Photos: Arizona's first NCAA baseball championship in 1976
Arizona had been so overshadowed by ASU in 1976 that not enough attention was paid to the UA’s strengths.
All-American outfielder Dave Stegman hit .425 with a still-standing school record 91 runs scored and 111 hits. Hassey, of Tucson High, set a school record with 84 RBI. The Wildcats scored 588 runs, which remains No. 4 in school history.
Pitching? The Wildcats were loaded. Craig Gioia went 15-5. Steve Powers went 12-4. Bob Chaulk was 11-2. Powers was such a talented combo player — pitching and hitting — that he was named the College World Series MVP, hitting .364 in Omaha and beating ASU with a complete game to send the heartbroken Sun Devils home before the championship game. – Greg Hansen
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
Jubilant University of Arizona players hold their NCAA College Baseball World Series trophy over their heads in victory at Omaha, Nebraska, Saturday, June 19, 1976. Arizona defeated Eastern Michigan, 7-1, to take the 30th National NCAA crown.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
University of Arizona baseball team returns to Tucson after capturing the national championship at the 1976 College World Series.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
University of Arizona baseball team returns to Tucson after capturing the national championship at the 1976 College World Series.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
Pete Van Horne of Arizona successfully steals second standing up as Clemson University shortstop Kurt Seibert awaits low threw from catcher in fifth inning of third round NCAA College Baseball World Series game at Omaha, Nebraska, Monday, June 14, 1976.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
Don Zimmerman of Arizona is safe back at first as Clemson University first baseman Gary Fahrney gets throw from pitcher in first inning pickoff attempt in Omaha, Nebraska, Monday, June 15, 1976. Arizona eliminated Clemson from NCAA College Baseball World Series with a 10-6 win.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
Dave Stegman of Arizona is about to be tagged by Arizona State catcher Gary Allenson on Les Pearsey?s (20) squeeze bunt attempt in third inning of semifinal NCAA College Baseball World Series game on Friday, June 19, 1976 at Omaha. Foul ball call nullified the play. Arizona won, 5-1, eliminating Arizona State, and Arizona will face Eastern Michigan on Saturday for the championship.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
Arizona first baseman Pete Van Horne checks to see he still has ball as Glenn Ambrose (10) of Eastern Michigan dives back during fourth inning pickoff attempt in championship game of NCAA College Baseball World Series at Omaha on Saturday, June 19, 1976. Ambrose was safe.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
University of Arizona vs Arizona State baseball on May 13, 1976.
University of Arizona, baseball, 1976
University of Arizona vs Arizona State baseball on May 13, 1976.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Hansen's Top Teams, No. 6: Thrilling win over ASU set stage for Wildcats' 1976 College World Series titleFor Star subscribers: ASU won 65 games in 1976, then an NCAA record. Arizona won 56, but it wasn’t a matter of "how many" as much as it was "when and where."