In what conference does Butler University compete?
Butler University competes in the NCAA Division I BIG EAST Conference. BIG EAST opponents include Creighton, Georgetown, St. John's, Seton Hall, Villanova and Xavier . In non-conference play, Butler competes against top programs from Division I leagues including the Big Ten, Missouri Valley, Mid-American, Conference USA, and others. The winner of the BIG EAST tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional. Butler flew to Minneapolis for the 2000 Regional and competed against 6th ranked Nebraska and 15th ranked Wichita State. The Bulldogs also competed in the NCAA tournament held at Oral Roberts University.
What kind of trips does the team take?
The Bulldogs travel all over the country to play top-notch competition. Butler has played South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Florida State, North Carolina, Kentucky, UNLV and other top D-I schools. In 2012, Butler opened the season with a series vs. 2008 College World Series champs, Fresno State University. The ‘Dawgs played 2012 National Champs University of Arizona in March of 2013. In January of 2003, the Butler team flew to Brisbane, Australia to compete against international competition!
Do baseball players miss a lot of classes because of games or practice?
No. Fall season practices and games are held on the Butler campus. Our conference games are held on weekends. Because of Butler's central location in Indianapolis, we don't have to make long road trips to play non-conference games. Occasionally our players will miss a weekday class if we have to travel off campus, but Butler professors are notified ahead of time so that work can be made up. New freshmen and transfer players are required to attend a mandatory study hall during the fall semester. Free tutors are readily available. We take our baseball seriously, but academics always come first at Butler.
Do Butler players have an off-season strength and conditioning program?
Yes! Our players begin lifting during the fall season that runs from late August until the end of October. We typically lift three times per week as a team in the “off-season” from mid-October until final exams in December. Players also take part in an aerobics and agility program designed to increase cardiovascular conditioning. During the spring season our players lift according to their class schedules. Butler's "state of the art" athletic weight room is filled with high-tech weight training and fitness equipment. The Bulldogs have both a full-time athletic trainer and a full-time strength coach. Our players take pride in the speed, strength and flexibility they gain throughout the year! Bulldog student-athletes also utilize the fully equipped Health and Recreation Center on the Butler campus.
Do Butler players have an opportunity to play summer baseball?
Yes! Each summer Butler players compete in the top collegiate wooden bat leagues across the country. Bulldog players have been placed in the Cape Cod, Valley, Prospect, Jayhawk, Great Lakes, Coastal Plain, Northeastern, Pacific International, Atlantic Collegiate, New England Collegiate and Northwoods Leagues. To be placed on one of these teams, a player must exhibit a high level of skill during the fall and spring playing seasons and be recommended by both Butler coaches and professional scouts. Butler players have a chance to display their skills to professional scouts during our annual "Scout Day" in the fall and during regular scheduled games during the spring.
