**2016 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament**
**Definition**
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament was the annual postseason collegiate baseball championship organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to determine the national champion among Division III baseball teams in the United States. The tournament featured a multi-round format culminating in the College World Series held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.
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## Overview
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament was the 41st edition of the annual championship event for Division III baseball programs. The tournament began in May 2016 and concluded in June with the crowning of the national champion. A total of 56 teams qualified for the tournament, representing various conferences and at-large selections across the country.
The tournament structure consisted of eight regional tournaments, each conducted in a double-elimination format. The winners of these regionals advanced to the final stage, known as the Division III College World Series. The College World Series was held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin, a venue that had hosted the event multiple times prior.
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## Tournament Format
### Selection and Qualification
The 2016 tournament field included 56 teams, an increase from previous years, reflecting the growth of Division III baseball. Teams qualified through two primary methods:
– **Automatic bids:** Awarded to conference champions from eligible Division III conferences.
– **At-large bids:** Granted by the NCAA selection committee to teams that did not win their conference but demonstrated strong performance during the regular season.
The selection process considered factors such as win-loss records, strength of schedule, head-to-head competition, and regional rankings.
### Regional Tournaments
The 56 teams were divided into eight regional tournaments, each hosting either six or eight teams. The regionals were conducted in a double-elimination format, meaning a team was eliminated after losing two games. The eight regional champions earned berths to the College World Series.
The regional sites were selected based on bids from host institutions and geographic considerations to minimize travel and promote competitive balance.
### College World Series
The eight regional champions advanced to the College World Series, held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The College World Series also followed a double-elimination format until the final two teams remained. The championship was decided in a best-of-three series to determine the national champion.
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## Participating Teams
The 2016 tournament featured a diverse field of teams from across the United States. Notable conferences represented included the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), the University Athletic Association (UAA), the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), the Southern Athletic Association (SAA), and others.
Some of the top-seeded teams entering the tournament included:
– **Trine University** (Midwest region)
– **Kean University** (Mid-Atlantic region)
– **Cortland State** (New York region)
– **Texas-Tyler** (South region)
These teams were recognized for their strong regular-season performances and were considered favorites to advance deep into the tournament.
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## Regional Tournament Results
### New England Regional
Hosted by a New England institution, this regional featured teams primarily from the northeastern United States. The competition was intense, with several games decided by narrow margins. The regional champion advanced to the College World Series after navigating through a competitive bracket.
### Mid-Atlantic Regional
This regional included teams from states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The tournament showcased strong pitching and defensive play, with the regional winner earning a spot in the final eight.
### New York Regional
Teams from New York and surrounding areas competed in this regional. The host institution provided a challenging environment, and the eventual winner demonstrated resilience and depth in their pitching staff.
### Midwest Regional
The Midwest regional featured teams from states including Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. The competition was marked by high-scoring games and strategic managerial decisions. The regional champion emerged after a hard-fought series of games.
### South Regional
Teams from southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas competed in this regional. The warm weather and enthusiastic crowds contributed to an exciting atmosphere. The regional winner advanced to the College World Series with strong offensive production.
### Mideast Regional
This regional included teams from Ohio, Kentucky, and neighboring states. The tournament was characterized by balanced teams with strong pitching and timely hitting. The champion earned a berth in the final stage of the tournament.
### Mid-Atlantic Regional
Another regional with teams from the mid-Atlantic area, this tournament featured competitive matchups and showcased emerging talent. The winner advanced to the College World Series after overcoming tough opponents.
### West Regional
The West regional included teams from states such as California, Oregon, and Washington. The competition was fierce, with several games extending into extra innings. The regional champion secured a spot in the College World Series.
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## College World Series
### Venue
The College World Series was held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. The stadium, known for its quality playing surface and fan-friendly amenities, has been a recurring host for the Division III championship series.
### Format
The eight regional champions competed in a double-elimination bracket. Teams faced off in a series of games, with the losers moving into the loser’s bracket and the winners advancing toward the championship round. The final two teams played a best-of-three series to determine the national champion.
### Championship Series
The championship series featured two teams that had demonstrated consistency, skill, and resilience throughout the tournament. The series was closely contested, with both teams showcasing strong pitching, timely hitting, and strategic management.
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## Outcome and Champion
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament concluded with a national champion crowned after the best-of-three championship series. The winning team earned its first or subsequent national title, adding to the history and prestige of Division III baseball.
The champion was recognized for outstanding team performance, including contributions from key players in pitching, hitting, and defense. The tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award was presented to a standout individual who significantly impacted their team’s success.
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## Notable Players and Performances
Several players distinguished themselves during the 2016 tournament through exceptional performances. These athletes demonstrated skill, leadership, and competitive spirit, often attracting attention from professional scouts and contributing to their teams’ success.
Pitchers who excelled in high-pressure situations, hitters who delivered clutch hits, and defensive players who made game-changing plays were all integral to the tournament’s excitement and competitive balance.
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## Historical Context
The 2016 tournament continued the tradition of NCAA Division III baseball championships, which began in 1976. Over the years, the tournament has grown in size and competitiveness, reflecting the increasing popularity and quality of Division III baseball programs.
The 2016 edition maintained the established format of regional tournaments leading to a College World Series, a structure designed to balance geographic representation and competitive fairness.
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## Impact and Legacy
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament reinforced the importance of collegiate athletics in providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing academic goals. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in Division III baseball and contributed to the growth of the sport at smaller institutions.
The event also fostered community engagement, with host cities and institutions benefiting from increased visibility and economic activity associated with the tournament.
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## Summary
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament was a significant event in collegiate sports, featuring 56 teams competing in regional and national rounds to determine the Division III national champion. The tournament highlighted the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship of student-athletes and provided memorable moments for fans and participants alike.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2016 NCAA Division III baseball tournament was a postseason collegiate baseball championship featuring 56 teams competing in regional and national rounds, culminating in the College World Series in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. The tournament determined the national champion among Division III baseball programs.