A season to remember for IU baseball

Despite exiting the College World Series after three games, the IU baseball team has a lot to be proud of from the 2013 season.

The team reached nearly all 10 of the goals it listed on a board at the start of the season, having to update “Omaha” to “Winning Omaha.”

IU President Michael McRobbie released a statement after the team’s season ended.

“Congratulations to Coach Tracy Smith and the rest of the IU baseball team on a thrilling season and a great tournament run that captured the imaginations of our fans everywhere.

"Although it ended a few games earlier than Hoosier Nation had hoped, our first trip to the College World Series capped an outstanding year for IU Athletics that can be matched by very few universities in the country.

“Our players and coaches represented the university with the determination and class we have come to expect from all our athletic programs. We are all extremely proud of the team’s accomplishments this season and are already looking forward to great success in the future.”

Looking back on the season, here is a list of accomplishments and firsts from the team’s season.

First appearance in the College World Series
First win in the College World Series
First national Coach of the Year award
First appearance in the NCAA super regionals
First time hosting a regional
First time winning a regional
Three players drafted in MLB first-year player draft
First outright Big Ten title in 81 years
First Big Ten Tournament Championship since 2009
Third NCAA tournament appearance
First time winning Big Ten regular season and tournament titles
Multiple All-Americans
Second time in program history having the Big Ten pitcher of the year
Nine All-Big Ten performers
Third Hoosier to win District V Player of the Year award