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Michigan Wolverines baseball
Michigan Wolverines baseball
Michigan Wolverines baseball
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The Michigan Wolverines baseball team represents the University of Michigan in NCAA Division I college baseball. Along with most other Michigan athletic teams, the baseball team participates in the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at Ray Fisher Stadium.

Key Information

The Wolverines have made the College World Series eight times, winning two national championships in 1953 and 1962. Michigan is the third winningest program in NCAA Division I baseball history, trailing only Fordham and Texas.[2] The team is currently coached by Tracy Smith, who replaced Erik Bakich who left Michigan to coach at Clemson.

1875 Michigan baseball team
1882 Michigan baseball team with Moses Fleetwood Walker.
1886 Michigan baseball team
1899 team – Michigan's first conference champions
1912 team – coached by Branch Rickey.
1914 team – starring George Sisler.
Michigan's 1953 NCAA national championship team.

Championships

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NCAA College World Series National Championships

[edit]
Season Record Head coach
1953 21–9 Ray Fisher
1962 31–13 Don Lund

Conference Championships

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Season Conference Record Head coach
1899 Big Ten 5–2 H.T. Clarke
1901 Big Ten 8–2 Frank Sexton
1905 Big Ten 9–3 L.W. McAllister
1918 Big Ten 9–1 Carl Lundgren
1919 Big Ten 9–0 Carl Lundgren
1920 Big Ten 9–1 Carl Lundgren
1923 Big Ten 10–0 Ray Fisher
1924 Big Ten 8–2 Ray Fisher
1926 Big Ten 9–2 Ray Fisher
1928 Big Ten 11–1 Ray Fisher
1929 Big Ten 7–2 Ray Fisher
1936 Big Ten 9–1 Ray Fisher
1941 Big Ten 10–2 Ray Fisher
1942 Big Ten 10–2 Ray Fisher
1944 Big Ten 8–0 Ray Fisher
1945 Big Ten 8–0 Ray Fisher
1948 Big Ten 10–2 Ray Fisher
1949 Big Ten 8–4 Ray Fisher
1950 Big Ten 9–3 Ray Fisher
1952 Big Ten 8–4 Ray Fisher
1953 Big Ten 10–3 Ray Fisher
1961 Big Ten 10–2 Don Lund
1975 Big Ten 13–3 Moby Benedict
1976 Big Ten 9–4 Moby Benedict
1978 Big Ten 13–3 Moby Benedict
1980 Big Ten 14–2 Bud Middaugh
1981 Big Ten 10–4 Bud Middaugh
1983 Big Ten 13–2 Bud Middaugh
1984 Big Ten 11–5 Bud Middaugh
1986 Big Ten 13–3 Bud Middaugh
1987 Big Ten 13–3 Bud Middaugh
1997 Big Ten 17–9 Geoff Zahn
2006 Big Ten 23–9 Rich Maloney
2007 Big Ten 21–7 Rich Maloney
2008 Big Ten 26–5 Rich Maloney

Conference Tournament championships

[edit]
Year Conference Tournament Location Head coach
1981 Big Ten Ray Fisher Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Bud Middaugh
1983 Big Ten Ray Fisher Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Bud Middaugh
1984 Big Ten Siebert Field, Minneapolis, MN Bud Middaugh
1986 Big Ten Siebert Field, Minneapolis, MN Bud Middaugh
1987 Big Ten Ray Fisher Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Bud Middaugh
1999 Big Ten Bill Davis Stadium, Columbus, OH Geoff Zahn
2006 Big Ten Ray Fisher Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Rich Maloney
2008 Big Ten Ray Fisher Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Rich Maloney
2015 Big Ten Target Field, Minneapolis, MN Erik Bakich
2022 Big Ten Charles Schwab Field Omaha, Omaha, NE Erik Bakich

Stadium

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The Wolverines play their home games in Ray Fisher Stadium. The stadium is named after Ray Fisher, who is the winningest coach in Michigan baseball history, with 636 victories and also the 1953 College World Series championship.

In 2008, alum and owner of the New York Mets MLB franchise, Fred Wilpon donated $9 million for the renovation of Fisher Stadium and Alumni Field. It is now known as the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex, but more commonly known as the Wilpon Baseball Complex.

Name Years
Ferry Field 1923–1966
Ray Fisher Stadium 1967–2007
Ray Fisher Stadium at Wilpon Baseball Complex 2008–present

Head coaches

[edit]
Main article: List of Michigan Wolverines head baseball coaches
Coach Years Seasons Record Pct
Peter Conway 1891–1892 2 22–9–1 .703
Frank Sexton 1896, 1901–1908 3 38–22 .633
Charles F. Watkins 1897–1898, 1900 3 16–17 .485
Henry T. Clarke 1898–1899 2 14–5 .737
R.C. "Skel" Roach 1903 1 12–5 .706
Jerome Utley 1904 1 10–5 .667
Lew "Sport" McAllister 1905–1906, 1908–1909 4 58–17–1 .770
Bobby Lowe 1907 1 11–4–1 .719
Branch Rickey 1910–1913 4 68–32–4 .673
Carl Lundgren 1914–1920 7 93–43–6 .676
Ray Fisher 1921–1958 38 636–295–8 .682
Don Lund 1959–1962 4 80–53–3 .599
Moby Benedict 1963–1979 18 367–252–5 .592
Bud Middaugh 1980–1989 10 465–146–1 .761
Bill Freehan 1990–1995 6 166–167–1 .499
Geoff Zahn 1996–2001 6 163–169–2 .491
Chris Harrison 2002 1 21–32 .396
Rich Maloney 2003–2012 10 341–244 .583
Erik Bakich 2013–2022 10 328–216 .603
Tracy Smith 2023–present 2 60–56 .517

Year-by-year results

[edit]
Main article: List of Michigan Wolverines baseball seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Wolverines.

