The Major League Baseball postseason began on Wednesday, Oct. 6, and the University of Florida baseball program is represented by two former Gator standouts who are seeking a World Series Championship. Darren O’Day (2003-06) is a relief pitcher for the American League West Champion Texas Rangers and David Ross (1998) is a catcher for the National League Wild Card Champion Atlanta Braves
O'Day completed his career at Florida ranked second in appearances (117), fourth in saves (20), tied for seventh in victories (23) and tied for ninth in earned run average (3.14). Not only did he pace the team in lowest ERA three-consecutive seasons, O'Day was the Orange and Blue's leader in saves during two of his last three campaigns, highlighted by the 2005 Southeastern Conference title and a runner-up showing at that season’s NCAA College World Series. A finalist for the prestigious H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award in 2006, he was also a member of the SEC Good Works Team and was chosen to the league's Academic Honor Roll on three occasions.
In addition, O'Day was named to the 2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America University Division Baseball team as chosen by members of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). A third-team honoree, the Jacksonville native became the fourth Gator to earn Academic All-America acclaim, joining Fred Bretz (1970), Ray Hull (1972) and David Eckstein (1996, 1997). O'Day was also the initial Florida baseball player to earn Academic All-District III recognition three years in a row.
Although he was a Gator for just one season, Ross was a member of the 1998 squad that claimed the SEC title and captured the NCAA South I Regional held at McKethan Stadium on the way to a College World Series appearance. Ross registered a .332 batting average and was second behind Brad Wilkerson in RBI (69), doubles (21) and homers (19).
A total of 11 former Gator players have played in the World Series, while six – David Eckstein (2002, 2006), Whit Guise (1940), Steve Lombardozzi (1987), Randy O’Neal (1984), Lance Richbourg (1924) and Al Rosen (1948) – have won a total of seven rings.
Former Gators in the World Series (years at Florida in parentheses)
Lance Richbourg (1919) – Washington Senators, Chicago Cubs
1924 World Series: Washington 4, New York Giants 3
1932 World Series: New York Yankees 4, Chicago 0
Witt Guise (1929-30) – Cincinnati Reds
1940 World Series: Cincinnati 4, Detroit 3
Al Rosen (1941-42) – Cleveland Indians
1948 World Series: Cleveland 4, Boston Braves 2
1954 World Series: New York Giants 4, Cleveland 0
Kendall Wise (1952-56) – Milwaukee Braves
1958 World Series: New York Yankees 4, Milwaukee 3
Randy O’Neal (1981) – Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals
1984 World Series: Detroit 4, San Diego 1
1987 World Series: Minnesota 4, St. Louis Cardinals 3
Marc Sullivan (1977-79) – Boston Red Sox
1986 World Series: New York Mets 4, Boston 3
Steve Lombardozzi (1980-81) – Minnesota Twins
1987 World Series: Minnesota 4, St Louis 3
Robby Thompson (1983) – San Francisco Giants
1989 World Series: Oakland 4, San Francisco 0
Herbert Perry (1998-91) – Cleveland Indians
1995 World Series: Atlanta 4, Cleveland 2
David Eckstein (1994-97) – Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals
2002 World Series: Anaheim 4, San Francisco 3
2006 World Series: St. Louis 4, Detroit 1
Josh Fogg (1996-98) – Colorado Rockies
2007 World Series: Boston 4, Colorado 0
