The Most Influential Colleges in Baseball Today

Badge for MOST INFLUENTIAL COLLEGES IN BASEBALL
By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

Most Influential Colleges in Baseball

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  1. University of Southern California
  2. Arizona State University
  3. University of California, Los Angeles
  4. Stanford University
  5. University of Texas at Austin
  6. University of the Pacific
  7. Florida State University
  8. Georgia Tech
  9. Louisiana State University
  10. San Diego State University
  1. Stanford University
  2. University of California, Los Angeles
  3. University of Southern California
  4. University of Texas at Austin
  5. Florida State University
  6. Arizona State University
  7. Louisiana State University
  8. Georgia Tech
  9. San Diego State University
  10. University of the Pacific
  1. University of the Pacific 93%
  2. Arizona State University 90%
  3. Louisiana State University 76%
  4. San Diego State University 39%
  5. University of Texas at Austin 31%
  6. Florida State University 25%
  7. Georgia Tech 17%
  8. University of Southern California 12%
  9. University of California, Los Angeles 9%
  10. Stanford University 4%
  1. San Diego State University 25 to 1
  2. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  3. Georgia Tech 19 to 1
  4. Arizona State University 19 to 1
  5. University of Texas at Austin 18 to 1
  6. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  7. Florida State University 17 to 1
  8. University of the Pacific 14 to 1
  9. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  10. Stanford University 5 to 1
  1. University of Southern California $64,726
  2. Stanford University $58,416
  3. University of the Pacific $53,682
  4. University of Texas at Austin $11,698
  5. University of California, Los Angeles $11,564
  6. Arizona State University $10,978
  7. Georgia Tech $10,258
  8. Louisiana State University $8,038
  9. San Diego State University $5,742
  10. Florida State University $4,640
  1. University of Southern California $63,468
  2. Stanford University $56,487
  3. University of the Pacific $51,382
  4. Georgia Tech $14,064
  5. University of Texas at Austin $12,036
  6. Arizona State University $12,014
  7. University of California, Los Angeles $11,700
  8. Florida State University $9,684
  9. Louisiana State University $9,132
  10. San Diego State University $7,176
  1. San Diego State University
  2. Louisiana State University
  3. Georgia Tech
  4. Florida State University
  5. University of the Pacific
  6. University of Texas at Austin
  7. Stanford University
  8. University of California, Los Angeles
  9. Arizona State University
  10. University of Southern California
  1. University of the Pacific
  2. San Diego State University
  3. Georgia Tech
  4. Louisiana State University
  5. Arizona State University
  6. Florida State University
  7. University of Texas at Austin
  8. University of Southern California
  9. University of California, Los Angeles
  10. Stanford University
  1. Stanford University 4%
  2. University of California, Los Angeles 9%
  3. University of Southern California 12%
  4. Georgia Tech 17%
  5. Florida State University 25%
  6. University of Texas at Austin 31%
  7. San Diego State University 39%
  8. Louisiana State University 76%
  9. Arizona State University 90%
  10. University of the Pacific 93%
  1. Stanford University 5 to 1
  2. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  3. University of the Pacific 14 to 1
  4. Florida State University 17 to 1
  5. University of Texas at Austin 18 to 1
  6. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  7. Georgia Tech 19 to 1
  8. Arizona State University 19 to 1
  9. Louisiana State University 22 to 1
  10. San Diego State University 25 to 1
  1. Florida State University $4,640
  2. San Diego State University $5,742
  3. Louisiana State University $8,038
  4. Georgia Tech $10,258
  5. Arizona State University $10,978
  6. University of California, Los Angeles $11,564
  7. University of Texas at Austin $11,698
  8. University of the Pacific $53,682
  9. Stanford University $58,416
  10. University of Southern California $64,726
  1. San Diego State University $7,176
  2. Louisiana State University $9,132
  3. Florida State University $9,684
  4. University of California, Los Angeles $11,700
  5. Arizona State University $12,014
  6. University of Texas at Austin $12,036
  7. Georgia Tech $14,064
  8. University of the Pacific $51,382
  9. Stanford University $56,487
  10. University of Southern California $63,468

Find the colleges and universities that have the biggest impact in college baseball history based on the influence of their alumni in baseball. See which schools have proven histories of attracting and cultivating some of the most influential athletes today.

