A Historic Three‑Peat
Tampa’s baseball program has etched its name into the annals of NCAA Division II history after securing its third consecutive championship in a dramatic final against West Chester.
The Spartans outscored the Eagles 8-4, a victory that not only added another trophy to the locker room but also marked the first ever three‑peat in Division II baseball, a milestone that has been discussed in dugouts and locker rooms across the country.
The championship game, played at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, was the culmination of a tournament that began with a selection show on May 10, revealing a 56‑team field composed of 21 automatic qualifiers and 35 at‑large bids.
Regional play started on May 14, leading into super regionals from May 21 through May 23, before the finals unfolded between May 29 and June 6, drawing fans from across the nation to witness the historic showdown.
Coach Joe Urso, who has guided the team through each of these championship runs, was quick to credit the players and assistants for the sustained excellence, while also acknowledging the program’s deep tradition of success, which includes a total of 11 Division II titles.
The 2025 championship, also captured by Tampa with an 11‑5 win over Central Missouri, set the stage for the 2026 repeat, underscoring a consistency that few programs have ever achieved.
Fans and alumni alike celebrated the achievement, noting that the Spartans’ dominance reflects a culture of excellence that extends beyond the diamond.