expect Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of Sun Devils Baseball, to be bustling with like-minded Sun Devil fans again this year after a boom in attendance in 2022. College baseball has a vast, growing audience around the U.S., and with talented teams like Arizona State, those numbers will continue to climb as long as Bloomquist’s program continues to grow in Tempe.