The most influential colleges baseball has to offer today are recognized for their critical roles in the development of young baseball players and the sport’s overall landscape. College baseball is considered a crucial stepping stone for aspiring professional baseball players, particularly as the primary pathway to the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Baseball, like many collegiate sports, also enjoys significant fan interest and engagement, of which high attendance figures, passionate fan bases, and strong sense of community are proof.

Of course, college baseball players can also apply for athletic scholarships, a game-changer for many who want to earn a college degree while also pursuing their professional baseball dreams. With excellent performance in the National Championships and the College World Series, among other college baseball events, these dreams are possible!

Featured Programs

How We Determine the Most Influential Athletes in Baseball

From 2012-2022, Academic Influence identified influential athletes in college baseball in both the United States and Canada. We want to emphasize that the term “influential” means the ability to make a positive impact on college baseball, whether as a player, a head coach or assistant coach, or as a team in general, for decades. Here, we take a closer look at the colleges and universities and their baseball programs that are shaping the best and brightest in college baseball.

In making the list of the most influential colleges in baseball, we used our machine-learning-powered InfluenceRanking™ Engine (originally developed for DARPA) in finding college baseball athletes based on metrics like merits, and citations across Wikipedia and Wikidata. Our machine-learning algorithm does not just count citations. It goes several steps further by weighing the importance of web links to and from an athlete’s mentions, meaning larger publications have more weight. Furthermore, we consider web searches and page views are also considered when choosing the best college baseball players.

Once we’ve identified and ranked college baseball players individually, our AI finds the colleges and universities the athletes attended and calculates the accumulative score of all of the athletes associated with the school, for a given sport. In the end, we list the colleges with the largest accumulative scores, and we show, in order of influence, all the athletes that helped produce the schools’ scores.

Find out more about our Methodology. Note: for the purposes of our overall list, the influence of entertainers, TV personalities, and models were adjusted downward.

baseball player getting ready to hit a pitch

The Most Influential Colleges in Baseball Today

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $56,651
    Salary after 4 years: $82,496
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The USC Trojans baseball program is among the best in college baseball, if not the best, since it has 12 won national championships—the most number of national championships than other college baseball programs across all divisions! Note that no other Division I college baseball program has more than seven national championships. The first national championship for the Trojans was in 1948 and its latest NCAA national title was in 1998.

    Through the years, the Trojans baseball teams have also racked up their fair share of all-time College World Series appearances (21) with only Texas, Miami, Florida State, and Arizona State beating its record. The Trojans have also won 74 individual CWS games and 173 NCAA tournament wins, in both cases only being beaten by Texas.

    The Trojans play their home games at Dedeaux Field, named in honor of Rod Dedeaux, its former head coach and member of the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

