Baseball’s Deep Roots in West Virginia Celebrated with WVU’s Success
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia’s rich baseball history, despite lacking a Major League franchise, has continually captivated fans across the state. Oliver Luck, former athletic director at West Virginia University (WVU), recognized this passion and sought to highlight it while advocating for the Kendrick Family Ballpark’s construction in 2013.
The state’s baseball allegiance varies geographically: fans in the north typically follow the Pittsburgh Pirates, while those in the south tend to support the Cincinnati Reds. Throughout its minor league history, West Virginia has produced notable talent, including Hall of Famers Ed Delahanty and Jesse Burkett, starting in Wheeling, home of the first minor league team in 1887.
The 20th century saw peaks in minor league activity, especially post-World War II, with Charleston emerging as a baseball hub, hosting various Triple-A teams until 1983. However, the influx of television and youth leagues later contributed to dwindling attendance at professional games.
As the state’s love for baseball persists, it now finds renewed vigor through the success of the WVU baseball team. Ranked 24th, the Mountaineers are set for their second consecutive Super Regional appearance, marking their third straight NCAA tournament qualification, igniting excitement among fans. With impressive attendance figures—averaging over 3,000 at home games and nearly 10,000 for a recent match against Marshall—WVU’s program continues to thrive.
Coach Steve Sabins has nurtured numerous players who are now making waves in Major League Baseball, including the highly acclaimed JJ Wetherholt. Amid this revival, West Virginians remain united in their enduring love for baseball, reinforcing the sport’s longstanding significance since its introduction in 1866.
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