They were, along with Hardin-Simmons, UTEP, and the New Mexico schools. I think Northern Arizona University was also involved.
As I understand it, the old Border Conference went to Hell when Tech had the offer to join the SWC in the 1950’s and the UofA and tempe normal left for the WAC shortly thereafter. The former still plays UNM on occasion for the Kit Carson Rifle. Always thought they should also play Tech for old times sake (and geography). Would be nice to renew those rivalries.
The Gatos were supposed to play the raiders in lubbock last September until the donnie virus took hold and messed up things. I’m bummed because I had plans to go and meet up with some tech friends for the game.
Alas.
At least I avoided being pelted by flying tortillas.
Last night was my first extended observation of UT’s ace, Ty Madden, pitching. His stuff is great (FB touches 98), and he dominated ASU. He only went 6 innings, and the 8-1 score at the time is only part of the reason. He also threw about 100 pitches (I never saw a final count), and the reason for 100 pitches that early is many of his pitches were nowhere near the strike zone. Some talking head once called those kinds of pitches “non-competitive” because they are so bad the hitter is not enticed to swing. The only thing non-competitive pitches do is run up the pitch count, which is not a good thing. Please do not infer I am criticizing his talent. I think he is an outstanding college pitcher who would be even better by pounding the strike zone more.
ETA: A friend who is close to the program told me Madden has been dealing with a blister problem. That certainly could be a reason for his erratic command.
He was wild last night; usually his command is pretty good, so maybe the blister issue explains it. He’s a good pitcher with a good slider and effective change, but his fastball isn’t all that great IMO. I don’t know if it is spin rate, location or that hitters just see it well, but I’ve seen it hit much harder this year than the normal college 97 mph FB.
His FB looks pretty straight.
Oklahoma State getting embarrassed by UCSB for a second time. Now 12-0 in the bottom of the 6th.
I clearly underestimated the Gauchos, it appears the Cowboys may have as well.
TCU and Oregon State are locked in a 2-2 deathmatch going into the 9th.
Oregon State beats TCU 3-2.
Fairfield University beats Arizona State 9-7 will play the Longhorns later today.
Oklahoma State is already strapped in the chair and waiting for the switch to be thrown. It’s 12-1 in the 8th.
Any idea what time the UT game is?
How far the mighty have fallen. On one of my team’s trips to Omaha (they were short stays), we watched ASU play. Rick Monday was in CF, Sal Bando was at 3B, and Reggie Jackson was a freshman and ineligible for the varsity under the rules of the day. We did not play them, thank goodness.
A later ASU team had Oddibe McDowell and Barry Bonds in the OF along with another guy I cannot remember who also could play (maybe Mike Devereaux?).
8 pm, I think.
Texas Twitter feed says 8 pm
nvm, yall are correct 8 Central
Mike Devereaux, Jim.
In terms of future major league impact, obviously Bonds skews it more than a little but nevertheless that would be hard to beat as greatest college outfield of all time.
Yep, I added him. I think you’re right about greatest college OF ever. Texas played them then, I think. I remember listening on the radio.
While I was researching Devereaux, I read a blurb about Bonds at ASU with quotes from his coach. He was not liked by his teammates because he was rude and self-absorbed. Go figure. He was suspended once for violating curfew, and the team voted to not let him come back. I guess they eventually relented.
Just came across this article from last year, interesting read, not that I necessarily agree with all the voting.
Any team which does not have Hooton as the RHP is crazy.
Cliff Gustafson coached a lot of good pitchers and said Hooton was the best he coached.
So the Irish beat Central Michigan 10-0 in the opener on Friday. And they’re playing CMU again tonight and are currently up 13-2 in B8.
So combined score for the weekend: 49-5.
ETA:
Final was 14-2 so combined score 50-5.
Yes, but what does it seem like?
A D1 program against a pair of NAIA schools?
2-1