    University of Southern California’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Randy Johnson
    2. Mark McGwire
    3. Tom Seaver
    4. Aaron Boone
    5. Bill Buckner
    6. Fred Lynn
    7. Bret Boone
    8. Mark Prior
    9. Bobby Valentine
    10. Steve Busby
    11. Ian Kennedy
    12. Morgan Ensberg
    13. Jeff Cirillo
    14. Bill Lee
    15. Lucas Duda
    16. Tom House
    17. Jason Lane
    18. Tommy Milone
    19. Chad Moeller
    20. Anthony Reyes
    21. Ron Fairly
    22. Brian Bannister
    23. Brad Boxberger
    24. Ryan Cook
    25. Bobby Kielty
    26. Barry Zito
    27. Justin Lehr
    28. Jim Barr
    29. Roy Smalley III
    30. Mark Smith
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Jack Del Rio
    2. Larry Himes
    3. Jeff Smulyan
    4. Damon Oppenheimer
    5. Dave Engle
    6. Brent Strom
    7. Bob Lillis
    8. Garrett Stubbs
    9. Grant Green
    10. Dan Bane
    11. Frank Sullivan
    12. Tim Tolman
    13. Stu Pederson
    14. John Jackson
    15. Johnny James
    16. Gabe Alvarez
    17. Steve Kemp
    18. Johnny Werhas
    19. Kent Hadley
    20. Jack Brewer
    21. Steve Smyth
    22. Jason Brown
    23. Gary Sutherland
    24. Jim McAnany
    25. Rudy Regalado
    26. Bobby Mitchell
    27. Nick Buss
    28. Mike Gillespie
    29. Rex Johnston
    30. Rod Boxberger
    31. Ray Lamb
    32. Dan Hubbs
    33. Danny Coulombe
    34. Ken Peters
    35. Wally Wolf
    36. Art Mazmanian
    37. Bud Hollowell
    38. Jeff Wetherby
    39. Chris Smith
    40. Hank Workman
    41. DeChon Burns
    42. Eric Raich
    43. Chad Smith
    44. Bill Thom
    45. Anthony Vasquez
    46. Gary Holman
    47. Ed Putman
    48. Wes Rachels
    49. Tom Satriano
    50. Wally Hood
    51. Randy Scarbery
    52. Ken Yasuda
    53. Harvey Branch
    54. Jim Conroy
    55. Jeff Schattinger
    56. Len Gabrielson
    57. Dan Ardell
    58. Buddy Pritchard
    59. Roy Engle
    60. Derryck Thornton
    Compare school
    2. baseball player running around the bases
  2. #2

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $34,959
    Salary after 4 years: $50,905
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Like all its collegiate sports teams, the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball program chants the collective Sun Devils’ mantra and fight song, “Onward to Victory!” Considered among the best in college baseball, the Sun Devils baseball teams are a member of the Pac-12 Conference and, at 0.681, has the highest winning percentage among all Division I schools in the conference. The Sun Devils also have the longest-winning streak in the country with its NCAA 54 consecutive 30 win seasons.

    Indeed, it has been ranked the best college baseball program in the U.S. five times with the Sun Devils having an impressive five national championships under their belts. It’s no wonder that they are the first in terms of alumni playing in the MLB with notable alumni including Barry Bonds and Reggie Jackson. In 2023, eight Sun Devils were selected for the MLB draft.

    Arizona State University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Barry Bonds
    2. Reggie Jackson
    3. Dustin Pedroia
    4. Rick Monday
    5. Don Wakamatsu
    6. Brody Stevens
    7. Dennis Sarfate
    8. Bobby Valentine
    9. Andre Ethier
    10. Mike Leake
    11. Austin Barnes
    12. Sal Bando
    13. Tony Barnette
    14. Kevin Tillman
    15. Kole Calhoun
    16. Mitch Jones
    17. Andrew Romine
    18. Eric Sogard
    19. Tyler Hoechlin
    20. Fernando Viña
    21. Tuffy Gosewisch
    22. Lenny Randle
    23. Kevin Romine
    24. Jeff Larish
    25. Todd Steverson
    26. Brady Rodgers
    27. Josh Spence
    28. Jeff Pentland
    29. Joe Arnold
    30. Roger Metzger
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Lerrin LaGrow
    2. Seth Blair
    3. Darrell Jackson
    4. Drew Maggi
    5. Gabe Molina
    6. Jake Elmore
    7. Ed Vande Berg
    8. Paul Powell
    9. Eric Helfand
    10. Craig Swan
    11. Jason Urquidez
    12. Jim Umbarger
    13. Ryan Burr
    14. Ike Diogu
    15. Andrew Aplin
    16. Tim Spehr
    17. Sterling Slaughter
    18. Fred Rico
    19. Ricky Nelson
    20. Ryan Kellogg
    21. Mike Benjamin
    22. Larry Fritz
    23. Tim Esmay
    24. Tim Smith
    25. Mike Schwabe
    26. Adam McCreery
    27. Ryan Bradley
    28. Ricky Peters
    29. Eric Valenzuela
    30. Cory Hahn
    31. Bob Pate
    32. Chris Beasley
    33. Jerry Maddox
    34. Jim Lentine
    35. Jim Otten
    36. Elma Steck
    37. Joe Decker
    38. Stan Holmes
    39. Jack Smitheran
    40. Alika Williams
    41. Ralph Dickenson
    42. Ron Davini
    43. Hadley Hicks
    44. Robbie McClellan
    45. John Dolinsek

    Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Project Management
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 111-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    3. baseball player getting ready for a pitch with a catcher and umpire standing behind him

  4. #3

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $46,108
    Salary after 4 years: $67,139
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Known for its academic excellence and research breakthroughs, UCLA is also recognized for having among the best college baseball programs! The UCLA Bruins baseball team plays in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference and, over the years since its first participation in 1920, it has proven that, indeed, playing baseball is in its DNA! Home games are played at the Jackie Robinson Stadium.

    The UCLA Bruins baseball teams have won five College World Series championships and one National Championship. In the 2013 College World Series, it beat Mississippi State in two games in a best-of-three-final. The team, however, didn’t hit a home run, only the second college baseball team to win a national championship without it; Ohio State was the first in 1966.

    UCLA’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Chase Utley
    2. Gerrit Cole
    3. Eric Karros
    4. Troy Glaus
    5. Dave Roberts
    6. Trevor Bauer
    7. Brandon Crawford
    8. Todd Zeile
    9. Chris Chambliss
    10. Jeff Conine
    11. Eric Byrnes
    12. Cody Decker
    13. Lynn Compton
    14. Ron Roenicke
    15. Garrett Atkins
    16. Casey Janssen
    17. Mike Gallego
    18. Jack Gifford
    19. Andy Lopez
    20. Don Slaught
    21. Mike Magnante
    22. Jim Parque
    23. Josh Roenicke
    24. James Kaprielian
    25. Adam Plutko
    26. Ben Francisco
    27. Mike Fyhrie
    28. Adam Melhuse
    29. Eric Valent
    30. Griffin Canning
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Shane Mack
    2. Glenn Mickens
    3. Bob Hamelin
    4. Matt McLain
    5. Rob Rasmussen
    6. David Huff
    7. David Berg
    8. Matt Grace
    9. Jermaine Curtis
    10. Gail Hopkins
    11. Bill Bonham
    12. Kevin Kramer
    13. Jack Santora
    14. Tim Leary
    15. Trevor Brown
    16. Rich Amaral
    17. Luis Gómez
    18. Chris Pritchett
    19. Tom Jacquez
    20. Tyson Brummett
    21. Pat Dodson
    22. Dave Rucker
    23. Laird Hayes
    24. Pat Valaika
    25. Dave Baker
    26. Lindsay Meggs
    27. Bobby Floyd
    28. Mike Young
    29. Michael Toglia
    30. Mike Edwards
    31. Colin Ward
    32. Frank Ernaga
    33. Bob Adams
    34. George Stanich
    35. Randy Schwartz
    36. Garrett Mitchell
    37. Marshall Edwards
    38. Gary Adcock
    Compare school
    5. baseball player sliding into home base
  5. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $90,144
    Salary after 4 years: $131,269
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Of the best college baseball programs, the Stanford Cardinal baseball team is well-known for its emphasis on excellence on and off the field. Case in point: For the 2021-2022 academic year, the baseball team earned perfect scores in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) report! The baseball team earned perfect scores in previous academic years, too, from the 2018-2019 to the 2021-2022 periods.

    The Cardinal baseball team plays in the Pac-12 Conference and plays their home games at Klein Field. The current head coach is David Esquer. Through the years, its baseball teams have won two National Championships, as well as played in the NCAA’s Division I baseball tournament 31 times and 16 times in the College World Series.

