COLUMBUS, Ga. | Columbus State University Athletics will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 2002 NCAA Division II Baseball National Championship team during the Cougars' final regular-season weekend, April 30–May 1, 2027, honoring one of the greatest teams in program history.

The two-day celebration will bring together members of the historic championship team, their families, former coaches and Cougar baseball fans to commemorate the program's NCAA Division II national championship win.

The celebration will begin Friday, April 30, with a special reception for members of the 2002 championship team and their families at the Cunningham Center pavilion overlooking Ragsdale Field during the Cougars' game. The festivities will continue Saturday, May 1, with an on-field recognition ceremony honoring the championship team.

A formal RSVP invitation with additional details will be sent to members of the 2002 team. All Cougar baseball fans are invited to join Columbus State Athletics throughout the weekend to celebrate the historic achievement and recognize the players and coaches who helped bring a national championship to Columbus.

Remembering the 2002 National Champions
Under the direction of head coach Greg Appleton, the 2002 Cougars put together one of the most remarkable postseason runs in NCAA Division II baseball history, finishing with a 48–15 overall record and capturing the national championship on June 2, 2002, in Montgomery, Ala.

After advancing through the NCAA South Regional, Columbus State entered the Division II College World Series at Paterson Field, where the Cougars faced an early setback with a 7–3 loss to Central Missouri State.

Facing elimination, Columbus State responded with five consecutive victories to claim the national title. The Cougars defeated Delta State 6–5 and Kutztown 6–3 before earning back-to-back one-run victories over Central Missouri State, 5–4 and 4–3, to advance to the championship game. Legendary broadcaster Scott Miller was on the call for those dramatic finishes.

In the national championship contest, Columbus State defeated top-ranked Chico State 5–3, completing an unforgettable postseason run and securing the national title.

Several Cougars delivered memorable performances throughout the championship tournament. Taylor Groce powered the offense with two home runs in the national championship game, while starting pitcher Jason Burdette delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just two earned runs and striking out three without issuing a walk.

Freshman relief pitcher Brian Baker was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after recording three victories and a save in five appearances. Baker finished the World Series with a 1.42 ERA and 14 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.

Team captain Chris Gilstrap also played a significant role in the championship run, earning All-World Series recognition and delivering a game-winning RBI against Delta State.

The championship was the culmination of a season defined by resilience, timely hitting, strong pitching and a senior-led roster that established a lasting legacy within Columbus State Athletics.

Twenty-five years later, the 2002 team remains a defining part of Cougar baseball history, representing the program's championship tradition and the standard of excellence established under Appleton.

Save the Date: April 30–May 1, 2027
Friday, April 30

• Reception honoring the 2002 National Championship team and their families.
• Location: Cunningham Center pavilion overlooking Ragsdale Field.
• Reception held during the Cougars' baseball game.

Saturday, May 1

• Special on-field recognition of the 2002 championship team during the baseball game.
• Cougar baseball fans are invited to attend and celebrate the historic achievement.

Additional event information, including game times and RSVP instructions for former players and their families, will be announced as the celebration approaches.

Columbus State Athletics invites the entire Cougar community to be part of this special weekend as the program celebrates 25 years since its unforgettable 2002 national championship.