Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball
NCAA Division I varsity intercollegiate baseball team
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball is the NCAA Division I varsity intercollegiate baseball team of Oklahoma State University, based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States. The team competes in the Big 12 Conference. The Cowboys' current head coach is Josh Holliday.
| Oklahoma State Cowboys | |
|---|---|
 2026 Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball team | |
| |
| Founded | 1909 (116 years ago) |
| University | Oklahoma State University |
| Head coach | Josh Holliday (14th season) |
| Conference | Big 12 |
| Location | Stillwater, Oklahoma |
| Home stadium | O'Brate Stadium (capacity: 3,500) |
| Nickname | Cowboys |
| Colors | Orange and black[1] |
| College World Series champions | |
| 1959 | |
| College World Series runner-up | |
| 1961, 1966, 1981, 1987, 1990 | |
| College World Series appearances | |
| 1954, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2016 | |
| NCAA regional champions | |
| 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2007, 2014, 2016, 2019 | |
| NCAA tournament appearances | |
| 1948, 1949, 1954, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 | |
| Conference tournament champions | |
| Missouri Valley 1949 Big Eight Big 12 2004, 2017, 2019, 2024 | |
| Conference regular season champions | |
| Missouri Valley 1947, 1948, 1949, 1954, 1955 Big Eight Big 12 2014, 2023 | |
Oklahoma State is a historically elite program, with the fourth-best win percentage, 13th-most wins, eighth-most College World Series wins, sixth-most College World Series appearances, and third-most NCAA tournament appearances in college baseball history, as of February 19, 2025.[2] The program has accumulated a better all-time win percentage and more wins, regular season conference championships, conference tournament championships, All-Americans, NCAA Tournament appearances, NCAA Tournament wins, College World Series appearances, College World Series Finals appearances, College World Series wins, and College Baseball Hall of Famers than any school in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma State has won 26 conference championships and 22 conference tournament championships as of the end of the 2025 season. The Cowboys have also earned 51 NCAA Tournament bids and have played in 20 College World Series, including a still-standing NCAA record seven straight CWS appearances from 1981 to 1987.
The Cowboys have four players/coaches in the College Baseball Hall of Fame: Gary Ward (who coached the program to 16 consecutive conference titles from 1981 to 1996), Tom Borland (1955 College World Series Most Outstanding Player), Pete Incaviglia (the all time home run king in college baseball history), and Robin Ventura (holder of an NCAA record 58-game hitting streak and widely regarded as the greatest hitter in college baseball history).
Oklahoma State won the national championship in 1959, led by star pitcher Joel Horlen, who would later author the 12th no-hitter in Chicago White Sox history in 1967.[3]
History
1954 College World Series
The 1954 Oklahoma State baseball team was the first squad to make the College World Series. The team entered the postseason after winning the Missouri Valley Conference with an 8–1 conference record, before going on to defeat Texas in the District VI Playoff to punch the program's first ticket to Omaha. In the College World Series, the Cowboys were knocked off by Rollins before defeating Lafayette and Arizona for the first CWS wins in program history. Oklahoma State would be eliminated after a 7–3 loss to Missouri, who would go on to win the national championship.
1955 College World Series
The 1955 Oklahoma State baseball team was one of the strongest in school history, going a perfect 22–0 in the regular season and claiming another Missouri Valley conference title. In the postseason, the Cowboys would punch their second ticket to Omaha with a 6–2 win over rival Oklahoma in the District V Playoff. Oklahoma State would begin their College World Series run by defeating Springfield in their opening game, before losing to Western Michigan. The Cowboys would rebound with a pair of wins over Colgate and Arizona before being eliminated by Wake Forest, who would also go on to win the national championship.
1959 College World Series National Champions
The 1959 Oklahoma State baseball team entered the season with low expectations. Only four players, left fielder Don Soergel and pitchers Joel Horlen, Roy Peterson and Dick Soergel, were on the roster from the previous season. The preseason prospectus for 1959 read, "The baseball outlook for coach Toby Greene's 16th edition of Cowboy baseball is quite questionable. Despite the return of key members from last year's pitching staff, it's hard to consider the Pokes much of a threat with graduation, grades and the pros robbing the veteran OSU mentor of all but one of his starters." Despite the inexperience, the team compiled a 27–5 overall record with a 17–3 conference record, winning the Big Eight conference title before beating Bradley in the District V Playoff to clinch their third College World Series appearance.
Oklahoma State opened the 1959 College World Series with a 10–2 victory over Western Michigan behind a Joel Horlen five-hitter. The Cowboys had to rally for three runs in the seventh in their next contest against Penn State, but would hang on to win a close game, 8–6. Oklahoma State would lose to Arizona in the following game by a score of 5–3, as Soergel lost his first career game in twelve decisions. In the losers bracket, the Cowboys found themselves down 3–2 in the ninth in a rematch against Penn State, but scraped across two runs to earn the 4–3 victory and eliminate the Nittany Lions. A Fresno State victory over Arizona that night left three teams with one loss each. Arizona won the coin toss and became the odd man out as Oklahoma State and Fresno State met for the chance to play the Wildcats for the national championship. The Cowboys beat the Bulldogs 4–0 to advance to the championship game.