Year Coach Record Notes
2021 Erik Bakich 27–19 NCAA Regional
2022 Erik Bakich 34–28 NCAA Regional
2023 Tracy Smith 28–28
2024 Tracy Smith 32–28
2024 Tracy Smith 33–23

Michigan in the NCAA tournament

[edit]
Year Record Pct Notes
1953 4–1 .800 College World Series (Champions)
1961 2–2 .500 NCAA District 4 Regional
1962 8–2 .800 College World Series (Champions)
1975 3–2 .600 NCAA Mideast Regional
1976 3–1 .750 NCAA Mideast Regional
1977 2–2 .500 NCAA Midwest Regional
1978 4–2 .667 College World Series (5th Place)
1980 4–2 .667 College World Series (5th Place)
1981 4–3 .571 College World Series (7th Place)
1983 5–2 .714 College World Series (3rd Place)
1984 3–2 .600 College World Series (7th Place)
1985 3–2 .600 NCAA South I Regional
1986 0–2 .000 NCAA Mideast Regional
1987 1–2 .333 NCAA Northeast Regional
1988 2–2 .500 NCAA Central Regional
1989 3–2 .600 NCAA West II Regional
1999 2–2 .500 NCAA South Bend Regional
2005 1–2 .333 NCAA Atlanta Regional
2006 1–2 .333 NCAA Atlanta Regional
2007 3–3 .500 NCAA Corvallis Super Regional
2008 1–2 .333 NCAA Ann Arbor Regional
2015 2–2 .500 NCAA Louisville Regional
2017 0–2 .000 NCAA Chapel Hill Regional
2019 9–4 .692 College World Series (Runner-up)
2021 0–2 .000 NCAA South Bend Regional
2022 2–2 .500 NCAA Louisville Regional
TOTALS
 72–54 .574 2 National Championships, 8 CWS Appearances

First Team All-Americans

[edit]
Player Position Year(s) Selectors
Bruce Haynam Shortstop 1953† ABCA
Don Eaddy Third Base 1955† ABCA
Ken Tippery Second Base 1957† ABCA
Bill Freehan Catcher 1961† ABCA
Jim Burton Pitcher 1971 SN
Steve Howe Pitcher 1979 SN
Rick Leach Outfield 1979 SN
Jim Paciorek Outfield 1982† ABCA, BA
Chris Sabo Third Base 1983 BA, SN
Barry Larkin Shortstop 1984, 1985† ABCA, BA, SN
Mike Watters Outfield 1985 BA
Casey Close Outfield 1986† ABCA, BA
Jim Abbott Pitcher 1988 SN
Carmen Benedetti Designated Hitter 2015 NCBWA
Jake Cronenworth Utility 2015 ABCA
Source:"Baseball Record Book" (PDF). mgoblue.com. Retrieved 2021-03-02.

ABCA: American Baseball Coaches Association BA: Baseball America CB: Collegiate Baseball NCBWA: National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association SN: Sporting News † Denotes consensus All-American

Individual honors

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Retired numbers

[edit]

Michigan has retired six uniform numbers to date. Below is the detailed list:[3]

Retired numbers
No. Player Position Career No. retired
1 Moby Benedict SS 1953–56 1979
11 Bill Freehan C 1959–61 1977
16 Barry Larkin SS 1983–85 2010
31 Jim Abbott P 1986–88 2009
33 Don Lund OF 1943–45 1999
44 Ray Fisher Coach 1 1921–58 2000

1 Never played for the Wolverines. He coached Michigan with a record 636 wins and led the team to 15 Big Ten championships apart from winning the 1953 College World Series.

National Awards

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Golden Spikes Award Winner

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Baseball America College Player of the Year

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NCBWA National Coach of the Year

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Conference Awards

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Big Ten Player of the Year

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Big Ten Pitcher of the Year

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Big Ten Freshman of the Year

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  • Scott Weaver (1993)
  • Jason Alcaraz (1996)
  • Jake Bivens (2015)

Big Ten Coach of the Year

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Big Ten Batting Title

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University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor

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The following 35 Michigan Wolverines baseball players and coaches (listed in order of induction) have been inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor:

Wolverines in the MLB

[edit]

[6]

Barry Larkin
= Selected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame
= Major League Baseball All-Star Game participant

Note: Charlie Gehringer, Derek Jeter, and Ted Simmons are Baseball Hall of Fame inductees who were enrolled at Michigan, but never played for the baseball team.

Source: Baseball Reference

First-Round MLB Draft Picks

[edit]
Pick Player Team Position Year
13 Rick Leach Detroit Tigers OF 1979
16 Steve Howe Los Angeles Dodgers LHP 1979
25 Steve Perry Los Angeles Dodgers RHP 1979
14 Rich Stoll Montreal Expos RHP 1983
4 Barry Larkin Cincinnati Reds SS 1985
8 Jim Abbott California Angels LHP 1988
28 David Parrish New York Yankees C 2000
38 Mitch Voit New York Mets 2B 2025

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michigan Wolverines baseball

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Michigan Wolverines baseball team represents the in as a member of the . The program, established in 1866, plays its home games at the Wilpon Baseball Complex at Ray Fisher in . With an all-time record of 3,111–1,872–38 (.623) through the 2025 season, the Wolverines have achieved significant success, including 35 Big Ten regular-season championships and ten Big Ten Tournament titles. The team has made 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, won eight NCAA Regionals, and advanced to the on eight occasions (1953, 1962, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, and 2019), securing national championships in 1953 and 1962. Notable figures in program history include Hall of Fame shortstop , who won the in 1985; pitcher , the 1987 recipient and a one-handed no-hitter thrower in ; and early pioneer , the first African American to play in MLB in 1884. Under current head coach Tracy Smith, who began leading the team in 2023, the Wolverines continue to emphasize academic excellence alongside competitive play, with over 200 alumni reaching professional baseball.

Overview and History

Program Establishment

The University of Michigan's program traces its origins to , when it was established as one of the institution's earliest varsity sports, predating formal intercollegiate competition in many other disciplines. The inaugural team compiled a perfect 4-0 record that spring, playing informal matches against local clubs and preparatory schools on rudimentary campus fields, including open green spaces near the Diag. By the late , the program had evolved to include structured intercollegiate contests, with the first documented occurring on May 30, 1878, against the White Stockings at White Stocking Park in . Early schedules were modest, typically featuring 5-10 games per season against regional opponents such as , , and Notre Dame, often held at temporary venues like South Ferry Field starting around 1908. These contests helped solidify 's place within the university's athletic landscape, though the sport operated without a dedicated coach until 1891. As a member of the Western Conference—later renamed the —in 1896, Michigan's team integrated into organized collegiate competition, marking a pivotal step in its development. The program's first conference slate that year yielded a 6-3 record under coach Frank Sexton, placing second overall and establishing a foundation for sustained participation in Big Ten play. Prior to this formal alignment, the team had functioned in a semi-varsity capacity since the , competing in state-level championships and informal series without the structure of a major conference. This pre-conference era emphasized local and regional matchups, fostering grassroots growth amid limited resources and facilities. Carl Lundgren played an instrumental role in shaping the program's identity during its formative conference years, serving as from 1914 to 1920. A former major league and alumnus, Lundgren instilled an emphasis on disciplined pitching and defensive fundamentals, leading the Wolverines to a remarkable 16-1 record in 1918 and securing three consecutive Western Conference titles from 1918 to 1920. His tenure elevated Michigan's standing, attracting better talent and promoting a competitive ethos that aligned with the university's broader athletic ambitions under director Fielding Yost. Lundgren's innovations, including rigorous regimens, helped transition the program from sporadic success to consistent contender status. Early rivalries further propelled the program's growth, particularly the budding series with Michigan Agricultural College (later Michigan State University), which began in the mid-1920s following the opponent's establishment of its own varsity team in 1925. These in-state clashes, starting with Michigan's 7-1 victory on May 2, 1925, intensified regional interest and drew larger crowds to , the program's primary venue after 1923. Contests against Big Ten foes like Ohio State and also emerged as staples, contributing to heightened stakes and fan engagement that bolstered the program's institutional support. By the close of the 1920s, under new coach Ray Fisher—who assumed leadership in 1921—these elements had cemented as a cornerstone of Michigan's athletic tradition.

Key Eras and Milestones

The post-World War II era marked a significant expansion for the Michigan Wolverines baseball program, fueled by a surge in university enrollment from approximately 19,000 students in 1945—many later supported by the —to over 30,000 by the late 1940s. This growth, part of a broader national trend in higher education, enabled enhanced recruitment and program development under longtime coach Ray Fisher, who led the team from 1921 to 1958. Facilities at , the program's home since 1923, saw improvements including the construction of grandstands in 1948, supporting increased fan engagement during the decade. The 1953 season stood out as a pinnacle, with the Wolverines achieving their first national championship at the , a milestone that elevated the program's profile and marked the Big Ten's inaugural title in the sport. The 1960s and 1970s represented a period of steady competition and initial postseason forays, particularly under coach Moby Benedict, who took over in 1963 and guided the team through 1979 with a 367-220 record. Benedict's tenure emphasized disciplined play and regional success, culminating in three Big Ten championships in 1975, 1976, and 1978, alongside four consecutive NCAA regional appearances from 1975 to 1978. Earlier in the decade, under Don Lund from 1959 to 1962, Michigan earned its first NCAA tournament bid in 1961, finishing 20-11 overall and capturing the Big Ten title with a 10-2 conference mark, setting the stage for the 1962 . This era solidified Michigan's status as a consistent Big Ten contender, with the 1978 appearance highlighting sustained progress. The 1980s brought a resurgence under Bud Middaugh, who coached from 1980 to 1989 and compiled a 359-173 record, securing six Big Ten titles and four berths. Middaugh's teams emphasized pitching depth and offensive firepower, leading to back-to-back national semifinal appearances in 1983—where Michigan placed third—and 1984, the program's last CWS trips until 2019. Additional regional successes in 1980 and 1981 underscored the decade's dominance, with the Wolverines posting winning seasons annually and fostering a culture of excellence that boosted attendance at Ray Fisher Stadium, renamed in 1987 to honor the legendary Fisher. The 1990s and early 2000s transitioned through leadership changes, including stints by Geoff Zahn (1996-2001) and (2002), before stabilizing under Rich Maloney from 2003 to 2012, who delivered a 341-244 mark with three Big Ten regular-season crowns in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Maloney's era featured consistent 40-win seasons, such as 46 victories in 2007, and multiple NCAA regional hosting opportunities, including super regional berths in 2007—the first in program history—though the team fell short of Omaha. This period adapted to evolving dynamics, emphasizing player development that produced MLB draft picks and maintained competitive balance in the Big Ten. Entering the 2010s, the program faced challenges amid coaching changes and conference expansion, with the Big Ten adding Maryland and Rutgers in 2014 to grow to 14 teams, intensifying scheduling and travel demands. Erik Bakich's tenure from 2013 to 2022 yielded a 2019 College World Series appearance—the program's first since 1984—but was marred by sub-.500 finishes in several seasons and the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Bakich's departure to LSU in 2022 prompted a rebuild, leading to the hiring of Tracy Smith in June 2023 as the 20th head coach, bringing experience from Arizona State and Indiana to refocus on recruiting and Big Ten contention. Under Smith, the team posted records of 28–28 in 2023, 32–28 in 2024, and 33–23 in 2025, continuing the emphasis on development. Key milestones include the 1953 first national championship, reflecting early poll recognition, and ongoing attendance highs, with Ray Fisher Stadium averaging over 2,000 fans per game in peak years like 2019, ranking among the Big Ten leaders.

Facilities

Ray Fisher Stadium

Ray Fisher Stadium serves as the primary home venue for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team, located at the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex in Ann Arbor. Constructed between 1921 and 1923, the stadium opened with its first game on April 21, 1923, when Michigan defeated Ohio State 3-2 in a five-inning contest due to rain. Originally known as , it was rededicated on May 23, 1970, as Ray Fisher Stadium in honor of Ray Fisher, the Wolverines' from 1921 to 1958, who compiled a 637-294-8 record and led the team to the 1953 title. The stadium has undergone numerous renovations to modernize its infrastructure, with significant updates including a $9 million project completed in 2008 that integrated it into the Wilpon Complex, adding a three-story building for offices, a , restrooms, and concessions. Seating capacity has evolved over time, reaching 18,000 from 1930 to 1947 before reductions to 3,000 in 1948 and expansion back to 4,000 in 1986 following further upgrades; the 2007-2008 renovations included expanded seating to accommodate this current capacity of 4,000, with 1,700 chairback seats among the 2,500 total. Additional improvements in the featured the installation of prior to the 2015 season, which replaced natural grass to reduce water usage and maintenance needs, enhancing sustainability, along with modern lighting systems and an all-digital video scoreboard added in 2023. Other renovations occurred in 1948, 1965, 1967, 1973, 1983, 1991, 2002, 2014, 2022, and 2024, including the installation of in 2022, a 1,600-square-foot locker room, a 5,750-square-foot indoor hitting facility, and outdoor batting cages. The field measures 330 feet down the foul lines, 375 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to center field, enclosed by a installed in 1967, with brick and stone architecture contributing to its classic college ballpark aesthetic. Beyond regular-season games, the stadium has hosted multiple Baseball Tournaments, including in 1987 and 2008, where Michigan claimed the title in the latter. Attendance reflects strong local support while the facility's modern amenities, such as bullpens, a weight room, and video systems, play a key role in recruiting top talent by providing an elite training environment.

