Rogers State Athletics Hall of Fame
The 2012 RSU Baseball Team is widely regarded as one of the best in program history, making a memorable run under Hall of Fame head coach Ron Bradley. The Hillcats compiled a 49-16 record and finished as runners-up at the NAIA World Series held at Harris Field in Lewiston, Idaho.
The season started explosively for the Hillcats, who opened with a 12-0 record and began 18-1, reaching as high as 19th in the NAIA national poll. They completed the regular season at 41-12, with notable victories over No. 9 Oklahoma Baptist and No. 2 Oklahoma City. Entering the postseason on a nine-game winning streak, they outscored opponents 63-19 during that span.
However, the postseason began on a rocky note, as the Hillcats finished 1-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament. Despite this setback, they received an at-large bid to the NAIA Tournament and made the most of the opportunity. In the opening round in Hutchinson, Kansas, the Hillcats defeated No. 17 Judson 9-5 and avenged their SAC Tournament loss to No. 7 Oklahoma Baptist in an 11-inning thriller, winning 5-4. They then secured a 7-3 victory over Tabor to earn their place in the NAIA World Series.
Motivated by the spirit of fallen teammate Tyler Brown, who passed away in November 2011, the Hillcats embarked on a remarkable journey that remains a part of RSU's history. Brown's initials were painted in the on-deck circle, imprinted on the bracket and featured on each player's cap. In addition, the Hillcats would break each huddle in honor of Brown.
Dubbed the "Cardiac Cats" by the media and fans during the series, the team captured the hearts of fans and the Lewiston community with their relentless efforts during the series.
In all four of their wins, the Hillcats pulled off upsets, including a 2-1 victory over No. 1 LSU-Shreveport, where senior left-hander Brandon Bargas set an NAIA record with 18 strikeouts in 9.0 innings of work. In a game against No. 2 Lee, senior outfielder Eric Baker shone, going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a triple. Both losses came against No. 6 Tennessee Wesleyan, including a 10-6 defeat in the championship game, which the Hillcats led until the sixth inning.
With a successful season behind them, the Hillcats received numerous accolades.
Bradley was named the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association College Coach of the Year and the Rawlings-NAIA Plains Region Coach of the Year.
Baker earned spots on the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team and received the NAIA World Series Gold Glove Award. He was also recognized as a First Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference selection and a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference Gold Glove Team as a center fielder.
Bargas was named to the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team, awarded Second Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors and recognized as Sooner Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week twice, on April 9 and April 23. Shawn Spainhoward also made the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team and earned First Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors.
Colton Campbell received Second Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors and was selected for the Sooner Athletic Conference Gold Glove Team as a left fielder. Kyle Duncan, Hector Rivera, and Lance Rymel were all named Second Team All-Sooner Athletic Conference. Emmanuel De La Cruz was honored as Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Week on April 23.
Casey Cassity was named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a Capital One Academic All-District selection. Drew Taylor also received Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.