In the championship game, Jim Dobson, who was voted the Most Valuable Player, opened the Oklahoma State scoring with a towering home run over the left-field fence in the fourth inning. Arizona picked up single runs in the fourth and fifth to take a 2–1 lead. Bancroft tied the score with a solo home run in the top of the sixth, but the Wildcats added a run of their own in the bottom of the sixth to lead 3–2. It was another sophomore, Bruce Andrew, who sparked the game-winning three-run rally in the top of the seventh, giving the Cowboys a two-run lead. Soergel shut out the Wildcats in the final three innings and Oklahoma State defeated Arizona 5–3, clinching their first NCAA Baseball National Championship.
Four Cowboy players were named to the College World Series All-Tournament team, including third baseman and MVP Dobson. Also selected were Bruce Andrew at second base, Connie McIlvoy in the outfield and Horlen at pitcher.[4]
1960 College World Series
The 1960 Oklahoma State baseball team went 15–5 in the regular season, winning another Big Eight title and receiving an automatic bid to the College World Series for the fourth time through the District V region. In Omaha, the Cowboys opened their tournament with a loss to Arizona. In the loser's bracket, Oklahoma State pitcher Jim Wixson would toss the second no-hitter in College World Series history, and the Cowboys eliminated North Carolina in a shutout victory. Oklahoma State would go on to defeat Boston College in another shutout victory but would ultimately lose to Minnesota, who would again go on to win the national championship.
1961 College World Series
The 1961 Oklahoma State baseball team was once again undoubtedly one of the best in the country, going 22–1 in the regular season and cruising to another Big Eight title before sweeping Northern Iowa in the District V Playoff to clinch the program's fifth College World Series trip. In Omaha, the Cowboys would open the tournament with close wins over Duke and Syracuse before falling to USC. Needing a win against Syracuse to earn a rematch against USC in the national championship, Oklahoma State shut out the Orangemen and were into the national championship game. The Trojans would win again in the rematch however, holding the Cowboys to just four hits and no runs and handing Oklahoma State their first national runner–up finish.
1966 College World Series
The 1966 Oklahoma State baseball team wasn't quite as dominant as in years past, but still managed a 16–9 regular season record and Big Eight title. In the District V Playoff, the Cowboys would beat Saint Louis twice in close games to punch their ticket to Omaha for the sixth time. In the College World Series, Oklahoma State would drop their opening game to Ohio State to fall into the losers bracket. Needing three straight wins to make it back to the national championship game, the Cowboys would use dominant pitching to eliminate North Carolina, Texas and St. John's. Despite losing in the first game of the tournament, Oklahoma State had managed to stave off elimination three times and earned themselves a rematch against Ohio State for the national title. The Buckeyes would dominate in the title game however, blowing out the Cowboys 8–2 and handing Oklahoma State their second-straight national runner–up finish.
1967 College World Series
The 1967 Oklahoma State baseball team went just 13–7 in the regular season, but performed well in conference play, going 12–3 and winning the Big Eight title. In the District V Playoff, the Cowboys would win a very competitive series against Cincinnati, and were on their way to the College World Series for the seventh time. However, it would be a short appearance in Omaha for the Cowboys, falling to eventual national champion Arizona State in the opening game before then being eliminated by Rider in a close loss.
1968 College World Series
The 1968 Oklahoma State baseball team improved to an 18–7 regular season record and cruised to another dominant performance in conference play and Big Eight title. The Cowboys were once again matched up with Bradley in the District V Playoff, and just as they did in 1959, Oklahoma State swept them to earn their eighth College World Series appearance. In Omaha, the Cowboys would open their tournament run with a win over Texas. In the winner's bracket, Oklahoma State would lose in a close game to eventual national champion USC and were then eliminated by Southern Illinois in a blowout loss.
1981 College World Series
The 1981 Oklahoma State baseball team was the first of seven straight Cowboy teams to make the College World Series, a record still held today. The team posted an impressive 43–14 regular season record and won the Big Eight tournament title over Nebraska. In the Midwest Regional, Oklahoma State defeated Southern Illinois once and Oral Roberts twice to clinch the program's ninth College World Series appearance. In the College World Series, the Cowboys opened with a ten-inning victory over South Carolina, followed by a dominant win over Miami and a 13-inning victory over Arizona State to reach the national semifinals. Despite a loss to Texas in 15 innings, the Cowboys won a coin toss and clinched their spot in the national championship game. In the title game, it was Arizona State getting revenge on the Cowboys, defeating Oklahoma State 7–4 and handing the Cowboys their third national runner–up finish.
