The Tragic History And Current Fight For University At Buffalo Baseball: 5 Shocking Facts You Didn't Know
The story of University at Buffalo (UB) baseball is a tale of two programs and a sudden, controversial end. As of late December 2025, the Buffalo Bulls do not field a varsity NCAA Division I baseball team, a stark reality that has persisted since the program was abruptly eliminated in 2017. This decision, rooted in deep athletics budget cutbacks, sent shockwaves through the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the wider Western New York sports community, leaving a significant void that is now being passionately filled by a dedicated group of students fighting for its return.
The history of baseball at UB is much richer than its current non-existent status suggests. From Major League Baseball (MLB) alumni to a dramatic, decade-long revival, the program was a cornerstone of the university's athletic identity for decades. Understanding the Bulls’ baseball legacy requires looking beyond the present day to the players, coaches, and pivotal moments that defined its two distinct eras before the final, heartbreaking elimination.
The Two Eras of UB Bulls Varsity Baseball (1949-2017)
The University at Buffalo's official varsity baseball history is best viewed through two separate, non-consecutive periods, each with its own defining characteristics and challenges. The program's existence was marked by a long hiatus, a triumphant return, and ultimately, a final, permanent discontinuation by the university's administration.
The initial run of UB baseball began in 1949 and continued until 1987. During this time, the program established its roots in the collegiate sports landscape, laying the foundation for future generations of players. This early era produced some of the most notable alumni to ever play for the Bulls, a legacy often overshadowed by the program's later struggles and eventual demise.
Following a 13-year absence, the baseball program was revived in 2000. This second era saw the Bulls elevate their competition level, eventually joining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a Division I program. The team played its home games at the on-campus facility, Amherst Audubon Field, which served as the backdrop for its final years of competition. This period was characterized by the challenges of competing in a tough conference with limited resources, a factor that would ultimately contribute to the program’s fate.
The Final Years and Coach Ron Torgalski
The second and final chapter of UB varsity baseball was led for its last 11 seasons by Head Coach Ron Torgalski. Torgalski, who served as the team’s leader from 2007 through the 2017 season, became the face of the program during its most competitive period. His dedication was recognized across the conference, culminating in him being named the MAC Coach of the Year in 2013, a significant achievement for the program.
During Torgalski's tenure, the team produced several standout players who earned All-MAC recognition, including Ben Haefner and Chris Kwitzer, who were named to the All-MAC First Team, and Vinny Mallaro and Alex Thrower, who also received conference honors in the final year of the program's existence.
The Controversial Discontinuation: Why UB Baseball Ended
The most crucial and controversial moment in the history of University at Buffalo baseball occurred at the conclusion of the 2017 season. The university announced a dramatic reduction in its intercollegiate athletic programs, cutting four sports to reduce the total number of Division I teams from 20 to 16.
The programs eliminated were men's baseball, men's soccer, men's swimming & diving, and women's rowing. The primary reason cited by the university was a need for "athletics budgets cutback" and the high cost of competing at the top level of college athletics.
This decision sparked immediate outrage among students, alumni, and the baseball community, who argued that eliminating the program was a short-sighted move that damaged the university's reputation and denied opportunities to student-athletes. Despite public outcry and various efforts to save the program, the decision stood, and the Buffalo Bulls varsity baseball team was officially eliminated from NCAA competition.
Notable Alumni and the Professional Legacy
Despite the program's turbulent history, the University at Buffalo has produced a number of players who went on to play professional baseball, including several who reached the pinnacle of the sport: Major League Baseball (MLB). This professional legacy is a testament to the talent that passed through the Bulls' program, even during its earlier, less-publicized years.
- Bill Schuster: An early alumnus who played in the MLB, representing the Bulls’ long-standing connection to professional baseball.
- Eddie Basinski: Another prominent player from the program's initial era, Basinski had a career in the Major Leagues, further cementing UB's place in baseball history.
- Tom Makowski: Makowski also made it to the professional level, contributing to the program's impressive list of alumni.
The success of these individuals highlights the potential and value of the baseball program, making its elimination a loss not just for the university, but for the development of professional talent in the region.
The Future of Baseball at UB: The Club Team's Fight
While the varsity program remains defunct, the passion for baseball at the University at Buffalo is alive and well through the UB Club Baseball team. This student-run organization is the current torchbearer for baseball on campus and serves a critical role in keeping the sport active at the collegiate level.
The Club Baseball team competes in the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division 2, providing a competitive environment for students who wish to play at a high level. Their mission is explicitly stated to "serve as a foundation for the eventual return of varsity baseball," indicating a clear, long-term goal that resonates with the alumni community.
In recent seasons, the club team has shown competitive spirit within their league. For instance, in the 2024-2025 season, the SUNY - Buffalo Club Baseball team posted a respectable 7-8-0 record in NCBA Division 2 play, demonstrating the sustained commitment of the student-athletes. The team continues to play their games and manage their operations, hoping that their dedication will one day convince the university administration to reverse the 2017 decision and restore the varsity program to its rightful place in the MAC.
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