The UNC baseball program is amongst the best in college baseball. Despite not winning a College World Series, North Carolina consistently competes atop the ACC and has players selected in the MLB Draft.
In the case of this article, we’re talking about pitcher/infielder Ben Casparius, who was a Diamond Heel in both 2018 and 2019. Casparius finished his collegiate career out at UConn, later being chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers 162nd overall (fifth round) in the 2021 MLB Draft.
After nearly three full seasons in the minor leagues, Casparius’ dreams came true on Sunday, Aug. 18, with the Dodgers calling him up to the major leagues.
Casparius was best known at UNC for his 2018 College World Series performance, when he drove in three runs during North Carolina’s 8-6 victory over Oregon State. If you’ve followed Diamond Heels baseball in the 21st century, you know a UNC victory over the Beavers is rare like snow in the south.
Ben Casparius has been called up by the Dodgers. His first appearance will be his MLB debut.
Split time as an infielder and reliever at UNC in 2018 and '19 before transferring to UConn. Memorably drove in three runs in Game 1 of the 2018 CWS, his first game in more than a month. https://t.co/IaPT0e09wg
— Pat James (@patjames24) August 18, 2024
Casparius finished his 2018 freshman season with a 1-0 win-loss record, 1.69 earned run average, a save, nine strikeouts and just two runs – on four hits allowed – in 16 1/3 innings pitched. Casparius also hit .316 at the plate in 2018, adding 18 hits (including three doubles and a triple) and 15 RBIs.
2019 wasn’t as kind to Casparius, as he recorded a 4.41 ERA and just a .179 batting average. Casparius then thrived upon transferring back to UConn, leading the Huskies and the Big East Conference with eight wins and 127 pitching strikeouts.
Here’s to hoping Casparius, despite his brief Diamond Heels career, shines for one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
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