1982 College World Series
The 1982 Oklahoma State baseball team won 50 games in the regular season, going 50–14 en route to winning both the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles. In the Midwest Regional, the Cowboys would again sweep the competition, defeating Minnesota once and Middle Tennessee twice to earn the program's 10th Omaha appearance. In the College World Series, Oklahoma State would suffer a blowout loss to Texas to open the tournament before rebounding with a win over South Carolina to stave off elimination. The Cowboys would then lose again in blowout fashion to Wichita State, ending their season.
1983 College World Series
The 1983 Oklahoma State baseball team produced another successful regular season, going 40–13 and winning both the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles over rival Oklahoma. In the Midwest Regional, the Cowboys were given matchups against Wichita State and Oral Roberts, both teams that Oklahoma State had faced in the regular season. The Cowboys took care of business, beating the Shockers once and the Golden Eagles twice to earn the program's 11th College World Series appearance. In the College World Series, Oklahoma State opened by winning a close game against Stanford to enter the winners bracket. The Cowboys would lose a one-run game against eventual national champion Texas before dropping another one-run contest at the hands of Arizona State, eliminating the Cowboys.
1984 College World Series
The 1984 Oklahoma State baseball team won more games than any other team in program history, going 61–15 in total. The Cowboys once again swept the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles, heading into the Midwest Regional with a 54–12 record. Despite easily defeating Grambling State in the opening game, the Cowboys were upset by Oklahoma City to push them to the edge of elimination. Oklahoma State would respond by shutting out Texas A&M and beating Oklahoma City twice in a row to book the program's 12th trip to Omaha. In the College World Series, the Cowboys picked up an opening round win against Maine before being defeated by Arizona State. Once again facing elimination, Oklahoma State won a close game against New Orleans before beating Texas in a high scoring contest. After the Longhorns won a coin flip to clinch a spot in the finals, the Cowboys were slotted against Cal State Fullerton with a trip to the title game on the line. The Titans would go on to blow out Oklahoma State, ending the Cowboys season en route to winning the national championship.
1985 College World Series
The 1985 Oklahoma State baseball team again won over 50 regular season games, going 51–13–1 and yet again claiming both the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles over runner–up Oklahoma. In the Midwest Regional, the Cowboys took care of Minnesota easily before knocking off Wichita State twice to clinch the program's 13th trip to the College World Series. In Omaha, Oklahoma State suffered a blowout loss in the opening game to Mississippi State, sending the Cowboys to the edge of elimination. Oklahoma State survived the first elimination game, holding off South Carolina in a high scoring game before falling to eventual national champion Miami in a one-run contest and being eliminated.
1986 College World Series
The 1986 Oklahoma State baseball team went 46–12 in the regular season, most notably going an absurd 29–0 in the month of April en route to winning the Big Eight tournament title again over Oklahoma. In the Midwest Regional, the Cowboys cruised to two easy wins over Richmond and Appalachian State before knocking off Stanford twice to lock up the program's 14th trip to Omaha. In the College World Series, Miami would once again beat Oklahoma State, sending them to the losers bracket where they would stave off elimination twice. In the first game, the Cowboys pitched a shutout to eliminate Indiana State, before notching a comfortable win over Loyola Marymount in the second contest. With a trip to the national semifinals on the line, Oklahoma State lost in a one-run game to Florida State, ending their season.
1987 College World Series
The 1987 Oklahoma State baseball team finished the regular season at 47–9, including a red-hot start of 43–4. After yet again winning both the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles, the Cowboys entered the Mideast Regional at 51–10. In the Mideast Regional, the Cowboys opened with wins over Western Carolina and NC State before falling to Texas A&M. Needing three wins to keep their season alive, Oklahoma State again beat Western Carolina before knocking off the Aggies twice in close games to send the Cowboys to the College World Series for the 15th time. In Omaha, Oklahoma State picked up where they left off, winning three straight games over Arizona State, LSU and Stanford to clinch a spot in the national semifinals. Despite a loss to Texas, Oklahoma State received a spot in the national championship game against Stanford. The Cowboys would be unable to beat the Cardinal again in the rematch, falling to Stanford 9–5 and receiving the program's fourth national runner–up finish.
1990 College World Series
The 1990 Oklahoma State baseball team dominated the rest of the conference, going 46–16 overall and 18–6 in the Big Eight en route to winning the Big Eight regular season title by five games before cruising to another tournament title. In the West II Regional, the Cowboys easily beat UC Santa Barbara and Washington State before knocking off Arizona State twice in Tempe to clinch the program's 16th College World Series appearance. In the College World Series, Oklahoma State continued their perfect postseason, demolishing Cal State Fullerton in the first game and outscoring LSU by 17 runs in the second and third games to once again clinch a spot in the national championship game. Despite the dominant postseason run up to that point, the Cowboys were unable to get over the last hurdle, falling to Georgia in a one-run game and receiving the program's fifth national runner–up finish.
