As the College World Series takes place, many Syracuse Orange fans often ponder about the possibility of a Syracuse University baseball program. Some think it’s a silly notion based on various factors, while others wonder why it still isn’t a thing.
Honestly, as a diehard Syracuse fan, I go back and forth because I think both sides have valid points. So for the purposes of discussion, I thought I’d share five pros and five cons I see in starting such a team. I love baseball and want to have an honest discussion, if possible, about it.
So here are my five reasons I think it's worth exploring and five reasons I am skeptical about it ever happening or hurdles they'd have to overcome to do it.
The Five Pros
More Orange sports/revenue:
Let’s start off by pointing out the obvious that it could potentially bring in more income if successful. You can sell more merchandise, more tickets and bring in sponsors who might like this idea. along with alumni who would support it. And the more successful they can be, the more they can generate.
Possibility of another championship:
This also leads me to the possibility that if they do it successfully, Syracuse could potentially have another program that can contend for a championship. I am by no means saying they definitely will, but I am saying anything is possible in the future if it’s done right.
Several ACC teams to play regularly:
Syracuse is in a conference that has several quality baseball programs. The ACC is competitive and I’d expect if they did start a program, the first couple of years contending with them might be tough, but there are conference teams to play often and build rivalries. If you can be competitive there, now you’re talking World Series contenders.
Baseball is popular in CNY:
Baseball is a popular sport in the Syracuse/CNY area. Little league fields are filled with kids who love the game as are high school and college baseball fields locally. Syracuse area high schools have produced many big league baseball players, so it’s not like you couldn’t find local talent to help field a team. It is still a popular sport that draws fans to watch games, especially when the team is winning.
Cool Orange baseball jerseys:
Have you ever seen the cool jerseys the Syracuse University club team wears often? There is something so sweet about if it’s done right having baseball jerseys available and how nice they look. I played a lot of Little League baseball, and I love baseball jerseys even in my 50s. I’d be willing to bet an Orange jersey done properly would sell well.
The Five Cons
Lack of scholarships/financial support:
So the biggest con might be that you’re going to have to create the scholarships not just for the team but to meet Title IX requirements as well. This also means more students on campus with less tuition supporting it. And you also need to be sure you have financial backers to help support it from local businesses and alumni and all the resources to support it.
Weather conditions in Syracuse:
The other biggest factor might be the unpredictable weather conditions in the Syracuse area during what would be a normal college baseball season. This isn’t MLB and college starts sooner and ends in June when Syracuse finally has decent “baseball weather.” And if you think convincing college athletes to play for Syracuse is hard for indoor sports, imagine convincing a top baseball recruit why Syracuse is the best option for them. But let's remember that while this is a valid take, there are colleges like OCC in the area that have done it and been successful.
Starting fresh versus established programs:
Let’s also be honest that you’re going to be competing against programs that have had established baseball programs for decades now. Not just in the ACC but in college baseball and even local smaller colleges you might want to schedule early. It’s not that common that we see new programs/expansion teams are successful, especially for extended periods of time, and will fans be patient through a potential growing process?
No proper stadium on campus:
Syracuse University has a softball field but currently no baseball field to play on for a Division I program. And while there are local baseball fields, there are still analytics that would need to be worked out to use those or they’d have to build their own stadium, which is also a cost they’d have to eat to get started.
Is there too much baseball already in CNY to compete with?:
While the sport is popular in the area, is there a big enough fan base to be in the stands to support them on a regular basis and help give them a home-field advantage? I’m sure you can do “Little League night” type things to attract fans, but you’re also in an area where many baseball fans already have local teams to support, with many potentially unable to support them while also supporting a Triple-A league, numerous colleges and other levels too.
So while sadly I think the cons are stronger than the pros, I am not against the idea of Syracuse fielding a Division I, ACC caliber team. However, it would require patient fan support, which Syracuse fans are not generally known for, and the right financial support as well as personnel who can do so effectively.
With social media as it is, you are facing an uphill battle of a “win now” mentality prevailing that you’re also going to have to deal with on a regular basis, while attracting players to play in that environment along with the weather conditions as well. It will be a challenge, but if you can find the money, the scholarships and the baseball people who can do it properly to keep everyone interested and progressing, maybe it’s something to consider. But please be sure that if you do, you’re prepared because fielding a team just to field a team could be a costly mistake.