University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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133 Years of Baseball 1 1998- 1999 MEN ' S RESENTED 133 YEARS OF VARSITY SPORTS Michiganensian Archives Outfielder Wilbur Franklin, a key player on the 1961 baseball team, launches a ball. Franklin later went on to play major league ball with the Detroit Tigers. Excellence had long been a characteris- tic of the varsity baseball program. Since its initiation 133 years ago, the program had devel- oped remarkable athletes and scholars who went on to positively contribute to society. Through- out the program ' s history, many players attained great goals; for example, former player, and later coach , Branch Ricky and former player George Sisler were inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Ricky played an important role in baseball his- tory; he was a decisive factor in the promotion of Jackie Robinson through the ranks of profes- sional baseball. Another important former member of the University ' s baseball program who contrib- uted positively to professional baseball was Don Lund. Lund was also a player and coach for the University ' s program. Later, Lund was a peer of Jackie Robinson and was promoted to the Montreal Expos minor league team with Robinson. As a student at the University, Lund lettered in three sports, but he considered baseball his fa- vorite. I just loved going to practice and to games so much, Lund explained. Baseball was just my favorite part of the day, and the program was very strong when I played, too. Lund later coached the University ' s program, helping to lead the team to the Big Ten playoffs in 1961 and to the National Title in 1962. S The winning tradition that character- v- s; . 182 Baseball Anniversary

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the Century Club Superfan leads the faithful crowd of maize and blue in a rousing round of The Victors. In his first year as the new Superfan, first-year student Reza Breakstone did a marvel- ous job keeping the fans motivated and cheering with the familiar beat of the cowbell. Kristy Parker With fists raised in pride, the student body sings The Victors at a home football game. As part of a fundraiser, the Marching Band received one dollar from numerous benefac- tors each time they played The Victors at a 1998 home football game. raphic by Mike Lee Inside Snorts 181

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oil Nine Innings at a Time zed the University ' s baseball program was rein- stated by the arrival of Coach Geoff Zahn four ears ago. According to assistant coach Matt de, Zahn refocused the team on winning the lational title and helped us realize that we are a vinning team. Several key players of the program were ptimistic about their season and hoped to revive he winning tradition associated with the Jniversity ' s baseball program. Sports manage- Shelley Skopit ment senior and baseball co-captain Bobby Scales Sophomore Bobby Scales pounds off another hit during the 1998 explained, Our fall was tremendous, very pro- season. Like any team, good hit- ting played a major factor in the ductive and promising. Last year the chemistry Wolverine ' s season. wasn ' t there, but this year is very promising. That feeling of optimism was shared by his teammates, as junior sports management and communications major Bryce Ralston said, Last year, we didn ' t live up to our high expectations, but this year it ' s a new start and we plan on being a national contender. by Karen McQuade Inside Sports 183