1993 College World Series
The 1993 Oklahoma State baseball team went 34–13 in the regular season, winning the Big Eight regular season and tournament titles by the slimmest of margins over Kansas. In the Midwest Regional, the Cowboys began their postseason run by defeating UConn, Auburn and NC State before falling to Arizona. With a trip to Omaha on the line, Oklahoma State won by a single run in the rematch against the Wildcats, sending the Cowboys to the College World Series for the 17th time. In the College World Series, Oklahoma State suffered a one-run loss to Texas in the opening game before rebounding and winning a one-run contest against Arizona State to stay alive. The Cowboys would then get their revenge on the Longhorns, eliminating them in the rematch and clinching a spot in the national semifinals. Needing two wins against Wichita State to stay alive, the Cowboys failed to get even one, falling to the Shockers and being eliminated.
1996 College World Series
The 1996 Oklahoma State baseball team finished 37–19 in the regular season with a 17–9 conference record en route to winning the program's 16th–straight Big Eight tournament title. In the Central II Regional, the Cowboys edged out Arkansas by a run before easily taking down Fresno State. Oklahoma State would then dominate USC in back-to-back games to clinch a spot in the College World Series for the 18th time in program history. The trip to Omaha was short however, as losses to Alabama and Clemson eliminated the Cowboys from the College World Series without a win for just the second time in program history.
1999 College World Series
The 1999 Oklahoma State baseball team went a respectable 41–14 in the regular season with a 19–9 record in the Big 12. In the Wichita Regional, the Cowboys earned the second seed but were quickly upset by third-seeded UCLA. One loss away from elimination, Oklahoma State notched a win over Oral Roberts before getting revenge on UCLA and eliminating the Bruins in the rematch. Needing two wins against Wichita State, the Cowboys delivered, beating the Shockers twice on their home field to send Oklahoma State to the Waco Super Regional. Facing Big 12 rival Baylor in Waco, the Cowboys won the opening game easily before falling in the second, setting up a third game. Oklahoma State would go on to defeat Baylor in the deciding contest, sending the Cowboys to Omaha for the 19th time. In the College World Series, it was once again an early exit for Oklahoma State. Losses to Alabama and Rice quickly eliminated the Cowboys, who left Omaha without a win for just the third time in program history.
2016 College World Series
The 2016 Oklahoma State baseball team turned in a solid regular season, going 35–18 with a 16–8 conference record and receiving a 2 seed in the Clemson Regional. First meeting up with Nebraska, the Cowboys pitched a shutout in a dominant win over the Cornhuskers, sending them to a showdown with Clemson. The Cowboys would go on to manhandle the Tigers, beating them by a combined 17 runs over two games to send Oklahoma State to the Columbia Super Regional. Picking up where they left off, Oklahoma State would sweep South Carolina in two games to clinch the 20th College World Series appearance in program history. In Omaha, the Cowboys would win a pair of 1–0 contests against UC Santa Barbara and Arizona to claim a spot in the national semifinals. Needing just one more win against Arizona to earn a berth in the national championship series, the Cowboys were unable to get it, falling to the Wildcats twice and being eliminated in heartbreaking fashion.
Head coaches
| Tenure | Coach | Year(s) | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909–1915 | Paul J. Davis | 7 | 54–40–1 | .573 |
| 1916 | Art Griffith | 1 | 5–9 | .357 |
| 1917–1918 | Earl A. Pritchard | 2 | 3–13 | .188 |
| 1919 | Randle Perdue | 1 | 3–11 | .214 |
| 1920–1921 | Hoot Sackett | 2 | 14–19 | .424 |
| 1922–1929 | John Maulbetsch | 8 | 61–59 | .508 |
| 1930 | George E. Rody | 1 | 9–3 | .750 |
| 1932–1933 | Albert Exendine | 2 | 19–13 | .594 |
| 1934–1941 | Henry Iba | 8 | 90–41 | .687 |
| 1942–1943, 1946–1964 | Toby Greene | 21 | 318–132 | .707 |
| 1965–1977 | Chet Bryan | 13 | 247–198–2 | .555 |
| 1978–1996 | Gary Ward | 19 | 953–313–1 | .752 |
| 1997–2003 | Tom Holliday | 7 | 281–150 | .652 |
| 2004–2012 | Frank Anderson | 9 | 329–208 | .613 |
| 2013–present | Josh Holliday | 12 | 445–236–2 | .652 |
| Totals | 15 coaches | 113 | 2,831–1,445–5 | .662 |
Conference affiliations
- Independent (1901–1914, 1956–1960)
- Southwest Conference (1914–1924)
- MVIAA (1924–1927)
- Missouri Valley Conference (1927–1956)
- Big Eight Conference (1960–1996)
- Big 12 Conference (1996–present)
Facilities
The Cowboys planned to open the new O'Brate Stadium, located one block northwest of the team's current home of Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, on March 20, 2020 for the Cowboys' Big 12 opener against TCU. The Cowboys played their first 11 of a planned 14 home games of the 2020 season at Reynolds Stadium. Named for major donor Cecil O'Brate, the new ballpark has a permanent capacity of 3,500 but is expandable to 8,000.[5]
Reynolds Stadium is named after the former Oklahoma State player Allie Reynolds, who went on to play professionally for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees. The park, with a capacity of 3,821, opened in 1981 at a cost of $2.2 million.