    Stanford University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Mike Mussina
    2. A. J. Hinch
    3. John Elway
    4. Jeremy Guthrie
    5. Jed Lowrie
    6. Carlos Quentin
    7. Bob Boone
    8. Sam Fuld
    9. Mark Appel
    10. Jack McDowell
    11. Rick Helling
    12. Drew Storen
    13. Kenny Williams
    14. Jody Gerut
    15. Greg Reynolds
    16. Tyler Gaffney
    17. Ryan Garko
    18. Jeffrey Hammonds
    19. Chad Hutchinson
    20. Michael Taylor
    21. Cal Quantrill
    22. Jason Castro
    23. Jim Lonborg
    24. Nico Hoerner
    25. Rubén Amaro Jr.
    26. John Lynch
    27. Justin Wayne
    28. Mike Aldrete
    29. Stephen Piscotty
    30. Bobby Brown
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Joe Borchard
    2. David McCarty
    3. Tommy Edman
    4. John Hester
    5. Brian Dallimore
    6. Toby Gerhart
    7. Cord Phelps
    8. Austin Wilson
    9. Ed Sprague Jr.
    10. Steve Dunning
    11. Danny Putnam
    12. Jeremy Bleich
    13. Jeff Ballard
    14. Tony Cogan
    15. Austin Slater
    16. Alex Blandino
    17. Brian Johnson
    18. Andrew Lorraine
    19. Frank Duffy
    20. Mark Marquess
    21. Mike Gosling
    22. Chris Reed
    23. Dave Frost
    24. John Mayberry Jr.
    25. Jason Middlebrook
    26. Dusty Allen
    27. Erik Davis
    28. David Esquer
    29. Paul Carey
    30. Kris Bubic
    31. Scott Snodgress
    32. John Gall
    33. Chuck Essegian
    34. Dave Meier
    35. Donny Lucy
    36. Willie Adams
    37. Harvey Shank
    38. Bob Gallagher
    39. Drew Jackson
    40. David Smith
    41. Lee Plemel
    42. Steve Davis
    43. Al Osuna
    44. Jeff Austin
    45. Ron Witmeyer
    46. John Ramos
    47. Chris Carter
    48. Bob Kammeyer
    49. Steve Hovley
    50. Sandy Vance
    51. John Hudgins
    52. Eric Hardgrave
    53. Paul Zuvella
    54. Jason Young
    55. Lloyd Merriman
    56. Mark Machtolf
    57. Colin Walsh
    58. Stan Spencer
    59. Dave Melton
    60. Mark Davis
    61. Bob Reece
    62. Steve Chitren
    63. Jacob Wilson
    64. Pete Hamm
    65. Bill Wakefield
    66. Darrell Sutherland
    67. Jim Hibbs
    68. Brian Sackinsky
    69. Norman Livermore
    Compare school
    7. batter, umpire, and catcher waiting on a pitch from the pitcher
  7. #5

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $46,549
    Salary after 4 years: $67,781
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Texas Longhorns baseball team started playing baseball at the collegiate level in 1894 and has achieved numerous feats that make it among the winningest in college baseball history! Today, the Longhorns are part of the Big 12 Conference in the NCAA’s Division I category.

    Among Division I college baseball programs, it has the highest win percentage, as of the 2022 season. In the NCAA, it has won six national championships. The Longhorns have also made 38 CWS appearances, 253 NCAA tournament games won, and 88 individual CWS games won—the most of any college baseball team on all these metrics.

    Even its former head coach, Augie Garrido, is recognized for being the winningest with the most wins in NCAA baseball history. Home games are played at the UFCU-Disch-Falk Field.

