A championship rematch with historic stakes
On May 20, 2025, the Coastal Carolina University baseball team will step onto the diamond in Montgomery, Alabama, to face Louisiana in the Sun Belt Conference Championship game. The matchup pits the Chanticleers, who entered the tournament as the second seed, against a Louisiana squad that has fought its way through a competitive conference schedule. A victory would secure the program’s second consecutive tournament title, a feat that underscores the team’s recent dominance.
The Chanticleers arrive in Montgomery riding a wave of program‑record attendance. During the regular season, the team attracted 112,526 fans, translating to an average of 3,880 spectators per home game — the first time the program has broken the 3,000‑fan barrier. That surge in support reflects a growing fan base that has embraced the team’s aggressive style of play.
Statistically, Coastal Carolina has led the Sun Belt Conference in hit‑by‑pitches with 130 instances, a testament to its disciplined approach at the plate and the pressure it exerts on opposing pitchers. Walker Mitchell and Blagen Pado have each been hit 19 times, highlighting the depth of the lineup and the strategic focus on getting on base.
Conference accolades and future prospects
Individual honors have followed the team’s success. Darin Horn earned First Team All‑Sun Belt recognition, while Rex Watson was selected to the Second Team, both reflecting the players’ impact on the field. Freshmen Case Bosch and Jackson Smallets also received nods on the all‑freshman team, signaling a promising pipeline of talent. Head coach Scott Doran and assistant Luke Jones have guided the squad through a season that set new standards for performance and community engagement.
Looking ahead, the Chanticleers aim to translate their conference dominance into a national presence. With a strong recruiting class on the horizon and a culture built around resilience and aggressive base running, the team is positioned to remain a contender in future Sun Belt tournaments and beyond.