Year-by-year results
| Year | Head coach | Overall | Winning % | Conference | Winning % | Conference Rank | National Rank | Notes/Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | P.J. Davis | 5–5 | .500 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1910 | P.J. Davis | 7–5 | .583 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1911 | P.J. Davis | 8–2 | .800 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1912 | P.J. Davis | 10–5–1 | .656 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1913 | P.J. Davis | 9–4 | .692 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1914 | P.J. Davis | 10–7 | .588 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1915 | P.J. Davis | 5–12 | .294 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1916 | Art Griffith | 5–9 | .357 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1917 | E.A Pritchard | 2–6 | .250 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1918 | E.A Pritchard | 1–7 | .125 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1919 | Randle Perdue | 3–11 | .214 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1920 | Hoot Sackett | 9–7 | .653 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1921 | Hoot Sackett | 5–12 | .294 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1922 | John Maulbetsch | 8–7 | .533 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1923 | John Maulbetsch | 8–6 | .571 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1924 | John Maulbetsch | 10–8 | .556 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1925 | John Maulbetsch | 6–8 | .429 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1926 | John Maulbetsch | 6–9 | .400 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1927 | John Maulbetsch | 6–10 | .375 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1928 | John Maulbetsch | 12–4 | .750 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1929 | John Maulbetsch | 5–7 | .417 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1930 | George E. Rody | 9–3 | .750 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1931 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | No Team |
| 1932 | Albert Exendine | 6–10 | .375 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1933 | Albert Exendine | 13–3 | .813 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1934 | Henry Iba | 11–4 | .733 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1935 | Henry Iba | 8–8 | .500 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1936 | Henry Iba | 13–7 | .650 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1937 | Henry Iba | 13–4 | .765 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1938 | Henry Iba | 13–4 | .765 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1939 | Henry Iba | 11–7 | .611 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1940 | Henry Iba | 13–5 | .722 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1941 | Henry Iba | 8–2 | .800 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1942 | Toby Greene | 6–5 | .545 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1943 | Toby Greene | 4–3 | .571 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1944 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | No Team (WWII) |
| 1945 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | No Team (WWII) |
| 1946 | Toby Greene | 15–2 | .882 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1947 | Toby Greene | 11–5 | .688 | 11–5 | .688 | 1st | – | – |
| 1948 | Toby Greene | 20–6 | .769 | 20–6 | .769 | 1st | – | District V Champions Western Playoff |
| 1949 | Toby Greene | 22–6 | .846 | 5–0 | 1.000 | 1st | – | MVC Tournament Champions District V Champions Region C Playoff |
| 1950 | Toby Greene | 15–7 | .682 | 6–3 | .667 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1951 | Toby Greene | 9–8 | .529 | 2–4 | .333 | 5th | – | – |
| 1952 | Toby Greene | 15–5 | .750 | 5–2 | .714 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1953 | Toby Greene | 13–4 | .765 | 4–2 | .667 | T-2nd | – | – |
| 1954 | Toby Greene | 18–11 | .621 | 8–1 | .889 | 1st | – | District 6 Champions College World Series |
