Bio

The sophomore season of the Dalhousie Baseball team opened with promise. The 1996 team had a core of returning players supplemented with new talent which created depth at every position. A more well-rounded team then their first year, it featured greater pitching depth, all-around reliable team defence and a formidable offensive lineup.

The Tigers ended the 1996 regular season with an 8-4 record and in first place. They beat Saint Mary’s 6-5 on October 8 to clinch the Atlantic pennant. Up next was the 1996 Atlantic Championship at Memorial Park in Kentville, Nova Scotia. The Tigers went undefeated to earn a spot in the Canadian Intercollegiate Baseball Association (CIBA) Championship. Shortstop Craig Higgins was named the tournament MVP for batting .600. First baseman Scott Sturgeon, second baseman Brian Clarke and outfielder Shawn Woodworth were named all-stars.

The team then travelled to St. Catherines, Ontario 10 days later for the national championship. The Tigers opened the tournament with a 4-3 win over the Laval Rouge et Or. Pitcher Trevor Wamback was dominant, striking out the first eight batters up, setting a new CIBA record. A 11-0 win on day two over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues locked in playoff spot for the Tigers. Their 2-1 record secured them a spot in the championship game versus Brock; the only team to beat them that weekend.

Fueled by strong offensive play to start the game and supported by strong pitching and defence, the Tigers beat the host Brock Badgers 8-3 to clinch the national title. Higgins was named the tournament MVP, while Wamback was named top pitcher and Sturgeon top hitter. Outfielder Jason Irvine and second baseman Clarke were named all-stars. This is the first, and so far, only, national title for the Tigers baseball team.