In 1953, the Stanford baseball team earned the school’s first-ever trip to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Recently, 17 members from that team returned to Klein Field at Sunken Diamond to celebrate their 60-year reunion and were honored before the Cardinal game against Arizona.
“It was a landmark deal for Stanford baseball,” said Bob Murphy, ’53, a former All-America pitcher and long-time radio voice of Cardinal football and basketball games.
Stanford was eliminated by eventual national champion Michigan, but not before paving the way to Omaha for future Cardinal teams. All told, Stanford has made 16 appearances at the College World Series, winning back-to-back national titles in 1988 and 1989. The Cardinal have reached the title game 5 times, and have qualified for NCAA post-season play 30 times.
Murphy was one of nine players from the ’53 team who went on to play professionally. Another highlight of the season was beating perennial powerhouse USC four-straight times.
“I think we had a little something to do with the future success of Stanford baseball,” Murphy said.
As for the reunion, former players were introduced before the game and met the current players. Apparently inspired by the 80-year-olds, the Cardinal went on to post a 12–8 victory against the Wildcats.
“It was a real gathering,” said Murphy. “Great bunch of guys and great experience.”