| 1955 | Toby Greene | 27–3 | .900 | 8–0 | 1.000 | 1st | – | District 5 Champions College World Series |
| 1956 | Toby Greene | 11–10 | .524 | 7–2 | .778 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1957 | Toby Greene | 12–3 | .800 | 7–2 | .778 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1958 | Toby Greene | 17–6 | .739 | 13–5 | .722 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1959 | Toby Greene | 27–5 | .844 | 17–3 | .850 | 1st | 1 | District 5 Champions College World Series National Champions |
| 1960 | Toby Greene | 17–7 | .708 | 12–4 | .750 | 1st | 2 | District 5 Champions College World Series |
| 1961 | Toby Greene | 27–3 | .900 | 18–1 | .947 | 1st | 2 | District 5 Champions College World Series Runners-Up |
| 1962 | Toby Greene | 11–9 | .550 | 10–6 | .625 | 2nd | – | – |
| 1963 | Toby Greene | 15–10 | .600 | 12–9 | .571 | 5th | – | – |
| 1964 | Toby Greene | 6–14 | .300 | 4–12 | .538 | 7th | – | – |
| 1965 | Chet Bryan | 14–11 | .560 | 12–9 | .571 | 3rd | – | – |
| 1966 | Chet Bryan | 21–11 | .656 | 13–7 | .650 | 1st | 10 | District 5 Champions College World Series Runners-Up |
| 1967 | Chet Bryan | 15–10 | .600 | 12–3 | .800 | 1st | 12 | District 5 Champions College World Series |
| 1968 | Chet Bryan | 21–9 | .700 | 15–3 | .833 | 1st | 3 | District 5 Champions College World Series |
| 1969 | Chet Bryan | 20–9 | .690 | 17–3 | .850 | 1st | 12 | – |
| 1970 | Chet Bryan | 11–17 | .393 | 5–11 | .313 | 8th | – | – |
| 1971 | Chet Bryan | 14–19 | .424 | 8–13 | .381 | 6th | – | – |
| 1972 | Chet Bryan | 15–17–1 | .470 | 10–10 | .500 | 4th | – | – |
| 1973 | Chet Bryan | 30–6 | .833 | 15–5 | .750 | 2nd | 13 | – |
| 1974 | Chet Bryan | 24–17 | .585 | 9–12 | .429 | 5th | – | – |
| 1975 | Chet Bryan | 22–18 | .550 | 10–10 | .500 | 4th | – | – |
| 1976 | Chet Bryan | 24–26–1 | .480 | 1–2 | .333 | T-5th | – | – |
| 1977 | Chet Bryan | 16–28 | .364 | 3–7 | .300 | 6th | – | – |
| 1978 | Gary Ward | 40–22 | .645 | 7–5 | .583 | 1st | 20 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional |
| 1979 | Gary Ward | 33–19 | .635 | 12–8 | .600 | T-3rd | – | – |
| 1980 | Gary Ward | 43–10 | .811 | 17–3 | .850 | 1st | 16 | – |
| 1981 | Gary Ward | 52–17 | .754 | 12–6 | .667 | 1st | 3 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series Runners-Up |
| 1982 | Gary Ward | 57–16 | .781 | 19–5 | .792 | 1st | 4 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1983 | Gary Ward | 48–16 | .750 | 11–3 | .786 | 1st | 3 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1984 | Gary Ward | 61–15 | .803 | 15–3 | .833 | 1st | 3 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1985 | Gary Ward | 58–16–1 | .780 | 19–4 | .826 | 1st | 5 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1986 | Gary Ward | 56–15 | .789 | 18–5 | .783 | 1st | 4 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1987 | Gary Ward | 59–13 | .819 | 15–6 | .714 | 1st | 4 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Mideast Regional Champions College World Series Runners-Up |
| 1988 | Gary Ward | 61–8 | .884 | 21–3 | .875 | 1st | 9 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional |
| 1989 | Gary Ward | 48–19 | .716 | 18–6 | .750 | 1st | 15 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional |
| 1990 | Gary Ward | 56–17 | .767 | 18–6 | .750 | 1st | 2 | Big Eight Tournament Champions West II Regional Champions College World Series Runners-Up |
| 1991 | Gary Ward | 47–20 | .701 | 17–7 | .708 | 1st | 9 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Central Regional |
| 1992 | Gary Ward | 49–16 | .754 | 17–7 | .708 | 1st | 13 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional |
| 1993 | Gary Ward | 45–17 | .726 | 16–8 | .667 | 1st | 4 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1994 | Gary Ward | 49–17 | .742 | 21–6 | .778 | 1st | 12 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Midwest I Regional |
| 1995 | Gary Ward | 46–19 | .708 | 18–10 | .643 | 1st | 11 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Mideast Regional |
| 1996 | Gary Ward | 45–21 | .682 | 17–9 | .654 | 2nd | 8 | Big Eight Tournament Champions Central II Regional Champions College World Series |
| 1997 | Tom Holliday | 46–19 | .708 | 22–9 | .710 | 3rd | 12 | – |
