Steve Sabins Compares WVU Baseball to New York Yankees; Program isn’t Going Anywhere

It’s been said many times before, WVU has a passionate fanbase with millions behind them. There are no pro teams in the state of West Virginia.

Fans filled Kendrick Family Ballpark to its max and even the surrounding hillside with big names and alumni also in attendance on Friday afternoon. Pat McAfee was behind home plate with WVU football head coach Rich Rodriguez, President Michael T. Benson, as well as others.

They watched the Mountaineers claim the school’s first-ever Super Regional win in an 11-2 domination of Cal Poly.

After seeing the stadium packed as well as the newly named “Randy’s Ridge,” WVU baseball head coach Steve Sabins in his postgame press conference on Friday responded to a question about the atmosphere and the individuals who wanted to be in town for this big game.

“Half of the battle here for the last decade is essentially marketing. You are trying to show people how wonderful this state, this university, this community is,” Sabins said. “Then you start winning ball games and you try to put that on display. That is where our media team, that’s where our administration is so critical — highlighting what this place is.”

He continued.

“This is a special atmosphere, special ballpark, special team, and we have won a lot of games — a whole lot of games. There are two programs in the country that have been to three consecutive Super regionals — us and North Carolina.”

WVU fans packed “Randy’s Ridge” above the Kendrick Family Ballpark early Friday morning for their spot and got to watch pregame warmups. (WVSN photo / John Dorado)

Sabins said the national attention this team has received is beneficial for recruits, the community and the future of WVU baseball.

“That is what this program is, it is one the best teams in the country,” he continued. “It is incredible. I think all that excitement starts from the passion of this state. It is a passion for what WVU has going on.”

The skipper then compared his program to that of the New York Yankees.

“This team is the New York Yankees of West Virginia,” he said. “People grew up watching the Mountaineers and rooting for the Mountaineers. They spend a big chunk of their paychecks to drive into town to come and watch ball games because it is important to them. I am just thankful for the fans.”

In his list of thank yous, Sabins also thanked Benson and WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker for their help in getting the program where it is today.

“They have gotten behind WVU baseball 100 percent. They have decided that this is something that is going to be here to stay for a long time and they been dedicated — not only providing the financial resources necessary but the excitement and the care level,” he said. “Showing up and being at games… Showing our players and staff that this is important to them. If you have a whole bunch of people pulling the rope in the same direction, you have a chance to do something special, and I think there is a high level of belief here in that.”

Find more coverage of the WVU baseball program at WV Sports Now.