DALLAS (NCBWA) The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association continues its tradition of NCAA Division I polls for the 19th year with its 2016 weekly surveys. Polls will be circulated from Feb. 22-June 30 (weekly through June 6) following the 70th annual NCAA World Series in Omaha, Neb., at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Florida Gators (preseason No. 1 and Feb. 22-29-March 7-21) have held down the No. 1 position in the initial five 2016 surveys. The 2016 poll voters come from 42 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation.
The current survey has representation by 11 different conferences (and 13 for the season) among the 302 baseball-playing schools in the 2016 NCAA Division I ranks. The rankings of 2012 had a NCBWA-poll record 22 different DI conferences and independents rated at least one week while 16 separate circuits had team rankings in '15. For more information or to join the NCBWA, please go to ncbwa.com.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.