| 1998 | Tom Holliday | 40–21 | .656 | 14–12 | .538 | 6th | – | Midwest Regional |
| 1999 | Tom Holliday | 46–21 | .687 | 18–9 | .667 | 4th | 8 | Wichita Regional Champions Waco Super Regional Champions College World Series |
| 2000 | Tom Holliday | 36–22 | .621 | 14–13 | .519 | 6th | – | – |
| 2001 | Tom Holliday | 42–22 | .656 | 16–14 | .533 | 5th | – | New Orleans Regional |
| 2002 | Tom Holliday | 37–21 | .638 | 13–13 | .500 | T-5th | – | – |
| 2003 | Tom Holliday | 34–24 | .586 | 14–13 | .519 | 6th | – | – |
| 2004 | Frank Anderson | 38–24 | .613 | 15–11 | .577 | 4th | – | Big 12 Tournament Champions Tallahassee Regional |
| 2005 | Frank Anderson | 34–25 | .576 | 12–15 | .444 | 6th | – | – |
| 2006 | Frank Anderson | 41–20 | .672 | 18–9 | .667 | 2nd | 23 | Fayetteville Regional |
| 2007 | Frank Anderson | 42–21 | .667 | 16–11 | .593 | 3rd | 21 | Fayetteville Regional Champions Louisville Super Regional |
| 2008 | Frank Anderson | 44–18 | .710 | 18–9 | .667 | 2nd | 18 | Stillwater Regional |
| 2009 | Frank Anderson | 34–24 | .586 | 9–16 | .360 | 9th | – | Clemson Regional |
| 2010 | Frank Anderson | 29–26 | .527 | 8–19 | .296 | 10th | – | – |
| 2011 | Frank Anderson | 35–25 | .583 | 14–12 | .538 | 4th | – | Nashville Regional |
| 2012 | Frank Anderson | 32–25 | .561 | 13–11 | .542 | 5th | – | – |
| 2013 | Josh Holliday | 41–19 | .683 | 13–10 | .565 | 2nd | 21 | Louisville Regional |
| 2014 | Josh Holliday | 48–18 | .727 | 18–6 | .750 | 1st | 10 | Big 12 Regular Season Champions Stillwater Regional Champions Stillwater Super Regional |
| 2015 | Josh Holliday | 38–20 | .655 | 14–8 | .636 | 2nd | 18 | Stillwater Regional |
| 2016 | Josh Holliday | 43–22 | .662 | 16–8 | .667 | 2nd | 4 | Clemson Regional Champions Columbia Super Regional Champions College World Series |
| 2017 | Josh Holliday | 30–27 | .526 | 8–13 | .381 | 8th | – | Big 12 Tournament Champions Fayetteville Regional |
| 2018 | Josh Holliday | 31–26–1 | .543 | 16–8 | .667 | 2nd | – | DeLand Regional |
| 2019 | Josh Holliday | 40–21 | .656 | 14–9 | .609 | 3rd | 11 | Big 12 Tournament Champions Oklahoma City Regional Champions Lubbock Super Regional |
| 2020 | Josh Holliday | 13–5 | .722 | 0-0 | – | – | – | Remainder of season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | Josh Holliday | 36–19–1 | .643 | 12–12 | .500 | 4th | 24 | Tucson Regional |
| 2022 | Josh Holliday | 42–22 | .656 | 15–9 | .625 | T-2nd | 17 | Stillwater Regional |
| 2023 | Josh Holliday | 41–20 | .672 | 15–9 | .625 | T-1st | 23 | Big 12 Regular Season Champions Stillwater Regional |
| 2024 | Josh Holliday | 42–19 | .689 | 19–9 | .679 | 2nd | 14 | Big 12 Tournament Champions Stillwater Regional |
| 2025 | Josh Holliday | 30–25 | .545 | 15–12 | .556 | 7th | – | Athens Regional |
| 2026 | Josh Holliday | 39–22 | .639 | 18–12 | .600 | 5th | 25 | Tuscaloosa Regional |
Rivalries
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma State's series against Bedlam rival Oklahoma has featured more games played than any other baseball series in program history.[6] Through the 2026 season, the Cowboys lead the overall series against the Sooners 190–162, with Oklahoma State dominating the rivalry in recent years, boasting a 38–16 record against Oklahoma since 2013, head coach Josh Holliday's first season.[7][8] In the final Big 12 conference baseball game between the two schools, Oklahoma State defeated Oklahoma 9–3 to win the 2024 Big 12 tournament.[9]
Wichita State Shockers
The Oklahoma State and Wichita State baseball rivalry spans back to the 1940's, during their time together in the Missouri Valley Conference. Through the 2026 season, the Cowboys lead the overall series against the Shockers 70–36.[10] The teams have met numerous times in the postseason, with Oklahoma State defeating Wichita State in 1983, 1985 and 1999 en route to College World Series appearances and the Shockers eliminating the Cowboys from Omaha in 1982 and 1993. Oklahoma State and Wichita State have combined for ten College World Series Finals appearances, but have only captured two national championships, with the Cowboys winning it all in 1959 and the Shockers doing the same in 1989.
