You never know when it'll be your last chance. This reality is especially hitting home for the Birmingham Southern College baseball team. Due to legislation failing, their school and campus operations will cease operations at the end of May. While non-graduating students are scrambling to find their next collegiate home, the ballclub seeks to leave a final post-season impression.
However, in the middle of a 32-14 season, despite being in complete uncertainty, the players and staff have rallied around the mindset of making the most of their given opportunity. This is something of a rarity in college sports. With NIL and the transfer portal, there is an increased emphasis on players and coaches looking for the next landing spot. But stories like this show that loyalty and finishing commitments are traits that remain in style.
In fact, this team will be playing in the Division III College Baseball World Series as they compete against Salve Regina. Imagine if this was your favorite college or alma mater. Having one final chance to root for your team—a legitimate shot to win it all—is something that doesn't come around too often. This will be the final chapter; there isn't a "we'll get them next year" for this group of players with remaining eligibility.
Students and athletes within the program alike are still figuring out their next moves for the upcoming semester. Yet, the team remains focused on controlling what they can control. The immediate future will look drastically different immediately following this team's post-season run. But their legitimate concerns are being compartmentalized. When they are in the dugout, the team continues to support and play for each other.
Efforts for Birmingham-Southern College Baseball Team
Understandably, this team is receiving increased attention due to how everything is unfolding. A GoFundMe generated well past their initial goal. This was necessary for the team, as lack of income is why the college and consequently the program are going away. But this speaks to the generosity of others and how strangers can band together to help those who were affected by circumstances far beyond their control.
The $100,000 goal has been eclipsed, and the travel expenses for this roster to be able to compete at the national stage are a reality due to the collective aid of supporters. Fittingly, after going through an unprecedented season of obstacles, they will be able to cast aside worries about getting to the ball park and focus entirely on closing out nine innings of baseball to advance.
The page indicates that anything extra will go to the coaches and assistants. The staff is looking for the next steps in their careers. They will have the comfort of strong backing as they position themselves and their families for their next steps. Again, the current landscape sees coaches actively looking for better opportunities. This group deserves recognition for seeing the season out.
It's rare to be able to see the actual end of a story in college sports. But for this group, they deserve to be commended for how well they've navigated everything and continue to give it their all for the logo on their jersey. The Birmingham-Southern College baseball team is competing for the last time this year and in school history, in large part because of the GoFundMe platform and others stepping up.
About the Author
Gabriel keeps his curiosity on the pulse of the sports world. Agree or disagree you can reach out to him on Twitter/X @BigTenGabriel, or send an email (gstesparza@gmail.com). He will respond! He's a fan of sports and competition in all forms. His past work includes content on various sites covering college football, college basketball, UFC, boxing, soccer, MLB, and the NFL.
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