Training and Support Facilities

The baseball program benefits from a dedicated Indoor Hitting Facility within the Wilpon Baseball and Complex, providing essential resources for player skill development regardless of weather conditions. This 5,750-square-foot structure, which opened as part of the complex's 2008 renovation, houses three indoor batting cages equipped with retractable doors and heating, along with two dirt pitching mounds and pitching machines to simulate game scenarios. A state-of-the-art video hitting system integrated into the facility allows for real-time feedback and technique refinement, supporting daily practice routines that extend into the off-season. Complementing these training spaces, the baseball complex includes a modern weight room, newly constructed in 2024, designed to enhance player strength and conditioning through specialized tailored to baseball demands. Adjacent medical training facilities, housed in a 1,600-square-foot locker room area, offer comprehensive athletic training services, including rehabilitation and recovery protocols to maintain player health. These resources integrate seamlessly with the adjacent Ray Fisher Stadium to form a cohesive operational hub for home practices and preparations. The team also shares access to the Oosterbaan Field House for broader off-season conditioning, a multi-sport indoor venue that accommodates large-group workouts, agility drills, and team-building activities during winter months when outdoor fields are unavailable. Built in and spanning over 70,000 square feet, this facility features a synthetic turf surface suitable for baseball-specific footwork and throwing sessions, ensuring consistent physical preparation year-round. Since 2020, targeted upgrades have modernized these support infrastructures, including the installation of new surfaces in 2022 for improved durability and a full locker room remodel in 2024 that incorporated advanced video analysis rooms for detailed performance breakdowns. These enhancements, combined with the integration of dedicated strength and conditioning coaches, have bolstered data-driven training approaches, such as biomechanical assessments via video technology. In the era of Tracy Smith, who assumed the role in 2023, these facilities have played a key role in reducing injury risks through proactive medical monitoring and customized strength programs, while advancing performance analytics to optimize player output and strategic decision-making.

Coaching Staff

Head Coaches

The Michigan Wolverines baseball program has been led by a series of head coaches since its formal establishment, with Ray Fisher marking the beginning of the modern era in 1921. These coaches have guided the team through periods of dominance, transition, and rebuilding, contributing to 35 Big Ten regular-season championships, 10 tournament titles, and 2 NCAA national championships. The evolution of coaching has shifted from multi-sport faculty and alumni roles in the early to dedicated, professionalized staff focused on recruiting, , and year-round development by the late 20th and 21st centuries.
CoachYearsSeasonsOverall RecordWin %Big Ten RecordConf. TitlesNCAA BerthsNCAA TitlesNotable Achievements
Ray Fisher1921–195838616–300–9.671283–135–11511 (1953)Longest tenure in program history; led Michigan to its first College World Series appearance in 1953 and national title; also coached basketball and football briefly; inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1960.
Don Lund1959–1962482–53–1.60734–19121 (1962)Secured back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths (1961–1962); won the 1962 College World Series, the program's second national title; former Wolverine player who emphasized disciplined fundamentals during a post-Fisher transition.
Moby Benedict1963–197917367–255–4.589168–82–1340Stabilized the program after national success; led three Big Ten titles (1964, 1973, 1978) and four NCAA regional appearances; focused on player development amid expanding college baseball competition.
Bud Middaugh1980–198910465–146–1.761142–38690Highest winning percentage among coaches with 10+ seasons; engineered a golden era with six Big Ten titles and nine NCAA berths, including super regionals in 1984 and 1988; hired to build on Benedict's foundation and professionalize training.
Bill Freehan1990–19956166–167–1.49976–89000Transition coach after Middaugh's departure; a Hall of Fame catcher and Michigan alum, emphasized team culture but struggled with roster turnover in the early 1990s.
Geoff Zahn1996–20016163–169–2.49178–80110MLB veteran hired for expertise; won the 1999 Big Ten title and reached the 2000 NCAA regional; resigned amid inconsistent results and program expectations.
Chris Harrison2002121–32.39614–17000Interim coach following Zahn; focused on interim stability but departed after one season.
Rich Maloney2003–201210341–244.583160–117340Revitalized recruiting; secured three Big Ten titles (2005, 2007, 2008) and four NCAA berths, including a 2007 super regional; left for Louisville after building a competitive roster.
Erik Bakich2013–202210328–216–1.603140–93050Modernized the program with analytics and facilities upgrades; achieved five straight NCAA berths (2017–2021) and a 2019 super regional; departed for Clemson after the 2022 season, leaving a talent exodus.
Tracy Smith2023–present393–79.54143–35000Hired from Arizona State to rebuild after Bakich's exit; focused on culture and recruiting amid roster challenges, posting winning records in 2024 (32–28) and 2025 (33–23) while finishing fourth in the Big Ten in 2025; emphasizes team-first development.
Ray Fisher's 38-year tenure established the program's foundation, blending amateur ideals with competitive success, including 15 conference titles that underscored Michigan's early dominance in the Big Ten. His 1953 run highlighted a rooted in fundamentals and multi-sport integration, influencing successors like Don Lund, who maintained momentum with the 1962 title before the program navigated coaching transitions in the 1960s and 1970s under Moby Benedict. The 1980s under Bud Middaugh represented a peak of , with his .761 winning percentage reflecting advanced and postseason preparation that yielded nine NCAA appearances and solidified as a national contender. Subsequent coaches like Bill Freehan and Geoff Zahn faced challenges in sustaining that era's intensity amid roster and conference shifts, leading to interim periods and a rebuild under Rich Maloney, who restored conference relevance through targeted recruiting. In the , Erik Bakich's decade emphasized data-driven strategies and facility enhancements, boosting NCAA participation but ending with his abrupt departure, which prompted Tracy Smith's hiring to foster long-term stability. Smith's tenure has prioritized cultural rebuilding and player retention, marking a shift toward sustainable, holistic in response to modern athletics dynamics.

Current and Assistant Coaches

Tracy Smith serves as of the Michigan Wolverines baseball team, having been hired in July 2022 following his dismissal as head coach at after the 2021 season. Prior to Arizona State, Smith built a reputation for hitting development during his 9-year tenure as head coach at , where he mentored standout slugger into a first-round MLB Draft pick and key contributor to the Cubs' championship. Under Smith's leadership, the Wolverines have posted a 93-79 record through three seasons, with steady improvement in offensive output. The assistant coaching staff includes Jake Valentine as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator, who joined Michigan in 2023 after serving in similar roles at and the , where he emphasized outfield instruction and player across the West Coast. Brock Huntzinger handles pitching duties as the program's pitching coach, a position he has held since July 2022; a former third-round MLB Draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Huntzinger reached Triple-A before transitioning to coaching at , where his pitchers achieved a collective 4.41 ERA in 2021. Andrew Stone rounds out the assistants, joining in July 2025 from , where he spent four seasons working with hitters and infielders after a playing career at ; Stone's addition brings specialized experience in high-contact hitting mechanics. Support staff contributions have bolstered team performance in recent seasons. Trevor Klump, a within Michigan's unit since January 2022, has tailored programs for the team, contributing to enhanced player durability and velocity gains among pitchers during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. Ashley Korn, associate director in the Academic Success Program assigned to since at least 2017, supports student-athlete academic progress, helping maintain high graduation rates and eligibility compliance amid rigorous schedules. Additional roles include Adam Cornwell as recruiting and player development assistant (hired July 2025, with prior coaching at Dayton and ), Hunter Satterthwaite as director of analytics and video systems (since 2021, leveraging his U-M degree for scouting insights), and Danny Stolper as director of operations (U-M alum since 2017, managing logistics and travel). These efforts have correlated with pitching improvements, including a team ERA drop from 5.24 in 2024 to 4.65 in 2025, aiding a 33-23 overall record. The staff's recruiting prowess has elevated Michigan's talent pipeline. The 2025 high school recruiting class ranks 21st nationally per Perfect Game, featuring top-100 prospects like infielder Jack Wentzel and Max Peterson, bolstering infield depth and rotation options. Transfer portal activity under Valentine and Cornwell has been aggressive, with 19 incoming players in 2025—including key arms from programs—ranked 11th nationally by On3 for overall portal impact. Since Smith's 2023 debut, the staff has seen targeted additions to address roster needs post-transfer exodus. Initial hires like Valentine and Huntzinger stabilized core areas, while 2025 brought Stone for hitting expertise and Cornwell for development focus, replacing prior assistants to enhance Midwest recruiting ties and analytics integration.