    UT Austin’s Most Influential Baseball Payers

    1. Roger Clemens
    2. Ron Gardenhire
    3. Dennis Cook
    4. Calvin Schiraldi
    5. Ricky Williams
    6. Omar Quintanilla
    7. Brandon Workman
    8. Corey Knebel
    9. Taylor Jungmann
    10. Stephen Larkin
    11. Shane Halter
    12. Calvin Murray
    13. Woodrow Landfair
    14. Phil Seibel
    15. Spike Owen
    16. Mike Brumley
    17. Reid Ryan
    18. Stephen Randolph
    19. James Russell
    20. Curtis Thigpen
    21. David Maroul
    22. J. B. Cox
    23. Bobby Cuellar
    24. Andrew McKirahan
    25. Kyle Russell
    26. Rudy Jaramillo
    27. Quan Cosby
    28. Shane Reynolds
    29. Chase Lambin
    30. Bruce Ruffin
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Cliff Gustafson
    2. Jim Acker
    3. Mark Payton
    4. Charlie Gorin
    5. Hoby Milner
    6. John Curtiss
    7. Mark Petkovsek
    8. Dustin Majewski
    9. Josh Prince
    10. Jerry Don Gleaton
    11. José Tolentino
    12. Kip Harkrider
    13. Jose Flores
    14. Mickey Reichenbach
    15. Karl Pagel
    16. Jeff Hearron
    17. Ernie Koy
    18. Dave Chalk
    19. Codey McElroy
    20. Brandon Fahey
    21. Billy Bates
    22. Max Alvis
    23. Ricky Wright
    24. Andre Robertson
    25. Randy Jackson
    26. Rich Wortham
    27. Kenn Kasparek
    28. Jim Gideon
    29. Bob Kearney
    30. Gary Moore
    31. Mike Hollimon
    32. Kal Segrist
    33. Scott Bryant
    34. Chase Shugart
    35. Peter Gardere
    36. Mike Capel
    37. Harry Taylor
    38. Chuck Hartenstein
    39. Ty Madden
    40. Bill Bethea
    41. Tom Harmon
    42. Howard Bushong
    43. Scott Fredrickson
    44. Don Kainer
    45. Todd Haney
    46. Tony Arnold
    47. Justin Simmons
    48. Ken Pape
    49. J. D. Smart
    50. Joe Tanner
    51. Rusty Richards
    52. Tim Belk
    53. Mack Burk
    Compare school
    8. baseball player ready for a pitch, with a catcher and umpire behind him
  9. #6

    University of the Pacific

    Stockton , CA
    #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #7 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1271/29

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at University of the Pacific

    Cost of Degree: $55,340
    Expenses: $21,176
    Starting Salary: $53,716
    Salary after 4 years: $78,222
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Pacific Tigers baseball team plays against other college baseball teams in the West Coast Conference and are NCAA Division I members. Home games are played at the 2,500-capacity Klein Family Field; baseball players previously played home games at Billy Hebert Field.

    The University of the Pacific, a private Methodist-affiliated university, is known for its many firsts in higher education. It claims to be The Golden State’s first university and its first independent co-ed campus. In the West Coast, it was the first university to offer a conservatory of music and medical school.

    On the college baseball front, many of its former and current baseball players have been recognized in the CSC Academic All-District Awards and the Conference Academic Awards. In 2023, these players include McWilliam and Guarin Academic All-District Team) and Nemivant (WCC All-Academic First Team).

    University of the Pacific’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Scott Boras
    2. Chase Headley
    3. Joe Ferguson
    4. Stu Pederson
    5. Patrick Weigel
    6. Rob Flippo
    7. Erik Hamren
    8. Rob Sperring
    9. Dick Davey
    10. Mike Walker
    11. Keith Johnson
    12. Grant Dunlap
    Compare school
    10. pitcher throwing a baseball from the pitcher's mound
  10. #7

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $33,951
    Salary after 4 years: $49,437
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Florida State Seminoles baseball team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Atlantic Division and in the NCAA Division I. Considered among the best teams in collegiate baseball, the Seminoles have a 0.717 all-time win percentage, second only to the Texas Longhorns.

    The Seminoles have made 59 NCAA tournament appearances and advanced 23 times to the College World Series, three of which are in Championship Series or Game. On these three occasions, it was bested by the USC Trojans, the Arizona Wildcats, and the Miami Hurricanes. Furthermore, the team has won 20 conference tournament championships and 11 regular-season conference championships.

    Catch the Seminoles play baseball at the Dick Howser Stadium Mike Martin Field. Link Jarrett is the current head coach. Traditions include the Animals of Section B and Sunday Golds.

