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 Mississippi State Bulldogs (40-14-1) grabbed the No. 1 post for the first time in 16 after Florida dominated that poll spot for the 12 times in the first 14 weeks. Texas A&M led the survey on March 28, and Miami (Fla.) was atop the poll for the first time in school history on April 11. UF (preseason No. 1 and Feb. 22-29-March 7-14-21, April 4-18-25-May 2-9-16) has held No. 1 spot over all or parts of five months. The 2016 poll voters come from 40 college baseball writers and related media persons from throughout the nation.
The current survey has representation by 11 different conferences (and 16 for the season) among the 300 baseball-playing schools in the 2016 NCAA Division I ranks. The rankings of 2012 had a NCBWA-poll record 22 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.