Point Park University is an exceptional educational environment, and its baseball program stands out as no exception. Their winning record speaks for itself, and they have even advanced to multiple World Series appearances.
Jim Ney is one of the greatest players in Point Park history, being honored as part of both 1978 and 1979 All-District 18 teams, earning Honorable Mention All-American recognition as well.
Joe Emanuele
Point Park University baseball team competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and boasts an illustrious history within this league. Consistently qualifying for the NAIA World Series, thanks to dedicated coaching, talented recruits, and top-of-the-line facilities, has led them to perennial success – training every year since they first joined. Students may also choose from over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at Point Park’s downtown Pittsburgh campus, which features residence halls, offices, classrooms, the Point Cafe, and much more.
The Pioneers won the River States Conference tournament and secured their spot in the opening round of the NAIA World Series, drawing No. 24 Taylor (Indiana) University from Upland, Indiana, on Monday as they face them off against a double-elimination tournament. Jared Campbell of Sunrise Florida leads his team at bat with a school record of 74 homers and 68 RBIs this year; also contributing are junior catcher Michael Brito with a.341 average and junior infielder Isaac Santana with.387 averages.
Point Park University boasts not only an impressive baseball program but also boasts an expansive theater, dance, and music department. Their Performing Arts Center hosts the Pittsburgh Children’s Theatre, Allegheny County Symphony, and Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra – as well as boasting state-of-the-art stage facilities, elegant lobby seating areas, concession stands, and rental opportunities available for private as well as public events.
Ed Haberle of the Detroit Tigers was selected in the eighth round of the MLB draft in 2007 and made his MLB debut. Additionally, Jim Ney, of both basketball and baseball, was an All-American before tragically being killed in a car accident.
Ed Haberle
Ed Haberle was an all-star first baseman on Point Park University’s Pioneers baseball team and holds a business degree from its School of Business. Today, he manages national sales for Nike while creating two groundbreaking scholarships at Point Park University.
Haberle attributes his success to his Alma Mater, saying it had an influenceful effect on shaping his philosophy, ambitions, and goals – as well as showing him the right path. Furthermore, Haberle credits PPU’s work ethic as having played a crucial role in his success across the industries he has worked in.
Point Park University has an established tradition of producing winning athletes and teams, thanks to devoted coaching, talented recruits, and state-of-the-art training facilities. As evidenced by their history of success, they have won multiple championships while qualifying numerous times for the NAIA World Series competition.
The Pioneers play in the River States Conference, the second-largest league within NAIA. Since their inaugural season in 2007, they have won seven conference championships and eight regular-season titles; their alumni include notables such as Dennis Colamarino (deceased) and current Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Don Kelly.
While the Pioneers have achieved tremendous success on the field, they also make a positive contribution to their community. Through an active outreach program at their university and partnerships with over 100 local schools, the Pioneers teach children the value of academics, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Barry Hamburger was one of the most beloved alumni from Point Park College and one of its most celebrated baseball coaches, serving as athletic director, intramural sports coordinator, men’s soccer, freshmen men’s basketball, cross country running coach, and baseball mentor – helping establish one of the greatest NAIA baseball legacies ever seen at this school.
Point Park University Pioneers baseball will compete in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational beginning February 24 in Davenport, Florida. They will face Southeastern University, Cornerstone University, and Judson University during this tournament, with each game being streamed live to Point Park University’s website.
Mark Ansani
Mark Ansani was an outstanding baseball player for Point Park University during his era as a Pioneer. His best season came in 1986, when the team went 51-8 and placed third at the NAIA World Series – breaking numerous school records that year, including batting average, home runs, total bases, and hits. Ansani was instrumental in this achievement and still ranks highly in multiple career statistical categories of Point Park baseball at present.
Jack Yard stands out among Point Park’s notable athletes as an integral member of its Pioneers teams that reached the World Series in 1978 and 79. In 1979, he earned second-team All-America honors and still ranks high among many offensive statistical categories for Point Park baseball. The yard is in the Top 10 in career homers, hits, and fielding percentage.
Rachel Roddy was an incredible force on the volleyball court for Point Park during her four years with them, rising quickly through their ranks to become an all-time leading hitter and blocker at Point Park during that time. From Greensburg, Pennsylvania, she earned two NAIA Honorable Mention All-American awards, three AVCA All-Northeast Region first-team selections, as well as AMC and KIAC all-conference honors first-team accolades – making two of those titles twice!
Dan Moriarty was an incredible cross-country runner at Point Park University. He earned two District 18 titles and All-American accolades during his time with us; both teams also feature Hall of Fame member Harry Westwood, who formed an unstoppable duo at their respective positions – making for one of Point Park’s most excellent one-two punches ever seen in its history!
Jill Bennett-Mangum was an exceptional softball player at Point Park University. Throughout her collegiate career with them, she won two District 18 Championships as a Pioneer while collecting three NAIA All-American honors – becoming a member of both their Athletic Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor as a result. Additionally, she currently works for the United States Air Force Coraopolis, Pennsylvania base as a technical sergeant.
Chivas Whipple was an outstanding men’s basketball player for Point Park during 2007-09. He earned three NAIA all-American awards and ranks fourth all-time with 1,736 points scored for Point Park Pioneers – in addition to ranking fifth all-time for rebounding, sixth for steals, and eighth in blocked shots.
Rafal Kolankowski
Point Park may be small in terms of student body numbers, yet their Pioneers boast a proud legacy of success in sports. This can be seen through former players becoming accomplished professional athletes and coaches after leaving Point Park; others have also laid down the foundation for future generations of Pioneers athletes, such as Ed Haberle, who won multiple NAIA honors while competing for them from 1985-1988 and earned top 10 rankings across most school categories and played on three NAIA World Series teams.
Jim Ney made an extraordinary baseball career for Point Park University during his three years with them, winning many NAIA honors as both an outfielder and pitcher. Subsequently, he was drafted into the Detroit Tigers organization as an MLB prospect after having played at Point Park.
Point Park University has been an active member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1968 and competes in the River States Conference. Their athletic teams, known as Pioneers, boast a proud tradition in various sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball.
Point Park Pioneers have won six District 18 titles and appeared in four NAIA World Series. Their best season was in 1986, when they finished third. Point Park is led by coach Mark Jackson, who boasts 443 career wins compared to just 119 losses.
Point Park University stands out both on and off the field, leading the academic pack with high enrollment numbers and receiving many accreditations – such as from the Western Pennsylvania Higher Education Commission (WPHEC). Notable programs at Point Park include nursing, health care administration, and business.
If you are considering joining the Point Park baseball program, you must contact their coaching staff. They will provide information regarding tryouts and evaluations to assess your skillset as well as whether or not it would fit with their team.
