Cal Baseball Could Be Saved By Exuberant Fundraising Blitz
BERKELEY (KCBS) - The University of California, Berkeley's 119-year history of college baseball may stretch into a 120th year and beyond after all.
The university said that the team must raised $10 million in order to save the sport. Fundraiser-in-chief and Cal baseball alum Stuart Gordon tells KCBS he's one million short. He shared that news with Chancellor Robert Birgeneau in a recent meeting.
"He was very impressed, but he's hoping we can get to the $10 million mark," said Gordon.
Cal maintains that no decision has been formally made on the future of the sport, which was put on the chopping block along with men's rugby, women's lacrosse, and women's and men's gymnastics teams. The school has since decided to save rugby, lacrosse and women's gymnastics.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
Gordon hopes the final million will roll in over the next few weeks before a conference deadline.
"We're in the Bay Area where the Giants have done so well, and that really sparked a lot more interest in baseball," said Gordon.
Although some UC Berkeley alumni had threatened to cut back on their donations if the university cut baseball, Birgeneau said he didn't think that would happen.
"I've been in close contact with our major supporters and they remain deeply loyal to Cal and without exception they have confirmed their continued support for the university," Birgeneau said.
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