Shriners College Classic Explained

Formerly:Astros College Classic (2001-02)
Minute Maid Park College Classic (2003-07)
Houston College Classic (2008-15)
Pixels:200px
Sport:College baseball
Founded:2001
Venue:Minute Maid Park
Teams:6
Tv:AT&T SportsNet SW
MLB Network
Website:http://www.astros.com/collegeclassic

The Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic is an annual six-team college baseball tournament held in Houston and hosted by the Astros Foundation. The 15th annual tournament was held at Minute Maid Park in March 2015.[1] [2] It was initially called Astros College Classic from 2001 through 2002, the Minute Maid Park College Classic from 2003 through 2007,[3] and the Houston College Classic from 2008 through 2015. In December 2015, the Astros Foundation and Shriners Hospitals for Children announced a multi-year naming rights agreement for the tournament,[4] rebranding the event the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic.

As part of the agreement with Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Astros Foundation announced that the 2016 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic would be nationally televised for the first time in history on MLB Network. The College Classic is seen as the start of the college baseball season in Texas.[5] At the end of the tournament, a Most Outstanding Player and an All-Tournament Team are announced.[6] [7]

The event is normally held in early March.

The 2020 edition of the event happened before the breakout of the COVID-19.

Competitors

The Houston Cougars of the Big 12 and the Rice Owls of The American, who hold a rivalry, compete in the tournament annually.[8] The other four teams invited to the tournament alternate by year.

Often, teams competing in the Classic are highly ranked. In 2002, the Classic involved three teams that ended the preceding season ranked in the top 25 of the Baseball Weekly/ESPN, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball year-end polls: the Rice Owls, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and Baylor Bears.[9] The 2005 Classic included four top ranked teams: the #11 Baylor Bears, #13 Texas A&M Aggies, #19 Rice Owls, and #23 Oklahoma State Cowboys.[5] Collegiate Baseball ranked all six teams competing in the 2007 Classic: they ranked the Rice Owls the top team in college baseball, and also ranked the #8 Vanderbilt Commodores, #14 Arizona State Sun Devils, #21 Baylor Bears, and #33 Houston Cougars.[10] [11] The Texas Longhorns and Rice Owls participated in the Classic when they won the College World Series championship in 2002 and 2003, respectively.[5] The Texas Tech Red Raiders have appeared in the Houston College Classic seven times: in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012.[12]

2018

For the 2018 classic, three SEC teams, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt will be matched against three local universities: Houston, Sam Houston State and Louisiana.[13] The three SEC teams played each of the three local teams once.

By Year

Year Teams
2001 Baylor, Houston, Rice, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech
2002 Baylor, Houston, Louisiana, Rice, Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech
2003 Alabama, Baylor, Houston, Louisiana, Rice, Texas A&M
2004 Houston, Kansas State, Ohio State, Rice, Texas, Texas Tech
2005 Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma State, Rice, Tennessee, Texas A&M
2006 Houston, Rice, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, Tulane
2007 Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, Rice, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt
2008 Houston, Oklahoma, Rice, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech
2009 Baylor, Houston, Rice, Texas A&M, UC Irvine, UCLA
2010 Houston, Missouri, Rice, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech
2011 Baylor, Houston, Kansas State, Rice, Texas A&M, Utah
2012 Arkansas, Houston, Rice, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech
2013 Baylor, California, Houston, North Carolina, Rice, Texas A&M
2014 Houston, Rice, Sam Houston State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech
2015 Baylor, Hawaii, Houston, LSU, Nebraska, Texas A&M
2016 Arkansas, Houston, Louisiana, Rice, TCU, Texas Tech
2017 Baylor, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech
2018 Houston, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi State, Sam Houston State, Vanderbilt
2019 Baylor, Houston, Rice, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas State
2020 Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas
2021 Rice, Sam Houston State, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, TCU, Texas State, Texas Tech
2022 Baylor, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, UCLA
2023 Louisville, Michigan, Rice, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech
2024 Houston, Louisiana, LSU, Texas, Texas State, Vanderbilt