Former Cowboy Major Leaguers
| Athlete | Years in MLB | MLB teams |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry Adair | 1958–70 | Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals |
| Jon Adkins | 2003–08 | Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds |
| Scott Baker | 2005–11, 2013–15 | Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Peyton Battenfield | 2023 | Cleveland Guardians |
| Carson Benge | 2026 - pres. | New York Mets |
| Jim Beauchamp | 1963–65, 1967–73 | St Louis Cardinals, Houston Colt .45s/Astros, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets |
| Josh Billings | 1913–23 | Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns |
| Joe Bisenius | 2007, 2010 | Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals |
| Tom Borland | 1960–61 | Boston Red Sox |
| Jeff Bronkey | 1993–95 | Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers |
| Corey Brown | 2011–14 | Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox |
| Cal Browning | 1960 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Ryan Budde | 2007–10 | Los Angeles Angels |
| Larry Burchart | 1969 | Cleveland Indians |
| Jeromy Burnitz | 1993–96, 1998–2006 | New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Jay Canizaro | 1996, 1999–2002 | San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins |
| Doug Dascenzo | 1988–93, 1996 | Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres |
| Carlos Diaz | 1990 | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Gordie Dillard | 1988–89 | Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies |
| Danny Doyle | 1943 | Boston Red Sox |
| Christian Encarnacion-Strand | 2023 - pres. | Cincinnati Reds |
| Monty Fariss | 1991–93 | Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins |
| John Farrell | 1987–90, 1993–96 | Cleveland Indians, California Angels, Detroit Tigers |
| Josh Fields | 2006–10 | Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals |
| Koda Glover | 2016–18 | Washington Nationals |
| Gary Green | 1986–92 | San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds |
| Matt Hague | 2012, 2014–15 | Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays |
| Thomas Hatch | 2020 - pres. | Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins |
| Andrew Heaney | 2014–2025 | Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Jonathan Heasley | 2021 - pres. | Kansas City Royals, Baltimore Orioles |
| Mike Henneman | 1987–96 | Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers |
| Joel Horlen | 1961–72 | Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics |
| Rex Hudson | 1974 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Jason Hursh | 2016–17 | Atlanta Braves |
| Pete Incaviglia | 1986–91, 1993–98 | Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees |
| Jason Jaramillo | 2009–11 | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Frank Kellert | 1953–56 | St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs |
| Frank Linzy | 1963, 1965–74 | San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies |
| Mark Lukasiewicz | 2001–02 | Los Angeles Angels |
| Tyler Lyons | 2016–2020 | St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees |
| Matt Mangini | 2010 | Seattle Mariners |
| Hersh Martin | 1937–40, 1944–45 | Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees |
| Trevor Martin | 2026 - pres. | Tampa Bay Rays |
| Dave Maurer | 2000–02 | San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians |
| Carson McCusker | 2025 | Minnesota Twins |
| Nolan McLean | 2025 - pres. | New York Mets |
| Victor Mederos | 2023 - pres. | Los Angeles Angels |
| Jordy Mercer | 2012–2021 | Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals |
| Ed Mickelson | 1950, 1953, 1957 | St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns, Chicago Cubs |
| Dave Mlicki | 1992–93, 1995–2002 | Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros |
| Merlin Nippert | 1962 | Boston Red Sox |
| Andrew Oliver | 2010–11 | Detroit Tigers |
| Darrell Osteen | 1965–67, 1970 | Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics |
| Danny Perez | 1996 | Milwaukee Brewers |
| Joe Price | 1980–90 | Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles |
| Tim Pugh | 1992–97 | Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers |
| Allie P. Reynolds | 1942–52 | Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees |
| Chris Richard | 2000–03, 2009 | St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Tampa Bay Rays |
| Scott Richmond | 2008–09, 2011–12 | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Rusty Ryal | 2009–10 | Arizona Diamondbacks |
| Jeff Salazar | 2006–09 | Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Luke Scott | 2005–13 | Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays |
| Matt Smith | 2006–07 | New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies |
| Joe Stanka | 1959 | Chicago White Sox |
| Mickey Tettleton | 1984–97 | Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers |
| Danny Thompson | 1970–76 | Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers |
| Mike Thompson | 1971, 1973–75 | Washington Senators, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves |
| Jim Traber | 1984, 1986, 1988–89 | Baltimore Orioles |
| Robin Ventura | 1989–2004 | Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Don Wallace | 1967 | California Angels |
| Donnie Walton | 2019-2022, 2024-pres. | Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies |
| Scott Watkins | 1995 | Minnesota Twins |
| Robbie Weinhardt | 2010–11 | Detroit Tigers |
| Dib Williams | 1930–35 | Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox |
| Scott Williamson | 1999–2007 | Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles |
| Robbie Wine | 1986–87 | Houston Astros |
| Ab Wright | 1935, 1944 | Cleveland Indians, Boston Braves |
| Justin Wrobleski | 2024 - pres. | Los Angeles Dodgers |
Player awards
The following Cowboys were given the following awards, as voted on by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and Sporting News:[11]
National awards
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First-Team All-Americans
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All College World Series
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Hall of Fame
The Oklahoma State Cowboy baseball program has produced four National College Baseball Hall of Famers, who were inducted in the first three years of its existence. Oklahoma State baseball has its own Hall of Fame, in which players and coaches have been inducted.[12]
National College Baseball Hall of Famers
- Robin Ventura, 2006
- Pete Incaviglia, 2007
- Gary Ward, 2008
- Tom Borland, 2013
Cowboy Baseball Hall of Famers
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