Feb. 20, 2009

Vermont to Drop Baseball

Vermont has been playing baseball since 1888.

This year will be its last, the school announced Friday.

Facing a budget shortfall, Vermont laid off 16 administrative staff and eliminated two sports - baseball and softball.

"This was an exceptionally difficult decision to make, knowing the history and tradition of these programs and the impact that it will have on the staff and student-athletes involved," athletics director Robert Corran said in a release from the school. "They have always represented UVM and their sports in exemplary fashion and have been positive contributors to the quality of life on our campus. Unfortunately, we are facing significant financial challenges which can only be addressed through a major reorganization of our program."

The Catamounts were picked to finish fourth in the America East Conference this season, one year removed from reaching the conference championship game. Eighteen of its 28 players are freshmen and sophomores.