California Bears drop baseball

Would not have expected this from a "baseball state"

The University of California’s money issues took their toll on the baseball program Tuesday as coach Dave Esquer was told his program would be cut.

The school has exceeded its athletic department budget by $10-13 million in recent years and the belt-tightening begins next fall with the elimination of baseball and other sports.

The news is doubly disappointing for the Bears’ baseball team considering what the future seemed to hold. Cal reached the NCAA postseason in 2010 with a 29-25 record. It appeared primed for an excellent 2011 campaign, entering fall workouts with expectations of reaching the College World Series.

 

This is certainly something to follow. Most colleges lose money fielding a baseball team. With the economy in the tank and schools losing money (particularly athletic programs), they are forced to make some tough decisions.

I'm afraid other schools will look at what Cal decided to do and find the decision to "drop" baseball easier to make.

Also, I predict in the future that many programs will survive simply based on donations earmarked for baseball. I have mentioned many times that college sports is a business, and like all businesses, they aren't in it to lose money.

 

This doesn't surprise me at all. After all, their Governor is "The Terminator".

 

Baseball is too politically incorrect for Berkley anyway.

 

What we can do!!!

To improve the financial state of baseball in High School and College we ought to fill the stands (as paying customers). All of us!!!
Take your family, take a date...whatever.

 

Too sad.....

but opens up opportunities to other schools in which value the sport, its potential, and their tradition. Sad for such a top flight school otherwise....what KNOTHEADS as an administration!!?!?!