    Florida State University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Tony La Russa
    2. Buster Posey
    3. Deion Sanders
    4. J. D. Drew
    5. Doug Mientkiewicz
    6. Bruce Bochy
    7. Chris Weinke
    8. Larry Rothschild
    9. Randy Choate
    10. Eduardo Pérez
    11. Sean Gilmartin
    12. Mike Martin
    13. Scott Proctor
    14. Matt Diaz
    15. Charlie Ward
    16. Paul Wilson
    17. Hunter Jones
    18. Paul Sorrento
    19. Danny Kanell
    20. John Wasdin
    21. Mark D. Gilbert
    22. DJ Stewart
    23. Luis Alicea
    24. Luke Weaver
    25. Carlos Lezcano
    26. Paul Gleason
    27. Daniel Davidson
    28. Chris Roberts
    29. Bien Figueroa
    30. James Ramsey
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Jim Lyttle
    2. Mike Loynd
    3. Mickey Lopez
    4. Rafael Bournigal
    5. Elih Villanueva
    6. Barret Browning
    7. Pedro Grifol
    8. John Nogowski
    9. Sherman Johnson
    10. Raffy Lopez
    11. Brandon Leibrandt
    12. Matt Dunbar
    13. Gar Finnvold
    14. Jerry Nielsen
    15. Bruce Tanner
    16. Jeff Gray
    17. Mike Martin Jr.
    18. Marc Ronan
    19. Dan O'Brien
    20. Jamey Shouppe
    21. Roger Bailey
    22. Craig Skok
    23. Mary Rountree
    24. Juan Bonilla
    25. Craig Eaton

    Florida State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety and Security
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    11. baseball player ready to hit a pitch

  12. #8

    Georgia Tech

    Atlanta , GA
    #13 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #25 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1460/33

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at Georgia Tech

    Cost of Degree: $11,764
    Expenses: $16,760
    Starting Salary: $54,108
    Salary after 4 years: $78,788
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball team is as fierce a competitor on the field as they are in tech competitions! Through the years, the baseball teams have developed robust defensive tactics and high-scoring offensive techniques. Home games are played in the Russ Chandler Stadium under the direction of Danny Hall, the current head coach.

    Hall was behind the success of the Yellow Jackets’ six NCAA regional champions (1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006) and many of its conference tournament championship and regional season conference championships. In both championships, the baseball team has won a total of 16 times.

    The Yellow Jackets were also a runner-up in the 1994 College World Series and made two more CWS appearances in 2002 and 2006.

    GA Tech’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Mark Teixeira
    2. Nomar Garciaparra
    3. Matt Murton
    4. Matt Wieters
    5. Kevin Brown
    6. Marlon Byrd
    7. Bruce Chen
    8. Derek Dietrich
    9. Charlie Blackmon
    10. Jay Payton
    11. Mike Nickeas
    12. Micah Owings
    13. Frank Bolick
    14. Deck McGuire
    15. Joey Bart
    16. Dave Elder
    17. Daniel Palka
    18. Buck Farmer
    19. Bobby Dews
    20. Cam Bonifay
    21. Riccardo Ingram
    22. Jason Perry
    23. Doug Creek
    24. Matt Skole
    25. Scott Jordan
    26. Kyle Wren
    27. Mike Bell
    28. Kris Wilson
    29. Wes Hodges
    30. Brad Rigby
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Ty Griffin
    2. John Hyder
    3. Joe Keener
    4. Craig Day
    Compare school
  13. #9

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/25

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at Louisiana State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,954
    Expenses: $23,264
    Starting Salary: $37,857
    Salary after 4 years: $55,124
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The LSU Tigers baseball team has fierce rivalries with the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference’s West Division. The baseball teams have played in the NCAA Division I and played their home games at the Skip Bertman Field.

    Considered among the best collegiate baseball programs, the LSU Tigers have won seven national championships against the likes of Texas, Florida, and Stanford. The baseball teams have also made 19 College World appearances.

    LSU’s college baseball traditions include wearing of gold jerseys and the LSU Bat Girls.

