DI sports wary of budget cuts

By Gina Massetani

College baseball is underway and for Cal Berkeley this will most likely be their last season, unless something changes quickly.

Cal has been known to have one of the best baseball teams around for years and this season should be no exception.

In late January the team was ranked No. 17 in the nation in preseason rankings. Earlier in October, the 2010 recruitment class was ranked No. 11 in the nation.

Take it back a few more months to June, and Berkeley was ranked among the nation's leaders for players that graduated into the major leagues.

With statistics like this, it makes one wonder why Berkeley is letting baseball go without a strong fight.

I understand that the school has a very tight budget, but it is bothersome that they are so easily letting go of a sport that has a history and tradition there. What is even more odd is that the sport rakes in money and national media attention.

As of now, both men's baseball and gymnastics will most likely be cut. However, women's gymnastics and lacrosse have been saved by fundraising. Although the two men's programs have also put endless amounts of effort into fundraising, they remain short of what the university deems necessary.

Those connected to Cal baseball have been working diligently to save their program. Alumni are reaching out for donors, and both parents and players are actively partaking in fundraising.

A "Save Cal Baseball" website, along with countless articles on the Internet are attempts to avoid slipping into the shadows.

Cal has already played two games this year, easily defeating the Utah Utes in both contests.

With some of the most desired college players, Cal has the potential to pull off a great season. But players might now be concerned with whether or not they should stay at Berkeley or transfer so they can continue to play baseball.

The university has stated that they will allow student athletes who are currently on scholarships to remain on scholarship if they choose to finish their education.

With budget cuts and a terrible economy will we see more schools dropping athletic programs?  Cal's baseball team has made five appearances in the College World Series and has won two National Championships. If it can happen at Cal, how many more programs will suffer the same fate?

The Golden Bears will come to Santa Clara to play against the Broncos on May 3. It will be a must-see game, as this could very well be the last time Santa Clara will ever play a Cal Berkeley baseball team.