Chapman University

In 1968, the Panther baseball team went 36-17 and defeated Delta State 11-0 in the inaugural College Division championship game for Chapman's first-ever national title in any sport. The Panthers were led by the pitching duo of All-America selection Don Richards and Rick McHale, who combined for 23 victories on the mound. Richards also set a school record with 134 strikeouts that season.

Chapman hosted the Pacific Coast Regionals defeating Seattle Pacific twice to advance. Tony Spano was named the MVP of the NCAA Tournament and head coach Paul Deese was named NCAA Pacific Coast Coach of the Year. Richards was named to the All-America team.

The national title came in the middle of a six-year run that saw Chapman reach the NCAA West Regionals each year from 1965-70 and the reach the National Championships in ’66 and ’68.

1968 Chapman Baseball Roster

John Baker
Mark Carlson
Dominick Daley
Randy Guesno
Jim Harris
Bill Holt
Gerry Kammel
Rick McHale
Lonnie Ortega
Don Richards*
David Ristig*
Steve Robertson
Rich Roman
Fred Sohegian
Dean Smith
Tony Spano
Chuck Stone
Dennis Veltz
John Young*
Bob Zamora*

Head Coach: Paul Deese*
Assistant Coaches: Bud Cunningham, Ed Peck

*Chapman Hall of Fame inductee