UCSB Athletics, baseball program receive historic donation
UC Santa Barbara Athletics received its largest gift to date and it will go toward upgrading the facilities of one of its most successful sports programs — the UCSB baseball team.
Announced Jan. 16, UCSB Athletics received $15 million to support facilities construction and revitalization, including upgrades at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium, the home of UCSB Baseball.
The anonymous gift comes at a crucial time for the UCSB baseball team, as the program has become one of the best in NCAA Division I athletics.
“The mission of UCSB Athletics is to serve student-athletes and connect a deeply engaged community. To do so, we must have the right facilities — for training, for competition, and for the spectator experience,” Kelly Barsky, UCSB’s athletic director, said in a press release.
“This gift provides a special opportunity for us to support student-athlete development and create an exceptional environment for the community. The historical and current success of UCSB Baseball is a testament to the visionary leadership of Coach Checketts and everyone involved with the program.”
UCSB Baseball has become a premier program on the West Coast amassing a record of 409-233-5 since 2012 when Head Coach Andrew Checketts joined the program.
The Gauchos also have the most wins in the Big West, the conference they play in, since 2012.
During that span, UCSB Baseball has also had 67 Major League Baseball draft picks, including two first-round picks — Dillon Tate in 2015 and Michael McGreevy in 2021 — and an American League Cy Young Award winner — Shane Bieber in 2020 — an honor given annually to the best MLB pitchers.
“We’ve been working hard at this for a long time, and this gift is validating. It’s humbling to have this level of support for our student-athletes and program. I am personally grateful, and I know that our players and everyone within our program shares my gratitude,” Checketts said in a press release.
The gift also comes after a historic year for UCSB baseball.
The Gauchos finished last season with a 44-14 record, winning the Big West Conference for the third time in the last five years, and hosting the 2024 NCAA Regionals for the first time at Ceasar Uyesaka Stadium in program history.
“Talented student-athletes have come to UC Santa Barbara and worked hard to build the program to this level. Player development has been a hallmark of the program and has led to historic success on the field and in the MLB Draft. It’s validating to see the hard work of the student-athletes and our staff recognized by this gift. For new players, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop in a first-class environment,” said Checketts.
In 2024, with rentals and temporary equipment, UC Santa Barbara hosted a NCAA Regional on campus for the first time in program history.
Some of the upgrades included additional seating in the outfield for the first time ever, bringing in a temporary video board, setting up a slew of tents for media given that ESPN broadcasts every game and more.
The money will go toward things like setting up a permanent video board, adding seating and more upgrades, all of which will position the program to host postseason competitions including The Big West Championships and NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals.
“This gift shows a true understanding of UCSB Athletics. Connection is one of our core values. Transformative gifts like this build connection, and we hope others are inspired to take part. Philanthropic support for all sports is integral to furthering our mission. Our 20 programs unite our community and bring people together, and this gift will elevate them all,” said Barsky.
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