Most Outstanding Players

YearWinnerTeamPositionRef
2001BaylorCatcher[14]
2002BaylorOutfielder[15] [16]
2003BaylorOutfielder[17]
2004TexasThird baseman[18]
2005RicePitcher[19]
2006HoustonPitcher[20]
2007Arizona StateOutfielder[21]
2008RiceCatcher[22]
2009RicePitcher[23]
2010TCUCatcher[24]
2011RicePitcher[25] [26]
2012RicePitcher[27]
2013BaylorThird baseman[28]
2014HoustonPitcher[29]
2015Texas A&MPitcher[30]
2016ArkansasShortstop[31]
2017TCUFirst baseman[32]
2018KentuckyThird baseman[33]
2019Texas StatePitcher[34]
2020OklahomaPitcher[35]
2021TCUPitcher[36]
2022BaylorPitcher[37]
2023LouisvilleCatcher[38]
2024Texas StateSecond baseman[39]

Teams by number of appearances

TeamAppearancesYears
Houston192024, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
Rice182023, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
Baylor132022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001
Texas Tech122023, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2001
Texas112024, 2022, 2020, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2001
Texas A&M112023, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002
TCU102023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2006, 2002, 2001
Louisiana52024, 2018, 2016, 2003, 2002
LSU52024, 2022, 2020, 2017, 2015
Tennessee42022, 2012, 2008, 2005
Arkansas32020, 2016, 2012
Oklahoma32022, 2020, 2008
Sam Houston State32021, 2018, 2014
Texas State32024, 2021, 2019
Vanderbilt32024, 2018, 2007
Kentucky22018, 2011
Missouri22020, 2010
UCLA22022, 2009
Alabama12003
Arizona State12007
California12013
Hawaii12015
Kansas State12004
Mississippi State12018
Nebraska12015
North Carolina12013
Ohio State12004
Oklahoma State12005
Ole Miss12017
Tulane12006
UC Irvine12009
Utah12011
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi12021
Louisville12023
Michigan12023

