**2000 NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament**
**Definition**
The 2000 NCAA Division II baseball tournament was the annual postseason collegiate baseball championship organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to determine the national champion among its Division II member institutions. The tournament concluded the 2000 NCAA Division II baseball season, featuring regional competitions leading to the College World Series held at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama.
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## Overview
The 2000 NCAA Division II baseball tournament marked the culmination of the 2000 NCAA Division II baseball season. This tournament brought together the top Division II baseball teams from across the United States to compete for the national championship. The tournament format included regional rounds followed by the College World Series, which was hosted at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama.
The tournament showcased the depth and talent of Division II baseball programs, with teams vying for the prestigious national title. The 2000 championship was notable for its competitive field and the emergence of standout players who would leave a lasting impact on their programs.
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## Tournament Format
### Regional Competitions
The tournament began with regional competitions, which were organized geographically to minimize travel and foster regional rivalries. Teams qualified for the regionals based on their regular-season performance, conference championships, and at-large bids determined by the NCAA selection committee.
Each regional was conducted in a double-elimination format, where teams had to lose twice to be eliminated. The winners of each regional advanced to the College World Series.
### College World Series
The College World Series (CWS) was the final stage of the tournament, featuring the eight regional champions. The CWS was also conducted in a double-elimination format, culminating in a championship game to determine the national champion.
In 2000, the CWS was held at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue with a rich history of hosting collegiate baseball events. The field provided a neutral site for the competing teams and was equipped to accommodate fans and media coverage.
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## Participating Teams
The 2000 tournament featured a diverse group of teams representing various conferences and regions. These teams had demonstrated excellence during the regular season and earned their spots through conference championships or at-large selections.
Some of the prominent teams included:
– **University of Tampa**
– **Delta State University**
– **University of Southern Indiana**
– **Cal State Northridge**
– **University of Central Missouri**
– **Florida Southern College**
– **University of North Alabama**
– **Valdosta State University**
Each team brought unique strengths and strategies, contributing to a highly competitive tournament atmosphere.
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## Regional Results
### Atlantic Regional
The Atlantic Regional featured teams from the eastern United States. The competition was intense, with several games decided by narrow margins. The University of Tampa emerged as the regional champion, showcasing strong pitching and timely hitting.
### South Central Regional
Held in the south-central United States, this regional saw Delta State University claim the championship. Their balanced offense and solid defense were key factors in their success.
### Midwest Regional
The Midwest Regional was highly competitive, with the University of Southern Indiana advancing to the CWS after a series of hard-fought games.
### West Regional
Cal State Northridge dominated the West Regional, leveraging their experienced roster and strategic play to secure their spot in the College World Series.
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## College World Series Summary
### Opening Rounds
The opening rounds of the College World Series featured matchups between the eight regional champions. The double-elimination format meant that teams had to maintain consistent performance to avoid early elimination.
### Semifinals
As the tournament progressed, the field narrowed to four teams. The semifinals were marked by intense pitching duels and clutch hitting, with each team striving to reach the championship game.
### Championship Game
The championship game was contested between the University of Tampa and Delta State University. Tampa secured the national title with a decisive victory, highlighted by strong pitching performances and timely offensive production.
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## Championship Team: University of Tampa
The University of Tampa Spartans captured their third NCAA Division II baseball national championship in 2000. Their success was attributed to a combination of experienced leadership, depth in pitching, and a balanced offensive attack.
### Key Players
– **MVP:** The tournament’s Most Valuable Player was a standout pitcher from Tampa, whose dominant performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in securing the title.
– **Offensive Leaders:** Tampa’s lineup featured several players who contributed significantly to the team’s run production, including key hitters who delivered in high-pressure situations.
– **Defensive Strength:** The Spartans’ defense was a critical component of their success, minimizing errors and supporting their pitching staff effectively.
### Coaching Staff
The coaching staff of the University of Tampa played a pivotal role in preparing the team for the rigors of postseason play. Their strategic decisions and ability to motivate players were evident throughout the tournament.
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## Individual Honors and Awards
In addition to the team championship, individual players received recognition for their outstanding performances during the tournament.
– **Most Outstanding Player (MOP):** Awarded to the player deemed to have the greatest impact on the tournament, typically from the championship team.
– **All-Tournament Team:** A selection of the best performers at each position throughout the tournament.
– **Pitching Awards:** Recognitions for pitchers with exceptional statistics, including lowest earned run average (ERA) and most strikeouts.
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## Impact and Legacy
The 2000 NCAA Division II baseball tournament reinforced the competitive nature of Division II baseball and highlighted the talent present at this level of collegiate athletics. The University of Tampa’s championship added to their storied baseball tradition and served as a benchmark for future teams.
The tournament also provided exposure for players aspiring to professional careers, with several participants later advancing to minor league and major league baseball.
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## Venue: Paterson Field
Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama, served as the host site for the College World Series. The stadium, known for its quality playing surface and fan-friendly amenities, had a history of hosting collegiate and minor league baseball events.
The choice of Paterson Field as the venue underscored the NCAA’s commitment to providing a neutral and well-equipped site for the Division II championship.
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## Conclusion
The 2000 NCAA Division II baseball tournament was a significant event in collegiate baseball, showcasing the talents and competitive spirit of Division II programs. The University of Tampa’s championship run was marked by strong team play and individual excellence, culminating in a memorable College World Series at Paterson Field.
The tournament’s structure, competitive balance, and individual performances contributed to its lasting legacy within NCAA Division II baseball history.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2000 NCAA Division II baseball tournament determined the national champion among Division II collegiate teams, culminating in the University of Tampa winning the title at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tournament format, participating teams, results, and key players.