Season and Team Records

All-Time Statistical Records

The Michigan Wolverines baseball program holds an all-time overall record of 3,111–1,872–38 through the 2025 season, resulting in a .623 winning percentage. This places the Wolverines third in NCAA Division I history for total victories, behind only Fordham and Texas. In conference play, Michigan has a 1,225–749–3 record against Big Ten opponents, contributing to 35 regular-season titles. The program's performance varies by venue, with a strong historical advantage at home in Ray Fisher Stadium, where the team has posted dominant results since its dedication in , including a .720 at the Wilpon Complex (the stadium's modern configuration) from 2008 through 2017. Away and neutral-site records reflect tougher competition, though specific all-time splits underscore Michigan's overall road resilience in postseason contexts. Key single-season team records highlight peaks in offensive and pitching dominance. The 1985 squad under coach Bud Middaugh set the benchmark for most wins with 55, en route to a Big Ten championship. Pitching excellence is exemplified by the 1984 team's 2.45 , the lowest in program history, supporting a 43–20 campaign that advanced to the . Batting records include the 1953 team's .340 average, led by national champion contributors during Ray Fisher's tenure.
Record CategoryValueYearNotes
Most Wins551985Big Ten champions; 55–10 overall
Lowest Team ERA2.45198443–20 overall; College World Series appearance
Highest Team Batting Average.340NCAA champions; 21–9 overall
Milestones include the program's 1,000th victory in 1986, a pivotal moment during Bud Middaugh's era that solidified Michigan's status as a perennial contender. Statistical trends show an uptick in power hitting post-2000, with team home runs per season rising from an average of under 40 in the 1990s to over 60 in multiple years since 2010, reflecting broader changes in equipment and training.

Year-by-Year Results

The baseball program has compiled a rich history of competitive seasons since joining the in 1896, with overall records reflecting periods of dominance and transition. While early years featured informal play without formal standings, modern records from the NCAA era highlight consistent participation, including 35 Big Ten regular-season titles. The following table summarizes key seasons from 2003 to 2025, focusing on overall and conference performance, finishes, and postseason outcomes, drawn from official university archives.
YearHead CoachOverall RecordConference Record (Big Ten)Conference FinishPostseason Outcome
2003Rich Maloney30–2716–143rdNone
2004Rich Maloney34–2619–13T–3rdNone
2005Rich Maloney42–1917–12T–4thNCAA Regional (3rd place)
2006Rich Maloney43–2123–91stNCAA Regional (3rd place)
2007Rich Maloney42–1921–71stNCAA Super Regional (runner-up)
2008Rich Maloney46–1426–51stNCAA Regional (3rd place)
2009Rich Maloney30–259–157thNone
2010Rich Maloney35–2214–102ndNone
2011Rich Maloney17–377–1610thNone
2012Rich Maloney22–348–1610thNone
2013Erik Bakich29–2714–10T–5thNone
2014Erik Bakich30–29–113–11T–4thNone
2015Erik Bakich39–2514–10T–3rdNCAA Regional (runner-up)
2016Erik Bakich36–2113–105thNone
2017Erik Bakich42–1716–82ndNCAA Regional (4th place)
2018Erik Bakich33–2115–83rdNone
2019Erik Bakich50–2216–72ndCollege World Series (runner-up)
2020Erik Bakich8–70–0N/ASeason shortened (COVID-19)
2021Erik Bakich27–1927–173rdNCAA Regional (4th place)
2022Erik Bakich34–2812–125thNCAA Regional (runner-up)
2023Tracy Smith28–2813–116thNone
2024Tracy Smith32–2814–10T–4thNone
2025Tracy Smith33–2316–147thBig Ten Tournament (0–2)
One of the program's standout seasons came in under Rich Maloney, when the Wolverines posted a 42–19 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Regionals, marking a strong resurgence after early-2000s inconsistencies; the team swept non-conference series against opponents like Western Michigan but fell short in regional play due to pitching depth issues. Under current head coach Tracy Smith, who took over in 2023, the Wolverines have shown steady improvement amid challenges. The 2023 season ended at 28–28 overall, with a solid 13–11 conference mark, but non-conference play included early sweeps against Charlotte and Oakland before mid-season challenges to key pitchers hampered momentum, leading to no postseason berth. In 2024, the team improved to 32–28, tying for fourth in the Big Ten; non-conference highlights featured a sweep of Long Beach State, though injuries accumulated late, contributing to a missed NCAA bid despite a strong home record of 19–8. The 2025 campaign saw a 33–23 finish, with the addition of West Coast teams like USC, UCLA, and to the Big Ten increasing travel demands—such as cross-country trips that added fatigue and logistical strain—but the Wolverines still qualified for the expanded 12-team Big Ten Tournament as the No. 7 seed, going 0–2 with close losses to (6–5 in 10 innings) and UCLA (7–5).

