The intense rivalry between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Institute of Technology Yellow Jackets is one of the most iconic in college baseball. The two teams have been battling it out on the diamond for over a century, with the series being dubbed the "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" rivalry. In this article, we'll dive into the history of the rivalry, its significance, and what makes it so special.
History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between Georgia and Georgia Tech on the baseball diamond dates back to 1898. Since then, the two teams have played each other over 350 times, with the Bulldogs holding a slight edge in the all-time series. The rivalry has ebbed and flowed over the years, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance.
One of the most significant moments in the rivalry came in 2001, when the two teams met in the NCAA Tournament. Georgia Tech won the series 2-1, but the Bulldogs bounced back to win the next two meetings. The rivalry has continued to grow in intensity over the years, with both teams frequently ranking among the top programs in the country.
Significance of the Rivalry
The Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's a battle for bragging rights in the state of Georgia. Both teams have a large following, and the series is always highly anticipated. Secondly, the rivalry has a major impact on recruiting. Both teams are constantly battling for the top prospects in the state, and the series is often seen as a way to showcase their programs.
Finally, the rivalry has a major impact on the NCAA Tournament. Both teams are frequently ranked among the top programs in the country, and the series often has a major impact on the tournament seeding.
Notable Moments in the Rivalry
There have been many notable moments in the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry over the years. Here are a few of the most memorable:
- In 2009, Georgia Tech's Deck McGuire threw a complete-game shutout against the Bulldogs, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 1-0 victory.
- In 2011, Georgia's Alex Wood pitched a complete-game shutout against the Yellow Jackets, leading the Bulldogs to a 2-0 victory.
- In 2013, Georgia Tech's Buck Farmer pitched a complete-game shutout against the Bulldogs, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 3-0 victory.
What Makes the Rivalry So Special
So, what makes the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry so special? Here are a few reasons:
- History: The two teams have been playing each other for over a century, and the rivalry has a rich history.
- Recruiting: Both teams are constantly battling for the top prospects in the state, and the series is often seen as a way to showcase their programs.
- NCAA Tournament implications: The series often has a major impact on the NCAA Tournament seeding.
- Intensity: The rivalry is one of the most intense in college baseball, with both teams frequently ranking among the top programs in the country.
Player Perspective
We spoke with former Georgia pitcher Alex Wood about the rivalry. "The Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry is one of the best in college baseball," Wood said. "The intensity is palpable, and it's always a battle. Both teams have a lot of pride, and it's a series that you always look forward to."
Conclusion
The Georgia-Georgia Tech baseball rivalry is one of the most iconic in college baseball. With a rich history, recruiting battles, and NCAA Tournament implications, the series is always highly anticipated. Whether you're a fan of the Bulldogs or the Yellow Jackets, the rivalry is a must-see event.
Call to Action
If you're a fan of college baseball, make sure to catch a Georgia-Georgia Tech game this season. The intensity is palpable, and it's a series that you won't want to miss. Share your thoughts on the rivalry in the comments below, and let's get the conversation started!
What is the Georgia-Georgia Tech baseball rivalry?
+The Georgia-Georgia Tech baseball rivalry is a series of baseball games played between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Institute of Technology Yellow Jackets.
How long has the rivalry been going on?
+The rivalry has been going on for over a century, with the first meeting between the two teams dating back to 1898.
What makes the rivalry so special?
+The rivalry is special because of its rich history, recruiting battles, and NCAA Tournament implications. The series is always highly anticipated, and it's a must-see event for college baseball fans.