Baseball Earns Trip to World Series
CU Boulder club baseball capped a historic 2023 season with a postseason run to the National Club Baseball (NCBA) World Series May 26–June 1 in Alton, Illinois. In the double-elimination World Series tournament, the Buffs lost their opener 0-3 to defending national champion Florida State on May 27. CU rebounded the next day to defeat No. 1 seed Utah State 4-3 before being eliminated 1-4 on May 29 in a rematch against Florida State.
Colorado finished with a Mid-America West conference record of 11-1.
The Buffs earned the No. 2 seed in the Mid-America Regionals May 12–14 in Kearney, Nebraska. They won the double-elimination tournament and a World Series ticket by defeating Nebraska twice and then No. 1 seed Iowa State in back-to-back, same-day elimination games.
“We focus on winning but still having fun,” said All-American Third Team catcher Blake Carey (ܲ’24).&Բ;
Baseball is a club sport at CU. It doesn’t receive funding like varsity sports. Student recreation fees, player dues and donations support the team. Players organize practices and travel, as well as recruiting teammates and coaches.
“I love the relaxed vibe,” said second baseman Mac Padilla (CTD’24). “But still, our seniors developed a culture to be the best team possible, not just a club of friends.”
The Buffs scored several all-time feats: first regional championship, first NCBA World Series appearance and win, and highest-ever final ranking — No. 6 in the NCBA D1 Top 20.
In a season of highlights, multiple players recalled a single moment at the World Series. Shortstop Cameron Scheuer (Comm’23) won the 2023 Easton Baseball Longball Challenge on May 28.
“Watching Cam win the home run derby was incredible,” said first baseman Andrew Garcia (BusAna’25). “The entire team and their families were cheering him on.”
Photos courtesy Ritchman Sideline Pass Photography and Mirimar Sideline Pass Photography