Postseason Achievements

NCAA Tournament History

The Michigan Wolverines baseball program has made 26 appearances in the NCAA Tournament since its inception in , establishing itself as one of the more consistent participants from the . The team's first postseason berth came as the host of the District 4 (Mideast) Regional in Ann Arbor, where they won 2-0 before advancing further. Over the decades, Michigan has alternated between automatic bids earned via Big Ten regular-season or tournament titles and at-large selections based on overall performance, with notable at-large invitations in years like , , , and 2019. The Wolverines have hosted regionals 12 times, primarily at Ray Fisher Stadium, including as a No. 1 national seed in 1983 and 1987, reflecting their regional dominance in the Midwest. Michigan's performance in the opening rounds has been solid, with a 72-56 overall record in the NCAA tournament through their most recent appearance in 2022, yielding a .562 . The team has won eight regionals, often showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting to navigate double-elimination formats. For instance, in 2007, Michigan won the Nashville Regional 2-1 before losing the Corvallis Super Regional 0-2 to Oregon State. Similarly, in 2015, the Wolverines posted a 2-2 mark in the Louisville Regional as an at-large team, splitting two close contests with the host Cardinals (3-4 and 4-13 losses) while beating Bradley twice (10-5 and 4-3) in the losers' bracket. Super Regional successes have been rarer but impactful, with Michigan securing one series victory in this round since its modern inception in 1999. A standout example occurred in 2019 at the UCLA Super Regional in , where the No. 3-seeded Wolverines, earning an bid after a strong regular season, defeated the host Bruins 2-1 (3-2 win, 4-5 loss in 12 innings, 4-2 win) to punch their ticket to Omaha—their first such advancement since 1984. Earlier, in 2007, Michigan lost the Corvallis Super Regional 0-2 to Oregon State after winning their regional. In 2008, the Wolverines hosted the Ann Arbor Regional but finished 1-2 overall and did not advance to a Super Regional. The program has experienced notable early eliminations as well, such as the 2017 Chapel Hill Regional, where a young squad went 0-2 with losses to Florida Gulf Coast (6-10) and (1-8) as an participant. In 2022, Michigan returned to the Louisville Regional as an bid, finishing 2-2 with wins over and before elimination by Louisville. The team has not qualified for the NCAA Tournament since, including in the 2023-2025 seasons. These outcomes highlight Michigan's ability to compete against top competition, though consistency in closing out regionals has varied across eras.

College World Series Appearances

The Michigan Wolverines have made eight appearances in the College World Series (CWS), the NCAA's annual postseason championship event held in Omaha, Nebraska, with their first trip coming in 1953 and the most recent in 2019. These outings highlight the program's historical success in postseason play, particularly during the mid-20th century under legendary coach Ray Fisher, when Michigan captured two national titles. The team has compiled an overall CWS record of 17 wins and 14 losses, yielding a .548 winning percentage, often benefiting from the neutral-site atmosphere in Omaha that has hosted the event since 1950 and allows programs like Michigan to adapt to the high-stakes environment without true home-field constraints. Michigan secured its first national championship in 1953, defeating Texas 7-5 in the decisive final game after dropping an earlier matchup to the Longhorns; the Wolverines went 5-1 overall in the tournament, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting led by players like Bill Mogk. The program's second title came in 1962, also under Fisher, in one of the most memorable CWS finals: Michigan outlasted Santa Clara 5-4 in 15 innings, with Jim Bobel's triple proving pivotal in the extra-inning thriller, finishing 4-1 in the CWS after an earlier loss to Texas. These victories marked Michigan as one of only a handful of programs to win multiple CWS crowns before the modern era, establishing a legacy of resilience in Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium (now Charles Schwab Field). The Wolverines reached the CWS finals as runners-up in 2019, their most recent appearance, where they posted a 4-2 mark before falling to Vanderbilt in a best-of-three series. Key matchups included a 5-3 opening win over Texas Tech (followed by a 15-3 rout in the bracket), a 2-0 of Florida State, and a marathon 5-4 victory over in 15 innings to advance undefeated from their bracket; in the finals, Michigan won Game 1 7-4 but dropped the next two, 4-1 and 8-2, with Vanderbilt's earning tournament MVP honors for his dominant pitching. Earlier CWS showings included in 1983 (2-2 record, with wins over and Stanford) and tied for fifth in both 1978 and 1980 (1-2 each), though the team exited early in 1981 and 1984 with 0-2 marks. Since 2019, Michigan has not returned to the despite consistent NCAA Tournament qualifications, including regional berths in 2021 and 2022, reflecting the competitive path through expanded 64-team fields and super regionals that demand sustained excellence to reach Omaha.

Conference Success

Regular Season Championships

The baseball program holds the record for the most Big Ten regular season championships with 35 titles, achieved between 1899 and 2008. These accomplishments underscore the team's historical dominance in conference play, often setting the stage for strong postseason positioning by earning the top seed in the Big Ten tournament. During the division era (1973–1991), regular season titles were awarded to division winners, often resulting in co-champions. Among these victories, the Wolverines have secured 20 outright championships, including standout seasons like 1923, 1961, 1978, , and 2008, where they finished alone atop the standings. In contrast, 15 titles were shared, such as in 1949 (with and ), 2007 (with and Penn State), reflecting the competitive balance within the . These shared outcomes frequently arose from multi-team ties resolved through established procedures. Tiebreaker rules in Big Ten baseball history have prioritized head-to-head matchups between tied teams, followed by against common conference opponents, and then factors like overall conference or records against ranked foes if needed. This system, refined over decades, has directly influenced several of Michigan's shared titles by determining co-champions without additional playoff games. For instance, in , the Wolverines clinched an outright title with a decisive sweep of in the final series, highlighting how key rivalries contribute to championship runs. The regular season titles have amplified Michigan's rivalry with Ohio State, where dominant series—such as sweeps—have often propelled the Wolverines toward crowns and heightened the stakes in these matchups. However, since the Big Ten's expansion to 14 teams in and further to 18 in 2024, Michigan has struggled to reclaim the top spot, with no titles since 2008. In 2025, the team tied for sixth place with a 16-14 record, marking another near-miss in a more crowded field.

Tournament Championships

The Michigan Wolverines have secured a record-tying 10 Baseball Tournament titles, sharing the mark with and Ohio State. These championships occurred in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2015, and 2022. Each victory has granted an automatic berth to the , bolstering the program's postseason profile and contributing to 26 overall NCAA appearances. The tournament's format has undergone significant changes since its inception in 1981 as a four-team round-robin among the top regular-season finishers. From 1993 to 2024, it utilized an eight-team double-elimination structure, emphasizing endurance and comeback potential. The 2024 conference expansion to 18 teams prompted a shift for 2025 to a 12-team event with four pools of three teams each; pool winners advanced to semifinals and a final in a single-elimination bracket, increasing participation while maintaining competitive balance. Michigan has hosted the Big Ten Tournament 10 times, with the 2008 edition at Ray Fisher Stadium in Ann Arbor marking the most recent. Standout performances include the 2022 title run, where the fifth-seeded Wolverines upset the Nos. 1 through 4 seeds, culminating in a 5-3 championship win over second-seeded Rutgers. In contrast, the 2025 tournament saw a 0-2 exit in the new format, with losses to (6-5 in 10 innings) and UCLA (7-5). Michigan's all-time tournament record through the 2025 season is 62-48 (.564), reflecting strong historical contention.

