Birmingham-Southern baseball winning in bizarre circumstances

Division III liberal arts college Birmingham-Southern have seen their baseball team put on a stellar run of 17 wins in 21 games. They have now advanced to the Super Regionals in Granville, Ohio to face Denison who are making their first ever trip this far into the post season. Everything is looking good.

Except that it isn’t.

The 168-year-old private school that they represent is closing their doors for the last time due to financial difficulties. Should they advance beyond the double elimination Super Regionals to make it to the College World Series, Birmingham-Southern would be representing a school that no longer exists.

Sixteen-year head coach Jan Weisberg says, “Even just battling through that in a normal year, to finish 17-4, would be a great story of overcoming some adversity. But they went 17-4, along with finding out what happened to the college. This is just a really special ride for a lot of reasons.”

The school dates to 1856, and had offered five degrees in over fifty fields of study. Notable alumni included district judges, an Alabama supreme court justice, several US congressmen, actors, a former Miss Alabama, writers, and musicians.

Birmingham-Southern has had the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads for years now, and with the Alabama State Legislature balking on a taxpayer-backed loan, their fate was sealed.

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On the baseball team, the Panthers rallying cry is that they just want one more week to play together, never looking further than the six inches in front of their face.

Game One of the Granville Super Regional starts at noon today, with Game Two at 11 am tomorrow. Should a Game Three be necessary, it will start 45 minutes after the conclusion of Game Two.