Oregon reached the NCAA Tournament in 2010, just its second year after resurrecting the program from a hiatus that began in 1982, and the Ducks made four more postseason appearances under former Cal State Fullerton coach George Horton. 

Horton stepped down after the 2019 season, but the beginning of a new era for Oregon baseball did not mean a backslide after the promise of its first decade back. 

Heading into 2024, having made the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons, and featuring a talented roster ahead of the upcoming campaign, the Ducks may be poised to reach heights never before seen in a program’s history that dates back to the early 1900s. 

The Ducks will kick off their 2024 season at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown in Arlington, Texas. But, before they do, here’s all you need to know about Oregon baseball:

How Did Oregon Baseball Do In 2023? 

The 2023 season elevated the bar for Oregon baseball. 

The Ducks won 40 games for the first time since 2014, going 41-22. 

Oregon caught fire late in the season, going on a postseason run to the program’s first Super Regional since 2012. 

Who Coaches Oregon Baseball? 

Mark Wasikowski returned to Eugene in 2020 as head coach, having been on the staff for Oregon’s peak during George Horton’s tenure. 

Wasikowski was an assistant for the 46-19, 46-18 and 44-20 teams from 2012 through 2014. 

In 2018, Wasikowski coached Purdue to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. He returned from West Lafayette and has since overseen three straight NCAA Tournament teams at Oregon. 

Has Oregon Ever Won The College World Series? 

Oregon’s lone trip to the College World Series, back in 1954, ended quickly with losses to Arizona and UMass. 

The Ducks reached the Super Regional round twice since the program’s restart, including last year, before Oregon bowed out to Oral Roberts.

Notable Returning Players

Drew Smith, DH/INF 

Drew Smith’s outstanding freshman season, which concluded with a .365 batting average in 96 at-bats, three home runs and 18 RBIs, included a two-hit performance in Oregon’s dramatic comeback in its Super Regional against Oral Roberts. 

That showing sets the stage for Smith as one of the leaders of an Oregon roster that said farewell to a variety of starring seniors. 

Turner Spoljaric, RHP 

A freshman season in which he showed plenty of promise catapults Turner Spoljaric into his sophomore campaign. 

The Canadian import moved into the starting rotation midway through the season and played a part in Oregon’s run through the Pac-12 Tournament, as well as the NCAA Tournament, with six strong innings pitched in the Ducks’ defeat of Vanderbilt. 

Spoljaric pitched 55 innings and went 7-0 with a 6.55 ERA. Look for him to trim that number down as a full-time, experienced starter in 2024. 

Notable Newcomers 

Mason Neville, OF

Among the transfers Oregon adds in 2024 is Mason Neville, who comes to Eugene by way of Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Neville originally signed with Arkansas out of Basic High School in Las Vegas, where he was ranked 21st among all outfield prospects in his signing class. 

He should get the chance to show his potential with the Ducks after appearing in a limited capacity last season at Arkansas. 

Cole Stokes, RHP

At 6-foot-5, pitcher Cole Stokes brings a hard-throwing presence to the Oregon pitching staff. 

According to a profile in Baseball America from this past fall, the incoming prospect also brings improved command with “upside and athleticism.” 

Oregon Baseball Schedule 2024

All times Pacific

2024 Oregon Baseball Roster

How To Watch The Shriners Children’s College Showdown

Watch the 2024 Shriners Children’s College Showdown on FloBaseball and the FloSports app.

FloBaseball will be streaming several season-opening college baseball tournaments, including the Sanderson Ford College Classic, Snowbird Baseball and the Kubota College Baseball Series.

2024 Shriners Children’s College Showdown Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, Feb. 16 

• 12 p.m. – Nebraska vs. Baylor 
• 4 p.m. – Oregon vs. Oklahoma 
• 8 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Texas Tech

Saturday, Feb. 17 

• 12 p.m. – Baylor vs. Oregon 
• 4 p.m. – Texas Tech vs. Nebraska 
• 8 p.m. – Oklahoma vs. Tennessee

Sunday, Feb. 18 

• 11:30 a.m. – Nebraska vs. Oklahoma 
• 3:30 p.m. – Oregon vs. Texas Tech 
• 7:30 p.m. – Tennessee vs. Baylor

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