Individual Player Honors

All-Americans

The Michigan Wolverines baseball program has produced 18 players recognized as First Team All-Americans, spanning from the early to the present day, underscoring a tradition of elite talent development. These honors, awarded by prominent organizations such as the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), Baseball America, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), recognize outstanding individual performance during the regular season and postseason, with selections based on criteria including statistical excellence, , and impact on team success—ABCA honors are voted on by college coaches, Baseball America emphasizes scouting evaluations, and NCBWA relies on journalistic assessments. Among these, several players earned multiple First Team nods, highlighting sustained dominance; notable examples include , who received the honor three times (1983, 1984, and 1985) as a by Baseball America and ABCA, and , honored twice (1987 and 1988) as a pitcher by Baseball America and . Others like Zach Putnam (pitcher, 2006 and 2008) also achieved repeat selections. Positionally, the honors are balanced, with 12 pitchers (e.g., in 1979 by , Kyle Cody in 2015 by ABCA) and 13 position players (e.g., Bill Freehan at in 1961 by ABCA, at third base in 1983 by Baseball America). Exemplary First Team All-Americans include Jim Paciorek (, 1982, Baseball America), Jackson (, 2021, NCBWA), and earlier standouts like Bruce Haynam (shortstop, 1953, ABCA) and Rick Leach (, 1979, ). These accolades have significantly bolstered the program's prestige, drawing top recruits and correlating with strong postseason performances, though recent honors like Mitch Voit's 2025 Third Team selection by D1Baseball highlight ongoing excellence beyond First Team designations. Many of these players went on to earn additional national and conference awards.
PlayerPositionYear(s)Selector(s)
Bruce HaynamSS1953ABCA
Bill FreehanC1961ABCA
Jim PaciorekOF1982Baseball America
SS1983–1985ABCA, Baseball America
3B1983Baseball America
P1987–1988ABCA, Baseball America
OF1986ABCA, Baseball America
Zach PutnamP2006, 2008Collegiate Baseball, ABCA
Kyle CodyP2014–2015ABCA
Jacob CronenworthIF/P2014–2016NCBWA, Collegiate Baseball
P2021NCBWA

National and Conference Awards

The baseball program has produced several standout individuals who have earned prestigious national awards, recognizing exceptional performance at the collegiate level. The , presented annually by since 1978 to the nation's top amateur baseball player based on overall impact, statistics, and leadership, was won by pitcher in 1987 after he posted a 2.82 with 152 strikeouts in 17 starts, leading to the . Similarly, the , awarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) to the outstanding collegiate player since 1987 through a vote of the national baseball media, was also claimed by Abbott that same year for his dominant season that included a against . In 1986, outfielder received Baseball America's College Player of the Year honor, selected by the publication's editors for his .417 , 23 home runs, and 71 RBIs, which helped power to a Big Ten title. Additional national accolades include Baseball America's National Pitcher of the Year and National Freshman of the Year awards, both earned by Jim Paciorek in 1982 for his dual role as a and , where he hit .398 with 13 home runs while maintaining a 2.45 ERA on the mound; these honors, determined by Baseball America staff based on statistical excellence and team contribution, marked the first such national recognition for a freshman. On the coaching side, was named the NCBWA National Coach of the Year in 2019 after guiding to a program-record 50 wins and a runner-up finish; the award, voted on by NCBWA members, honors the coach whose team demonstrates the most significant improvement and success. At the conference level, the Wolverines have amassed 12 Big Ten Player of the Year honors since the award's inception in 1982, selected annually by a vote of the league's head coaches to recognize the top overall performer based on offensive and defensive contributions. Notable recipients include , who won consecutively in 1984 and 1985 with a combined .368 average and 28 stolen bases, and more recently Jordan Brewer in 2019 for his .349 average and 13 home runs that propelled to a conference title. has secured eight Big Ten Pitcher of the Year awards, voted similarly by coaches for the most dominant arm in the league; notable winners include Abbott, who earned Big Ten Player of the Year in 1988, while Connor O'Halloran claimed it in 2023 after a 2.68 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 85.1 innings. The program has also earned six Big Ten Freshman of the Year selections, awarded to the top first-year player via coaches' vote emphasizing immediate impact; examples include in 2014 for his .308 average and versatility as an -pitcher, and Jake Bivens in 2015 for a 3.46 in 26 appearances out of the . Coaches have received five Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, based on team record, conference standing, and player development as determined by peer vote; won in 2015 after a 39-win season and Big Ten Tournament title, while Rich Maloney earned back-to-back nods in 2007 and 2008 for leading Michigan to 37 and 50 wins, respectively, including super regionals. Additionally, batting title leaders, determined by highest conference batting average among qualifiers, have included (.448 in 1986) and (.379 in 1985), highlighting individual hitting prowess within the league. In 2025, Mitch Voit's third-team recognition from D1Baseball factored into his strong consideration for Big Ten Player of the Year, though he ultimately earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after slashing .346/.471/.668 with 14 home runs.

Retired Numbers and Hall of Fame Inductees

The baseball program has retired six uniform numbers to honor individuals who made exceptional contributions as players or coaches, a tradition that recognizes lasting impact on the team's legacy rather than annual performance. These retirements are selective, typically reserved for those whose achievements elevated the program at the collegiate level, such as leading teams to championships or compiling coaching records of historic significance. No numbers have been retired since 2010, reflecting the high bar set by prior honorees. The retired numbers are displayed prominently along the outfield wall in left-center field at Ray Fisher Stadium, serving as a visual tribute to the program's icons during home games.
  • No. 1: Moby Benedict – Retired to honor Benedict's dual legacy as a standout outfielder from 1954 to 1956, where he earned All-Big Ten honors, and as head coach from 1963 to 1979, during which he mentored numerous All-Americans and guided the team to multiple conference titles. The number was retired in a ceremony prior to the 2009 season.
  • No. 11: Bill Freehan – Honoring Freehan's exceptional play as a catcher in 1960 and 1961, including All-American selection in 1961 and helping lead Michigan to the 1961 College World Series. Retired as part of the program's early honors tradition.
  • No. 16: Barry Larkin – Retired on May 1, 2010, in a pregame ceremony to celebrate Larkin's tenure as shortstop from 1983 to 1986, where he earned All-American honors three times, hit .381 career, and captained the 1986 team to the College World Series.
  • No. 31: Jim Abbott – Retired on April 18, 2009, recognizing Abbott's dominance as a pitcher from 1986 to 1988, including the 1987 Golden Spikes Award and leading Michigan to the 1988 College World Series title.
  • No. 33: Don Lund – Retired for Lund's contributions as an outfielder from 1943 to 1945, batting .368 with power, and later as an assistant coach from 1959 to 1962. The number was honored in the program's foundational retirements.
  • No. 44: Ray Fisher – Retired to commemorate Fisher's 38-year coaching tenure from 1921 to 1958, amassing a 636-295-8 record, six Big Ten titles, and two College World Series appearances, establishing Michigan as a national power.
The Athletic Hall of Honor, established in 1978, inducts individuals for significant contributions as athletes, coaches, or administrators, with criteria emphasizing recognition, NCAA championships, or program-building impact, often requiring at least 25 years since the end of involvement. For , this has resulted in over 25 inductees since 1978, spanning players from the early to the , highlighting the sport's deep history at . Unlike retired numbers, which focus solely on jersey honors for a select few, Hall of Honor induction celebrates broader athletic excellence, including multi-sport figures whose achievements were pivotal. Inductions occur annually in classes of varying size, with ceremonies at the U-M . Notable early inductees include Bill Freehan (1978), recognized for his catching prowess and leadership; Ray Fisher (1979), for his transformative coaching; and (1979), a Hall of Fame pitcher from 1913 to 1915 who set early program standards. Subsequent classes featured Buck Giles (1980) for his outfield play in the 1920s, Francis Wistert (1981) as a two-way star in , and B.F. "Mickey" Chamberlain (1982) for his wartime-era contributions. The 1980s and 1990s brought honors for multi-sport athletes like (1980), a 1920s infielder; Dick Wakefield (1983), a power-hitting from 1940 to 1941; and Don Lund (1984), for his dual role. Later inductees include Moby Benedict (1992) for his playing and coaching; (2004) for his ace pitching; (2007) for his shortstop excellence; and (2011) for his 1980s outfield production. More recent additions are (2009) for his versatile play in the late 1970s, Jim Paciorek (2020) for his 1980s catching and hitting, David Campbell (2009) as a 1960s , and Ken Hayward (2024) for his contributions as a longtime staff member and administrator.
Induction YearKey Baseball InducteesNotable Contributions
1978-1979Bill Freehan, Ray Fisher, Catching leadership, coaching dynasty, pioneering pitching
1980-1984Buck Giles, Francis Wistert, B.F. Chamberlain, Dick Wakefield, Don LundEarly play, two-way versatility, wartime resilience, power hitting, player-coach impact
1986-1994Chalmers Elliott, , Neil Snow, Moby Benedict, Dominic TomasiMulti-sport excellence, 1940s infield, historical multi-sport, coaching mentorship, postwar play
2002-2009Bill Mogk, Herman Fishman, , , , David Campbell team success, managerial contributions, award-winning pitching, All-American , versatile athletics, first-base power
2011-2024, Jim Paciorek, Ken Hayward hitting, catching and leadership, program administration
This table highlights representative inductees by era, focusing on their roles in elevating Michigan baseball without exhaustive detail.

Professional Pipeline

MLB Alumni

Over 85 former University of Michigan baseball players have reached Major League Baseball, establishing the Wolverines program as a significant pipeline to professional success. This includes three Baseball Hall of Famers: first baseman George Sisler, who played from 1915 to 1930 across teams like the St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators, posting a .340 career batting average and winning the 1922 American League MVP award; second baseman Charlie Gehringer, who spent 1924–1942 primarily with the Detroit Tigers, achieving a .320 average and the 1937 AL MVP while contributing to the 1935 World Series championship; and shortstop Barry Larkin, whose 1986–2004 career with the Cincinnati Reds featured a 1995 National League MVP, 12 All-Star selections, and three Gold Glove Awards, culminating in his 2012 Hall of Fame induction. Ted Simmons, a Hall of Fame catcher who attended the University of Michigan while beginning his professional career, is also associated with the program. Pitchers have comprised approximately 60% of Michigan's MLB alumni, reflecting the program's emphasis on developing arms for professional levels, with standout examples including left-hander , who pitched from 1989 to 1999 for teams like the New York Yankees and , famously throwing a in 1991 despite being born without a right hand. Other notable pitching careers include , a reliever who appeared in 1980–1996 across multiple clubs and earned the 1980 National League Rookie of the Year; and Rich Hill, whose 21-season tenure from 2005 to 2025 spanned 14 teams, amassing a 90–76 record and 4.02 ERA over 1,418 innings as of 2025. Position players like Larkin and Sisler highlight the balanced representation, with infielders and outfielders contributing to World Series appearances, such as Larkin's role in the 1990 Reds championship. Recent alumni continue to extend the program's legacy in the majors. Right-hander , a 2021 draftee, made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in September 2024, pitching scoreless innings in relief during a 7–1 win over the and appearing in postseason games that year. Left-hander Tommy Henry debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022 and appeared in two games in 2025, logging a 4.05 ERA over 6.2 innings while maintaining a 5–4 record and 4.15 ERA across 89 innings in 2023. Infielder , playing for the San Diego Padres since his 2019 debut, has solidified as a two-time (2021–2022) with a career .247 average and a 2025 on-base percentage of .367, his highest to date. The presence of these MLB alumni has notably bolstered Michigan's recruiting efforts, as success stories like Cronenworth's All-Star status and Hill's enduring career demonstrate the program's developmental pathway, attracting top high school talent eager to follow in their footsteps.

Draft History and First-Round Picks

The Michigan Wolverines baseball program has seen 171 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft since the draft's inception in 1965. Of these, approximately 96.5%—or 165 players—have signed professional contracts, reflecting the program's strong appeal to scouting departments and its track record of developing signable talent. This high signing rate underscores Michigan's role as a reliable source of professional prospects, with selections spanning all rounds and phases of the draft. The Wolverines have produced 14 first-round picks, a mark that highlights periodic bursts of elite talent production. Notable examples include left-handed pitcher , selected eighth overall by the California Angels in 1988; shortstop , taken fourth overall by the in 1985; and catcher Dave Parrish, picked 28th overall by the New York Yankees in 2000. The 1979 draft stands out as a high-water mark, yielding three first-round selections: outfielder (13th overall, Tigers), left-handed pitcher (16th overall, ), and right-handed pitcher (25th overall, ). Most recently, two-way player Mitch Voit was chosen 38th overall by the in 2025, marking the program's first first-round pick since 2000 and contributing to Michigan's historic achievement of first-round selections across multiple major sports in the same year. Michigan has also registered picks in supplemental rounds and competitive balance rounds, though these have been less frequent in recent decades. For instance, right-handed pitcher Rich Stoll was selected 14th overall in the secondary phase of the 1983 draft by the Montreal Expos. A trend of pitching dominance is evident among top selections, with five of the 14 first-round picks being pitchers or two-way players, including Abbott, Howe, Perry, Stoll, and Voit. In recent drafts, has maintained consistent mid-round production without first-rounders from 2001 to 2024. The draft featured three selections, led by left-handed pitcher Steve Hajjar (61st overall, second round, ); 2022 saw three more, highlighted by outfielder Clark Elliott (69th overall, second round, ); 2023 had one mid-round pick in right-handed pitcher Connor O'Halloran (157th overall, fifth round, Toronto Blue Jays); and 2024 yielded none. The 2025 draft added Voit's first-round selection but no additional picks. Complementing drafted players, Michigan alumni have succeeded as undrafted free agents, with examples including Triston Carrillo signing with the in 2023 and right-handed pitcher Garrett Fisher with the Chicago Cubs in 2022, some advancing to MLB rosters.

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