Saturday, February 12th, Mason, OH - To call the first ever Florida Christian College Baseball season “good” would be an understatement. What the team accomplished this year was nothing short of spectacular and historic. The Suns have officially finished their first ever season as the NCCAA DII World Series National Runner-Up, losing 3-2 to the defending National Champion, Toccoa Falls College. Not only that, but the team also received the 2012 Team Sportsmanship Award. This is given to the team in the World Series who best embodies a respectful attitude and sportsmanlike conduct toward the other teams and umpires.

In the opening round of the 8 team World Series, the #2 seeded Suns defeated Manhattan Christian College 11-6 to advance. In the second round they squared off against the local favorite, Ohio Christian College. Behind the arm of Andres Cancio (Orlando, FL) , the Suns managed to shut the Crusaders out, winning 3-0. In the Championship of the Winner’s Bracket, FCC defeated the #1 seed Toccoa Falls College in a spectacular 6-5 victory, ensuring them a spot in the National Championship. Two of the Suns four All-Americans picked up the win, Brent Hodge (Daytona Beach, FL) and the save, Eric Santamaria (Miami, FL). Toccoa Falls, a team stacked with Juniors and seniors off of last year’s National Championship team, battled back through the Loser’s Bracket and met the Suns again, this time for the National Championship. The experience of TFC proved too much as the Suns dropped two games in a row (5-0, 3-2) to give Toccoa Falls their second straight National Championship.

Head Coach, Jon Copeland, was ecstatic over his team, “Obviously, it was disappointing to be so close to a National Championship and not get it; but for a first-year program our season, and run to the national championship final, was truly remarkable. We had a bunch of very talented freshman and first-year college players who didn’t know any better. Someone forgot to tell them that you’re not supposed to be this successful from the very start. Their poise and gutsy performance in the World Series was really something to experience as their coach. We have set the bar for our program very high, but we still have room to raise it even more next season”. Below is a list of some of the highlights from the 2012 season:

Overall winning record, with 27 wins (including 11 over NCAA DII and NAIA opponents)

Five All-South Region players, including the South Region Player of the Year

Four NCCAA All-Americans, including the prestigious Hank Burbridge Award winner

South Regional Runner-up

National Championship Runner-up

Finished regular season and postseason ranked #2 in the country

Earned National Championship Team Sportsmanship Award

You can see pictures from the Suns historic World Series run here:

First Round

Second Round

Winner’s Bracket Championship

National Championship - Game 1

National Championship - Game 2