    Louisiana State University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Albert Belle
    2. Greg Smith
    3. Todd Walker
    4. Alex Bregman
    5. Paul Byrd
    6. DJ LeMahieu
    7. Alvin Dark
    8. Aaron Hill
    9. Jason Vargas
    10. Brian Wilson
    11. Mike Fontenot
    12. Brad Hawpe
    13. Mikie Mahtook
    14. Kevin Gausman
    15. Brian Tallet
    16. Ben McDonald
    17. Mark Guthrie
    18. Nick Stavinoha
    19. Ed Yarnall
    20. Alex Lange
    21. Russ Springer
    22. Louis Coleman
    23. Andy Sheets
    24. Anthony Ranaudo
    25. Aaron Nola
    26. Ryan Schimpf
    27. Trey Hodges
    28. Matt Clark
    29. Curt Leskanic
    30. Shane Youman
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Chad Ogea
    2. Roy Corcoran
    3. JaCoby Jones
    4. Jake Fraley
    5. Warren Morris
    6. Austin Nola
    7. Raph Rhymes
    8. Eddy Furniss
    9. Brett Laxton
    10. Jason Williams
    11. Mike Bianco
    12. Lyle Mouton
    13. Barry Manuel
    14. Greg Deichmann
    15. Jared Mitchell
    16. Michael Papajohn
    17. Brad Cresse
    18. Chad Jones
    19. Jimmy Field
    20. Nick Goody
    21. Jaden Hill
    22. Andrew Stevenson
    23. Zach Watson
    24. Rob Leary
    25. Randy Keisler
    26. Jason Scobie
    27. Andrew Hatch
    28. Will Davis
    29. Mitch Gaspard
    30. Randy Wiles
    31. Bubba Church
    32. Riley Smith
    33. J. T. Wise
    34. Lloyd Peever
    35. Justin Hill
    36. Clay Parker
    37. Howie McCann
    38. Manny Mantrana
    39. Gary Hymel
    40. Eric Hetzel
    41. Tim Rebowe
    42. E. B. Young
    43. Daniel Cabrera
    Compare school
  14. #10

    San Diego State University

    San Diego , CA
    #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in California 2025 #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #19 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for Baseball degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,290
    Expenses: $25,782
    Starting Salary: $35,211
    Salary after 4 years: $51,272
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    In 1902, the inaugural San Diego State Aztecs baseball team played its first game. Today, the Aztecs compete in the Mountain West Conference and are part of the NCAA Division I category. Home games are played at the Tony Gwynn Stadium, named after its former head coach and baseball legend (2003-2014).

    Gwynn, a Hall of Famer, led the Aztecs to victory in three Mountain West championships. He also led the Aztec baseball teams in three NCAA Tournament appearances.

    In 2023, TJ Fondtain and Mark Martinez were honored by Mountain West as Pitcher of the Year and Co-Coach of the Year, respectively.

    San Diego State University’s Most Influential Baseball Players

    1. Tony Gwynn
    2. Stephen Strasburg
    3. Mark Grace
    4. Graig Nettles
    5. Bud Black
    6. Aaron Harang
    7. Tony Clark
    8. Justin Masterson
    9. Travis Lee
    10. Addison Reed
    11. Quintin Berry
    12. Bobby Meacham
    13. Kerwin Danley
    14. Edgar Gonzalez
    15. Chris Gwynn
    16. Tony Gwynn Jr.
    17. Doug Harvey
    18. Jason Phillips
    19. Royce Ring
    20. Alex Hinshaw
    21. Al Newman
    22. Ty France
    23. Gary Henderson
    24. Rusty Filter
    25. Lance Zawadzki
    26. Bruce Billings
    27. Jeff DaVanon
    28. Bob Mendoza
    29. Dave Smith
    30. Seby Zavala
    More Influential Baseball Players
    1. Jim Nettles
    2. Erik Plantenberg
    3. Jose Perez
    4. Don Shaw
    5. Jim Rushford
    6. Dave Robinson
    7. Flavio Alfaro
    8. Dan Murray
    9. Pete Coscarart
    10. Johnny Ritchey
    11. Chris Jones
    12. John Andrews
    13. Jo Anne Overleese
    14. Ed Amelung

    San Diego State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 49-55
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 51-60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
    15. Looking for other influential colleges? Check out our rankings of the most influential colleges for hockey and swimming and diving!
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