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Houston College Classic returns for 12th year | MLB.com: News . Houston.astros.mlb.com . January 18, 2012 . June 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131228071353/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120228&content_id=26899134&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb . December 28, 2013 . mdy-all .
  2. Web site: Fans' guide to the 2012 Houston College Classic | Owls | a Chron.com blog . Blog.chron.com . March 1, 2012 . June 7, 2012.
  3. Web site: Records (9 pages).pmd . https://web.archive.org/web/20080625224159/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/rice/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/0708-mg-section6.pdf . dead . June 25, 2008 . February 25, 2014.
  4. Web site: Shriners Hospitals for Children. www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. 2015-12-29. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160110012937/http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/news/SHC-AstrosFoundation. January 10, 2016. mdy-all.
  5. Web site: Minute Maid field includes four ranked teams - College Sports - ESPN . . February 11, 2005 . June 8, 2012.
  6. Web site: MLB.com . 2008 Houston College Classic All-Tournament Team announced . Houston.astros.mlb.com . June 7, 2012.
  7. Web site: MLB.com . The University of Houston finishes undefeated at Houston College Classic . Arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com . June 7, 2012.
  8. Web site: Houston College Classic tickets on sale Monday, Jan. 24 | astros.com: Official Info . Mlb.mlb.com . January 21, 2011 . June 7, 2012.
  9. Web site: Astros College Classic Returns in February — Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site . BaylorBears.com . December 13, 2001 . June 8, 2012.
  10. Web site: Alyson Footer . Houston College Classic, FanFest on tap | astros.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . June 8, 2012.
  11. Web site: Houston College Classic returns in February | astros.com: Official Info . Houston.astros.mlb.com . June 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160203134554/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070103&content_id=1772441&vkey=pr_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou . February 3, 2016 . mdy-all .
  12. https://web.archive.org/web/20121114210124/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/text/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/BB2012GameNotes030212.pdf Article title
  13. Web site: 2018 Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic. MLB. 15 January 2018.
  14. Web site: Baylor University || The Lariat Online || News . Baylor.edu . February 6, 2001 . June 8, 2012.
  15. Web site: Baseball Preview: Baylor vs. UTSA - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site . BaylorBears.com . June 8, 2012.
  16. Web site: By The Fans, For The Fans! . BaylorFans.com . June 8, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160203134555/http://www.baylorfans.com/bfview.php?storyID=1851 . February 3, 2016 . mdy-all .
  17. Web site: Michael Griffin . Michael Griffin Profile - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site . BaylorBears.com . October 1, 1983 . August 14, 2012.
  18. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AASB&p_theme=aasb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100DEEC1A9A0A080&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM
  19. http://thecypresstimes.com/2012/03/02/undefeated-owls-head-downtown-for-houston-college-classic/
  20. Web site: #1 in College Sports . https://web.archive.org/web/20160126110839/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/021306aas.html . dead . January 26, 2016 . CSTV.com . February 13, 2006 . June 8, 2012.
  21. Web site: #1 in College Sports . https://web.archive.org/web/20160203134555/http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/021407aal.html . dead . February 3, 2016 . CSTV.com . February 14, 2007 . June 8, 2012.
  22. Web site: Owls fly through Houston College Classic unscathed - College Sports - ESPN . . March 3, 2008 . June 8, 2012.
  23. Web site: Berry Named Most Outstanding Player of 2009 Houston College Classic - RICEOWLS.COM - The Rice Official Athletic Site . Riceowls.Com . March 1, 2009 . June 8, 2012.
  24. Web site: Sports . Wfaa . Holaday Wins 2010 Johnny Bench Award | wfaa.com Dallas — Fort Worth . Wfaa.com . July 1, 2010 . June 7, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131102123757/http://www.wfaa.com/sports/Holaday-Wins-2010-Johnny-Bench-Award-97639534.html . November 2, 2013 . mdy-all .
  25. Web site: Kubitza Named Most Outstanding Player At Houston College Classic - RICEOWLS.COM - The Rice Official Athletic Site . Riceowls.Com . March 6, 2011 . June 8, 2012.
  26. Web site: Houston Astros . Houston College Classic concludes at Minute Maid Park . Mlb.mlb.com . June 8, 2012.
  27. Web site: Duarte . Joseph . Stephens makes his case as Rice downs Tennessee - Houston Chronicle . Chron.com . March 4, 2012 . June 8, 2012.
  28. Web site: All-tournament team named at Astros Foundation College Classic | astros.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . March 3, 2013 . February 25, 2014.
  29. Web site: Houston College Classic concludes, Texas named tournament champions. Houston Astros. March 2, 2014. March 9, 2015.
  30. Web site: Four Aggies Make Houston College Classic All-Tournament Team . Houston Astros . kbtx.com . March 8, 2015 . March 9, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150311155226/http://www.kbtx.com/sports/college/texasam/headlines/Four-Aggies-Make-Houston-College-Classic-All-Tournament-Team-295559691.html . March 11, 2015 . mdy-all .
  31. Web site: Shriners Hospital for Children College Classic Recap. King, Tyler. thearmchairallamericans.com. March 1, 2016. March 12, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160311210723/http://thearmchairallamericans.com/2016/03/01/shriners-hospital-for-children-college-classic-recap/. March 11, 2016. dead.
  32. Web site: Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic concludes at Minute Maid Park. Houston Astros. kbtx.com. March 5, 2017. February 27, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180227094331/http://www.kbtx.com/content/sports/Shriners-Hospitals-for-Children-College-Classic-concludes-at-Minute-Maid-Park-415438653.html. February 27, 2018. dead. mdy-all.
  33. Web site: Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic concludes. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 5, 2018. March 8, 2023.
  34. Web site: Shriners Hospitals For Children College Classic names 2020 all-tournament team. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 3, 2019. March 8, 2023.
  35. Web site: Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic names 2019 All-Tournament Team. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 5, 2019. March 8, 2023.
  36. Web site: Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic names 2021 All-Tournament Team. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 9, 2021. March 8, 2023.
  37. Web site: SHRINERS CHILDREN'S COLLEGE CLASSIC NAMES ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM. Astros Communications. baylorbears.com. March 8, 2022. March 8, 2023.
  38. Web site: Shriners Children's College Classic names all-tournament team. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 7, 2023. March 8, 2023.
  39. Web site: Astros Foundation College Classic names All-Tournament Team. Major League Baseball. mlb.com. March 4, 2024. March 19, 2024.