DePaul Club Baseball Finishes Fall with 3-6 Record
The DePaul club baseball team split a two-game series with Lewis University on October 28, to finish the fall season with an overall record of 3 wins and 6 losses. With a 2 and 4 conference record, the Blue Demons stand 5th in the NCBA District IV South League. The 2024-25 season continues on March 17, with a series against the Drake University Bulldogs.
What is the NCBA?
The National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) is the governing body for collegiate club baseball teams across the United States. Founded in 2000, the NCBA aimed to provide a competitive structure for college baseball teams not affiliated with the NCAA, offering an alternative for schools whose programs didn't fit within the traditional varsity athletics system.
The NCBA began with a few founding teams and quickly grew as more schools recognized the benefits of club-level competition. The association created an organized league structure that allowed for regional and national tournaments, where teams could compete for championships. Over time, the NCBA expanded to include both Division I, II and III leagues, giving schools with varying levels of resources and commitment the chance to participate.
The NCBA also emphasizes player development, offering opportunities for college students to continue playing baseball at a high level without the commitment required by NCAA programs. As the organization grew, so did its presence and influence in collegiate baseball.
DePaul Baseball History
DePaul University has a rich history in baseball, both at the varsity and club levels. In the early 20th century, the university's athletic teams, known as the "D-men," played baseball games on fields adjacent to St. Vincent's Church, the predecessor to DePaul University. These games were held on land north of the church before the construction of Alumni Hall in the mid-1950s.
In 1913, the Chicago Whales, a team from the Federal League, played their opening game at DePaul's athletic field and continued to play the entire 1913 season there. This connection to the Whales is part of DePaul's early baseball history.
DePaul in action against Loyola-Chicago
The university's varsity baseball program was active until 1979, after which it was discontinued. Despite the end of the varsity program, DePaul continued to support baseball through its club team. The DePaul University Club Baseball team provides students with the opportunity to play baseball in an organized and competitive environment, emphasizing teamwork and leadership.
Notable alumni from DePaul's baseball program include Joe Wilhoit, who was the first major leaguer from DePaul University and also the one with the most major league at-bats.
The Blue Demons Club Experience
Today, the DePaul University Club Baseball team continues to be an integral part of the university's athletic offerings, allowing students to engage in the sport and uphold the university's rich baseball tradition. They currently play in the NCBA District 4 South League along with Loyola Chicago, Drake, Northern Illinois, Bradley, and Augustana.
The DePaul club players don’t have the same NIL opportunities that some varsity athletes enjoy, but they get the chance to keep playing and learn how to organize and run an athletic organization. The Blue Demons play their home games at Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, Illinois. Fans can follow the team through their Instagram account:
