The Wizard of College Baseball: How Ron Fraser Elevated Miami and an Entire Sport to National Prominence

Ron Fraser revolutionized college baseball, building the University of Miami program into a national champion and gaining national television coverage. His promotions and innovations, such as an open-heart surgery for a fan and the first mascot devoted to a college baseball team, increased attention and attendance. Fraser's biggest impact was on the field, winning the school's first national championship and developing countless players into All-Americans, MLB Draft picks, and Major Leaguers. His work at Miami laid the foundation for modern-day college baseball's success.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2024
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Ron Fraser, a legendary figure in college baseball, revolutionized the sport's landscape and left an indelible mark on the game's history. Fraser's arrival at the University of Miami in 1963 marked a turning point for college baseball, transforming it from a relatively unknown sport to a nationally recognized entertainment empire and a national champion. Fraser's lobbying efforts in the early days of ESPN played a significant role in the coverage growth of college baseball games on the network. His innovative promotions, such as an open-heart surgery for a lucky fan and the creation of the Miami Maniac, a mascot dedicated to the college baseball team, garnered widespread attention and helped make the College World Series a marquee event on ESPN. Fraser's innovations not only increased the visibility of college baseball but also drew fans to the stadiums. Miami Hurricanes baseball, under Fraser's leadership, became a popular sport in South Florida, even before Major League Baseball expanded to the region. Fraser's impact extended beyond the field, as he built the school's athletics program from scratch. He inherited a struggling baseball program with no equipment or following and turned it into a perennial national powerhouse that made regular appearances at the College World Series. Fraser's coaching style and ability to develop players into All-Americans, MLB Draft picks, and eventual Major Leaguers set him apart from other coaches. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the sport of college baseball, with many coaches and players citing him as a source of inspiration. David Brauer's book, "The Greatest Game Ever Played: The Story of Ron Fraser and College Baseball," delves into the roots of modern-day college baseball and explores Fraser's impact on the game. The book highlights Fraser's innovative promotions, his ability to build a winning program, and his dedication to the sport. It also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that college baseball faces in the modern era. Fraser's legacy as a coach and innovator in college baseball is undeniable. His impact on the sport has been felt for decades, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the field. Whether you are a fan of college baseball or just interested in the history of the sport, Ron Fraser's story is worth exploring.
Ron Fraser, a legendary figure in college baseball, revolutionized the sport's landscape and left an indelible mark on the game's history. Fraser's arrival at the University of Miami in 1963 marked a turning point for college baseball, transforming it from a relatively unknown sport to a nationally recognized entertainment empire and a national champion. Fraser's lobbying efforts in the early days of ESPN played a significant role in the coverage growth of college baseball games on the network. His innovative promotions, such as an open-heart surgery for a lucky fan and the creation of the Miami Maniac, a mascot dedicated to the college baseball team, garnered widespread attention and helped make the College World Series a marquee event on ESPN. Fraser's innovations not only increased the visibility of college baseball but also drew fans to the stadiums. Miami Hurricanes baseball, under Fraser's leadership, became a popular sport in South Florida, even before Major League Baseball expanded to the region. Fraser's impact extended beyond the field, as he built the school's athletics program from scratch. He inherited a struggling baseball program with no equipment or following and turned it into a perennial national powerhouse that made regular appearances at the College World Series. Fraser's coaching style and ability to develop players into All-Americans, MLB Draft picks, and eventual Major Leaguers set him apart from other coaches. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the sport of college baseball, with many coaches and players citing him as a source of inspiration. David Brauer's book, "The Greatest Game Ever Played: The Story of Ron Fraser and College Baseball," delves into the roots of modern-day college baseball and explores Fraser's impact on the game. The book highlights Fraser's innovative promotions, his ability to build a winning program, and his dedication to the sport. It also provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that college baseball faces in the modern era. Fraser's legacy as a coach and innovator in college baseball is undeniable. His impact on the sport has been felt for decades, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the field. Whether you are a fan of college baseball or just interested in the history of the sport, Ron Fraser's story is worth exploring.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496220431