WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

BSB: NC State earns highest preseason ranking ever

Jan 24, 2013

Raleigh, N.C. — NC State landed at No. 8 in Baseball America's preseason top 25, released Thursday. The standing represents the highest preseason ranking in Wolfpack baseball history.

The Pack has been exploring uncharted territory for the entire winter, setting program records with every poll released.

NC State also earned a No. 11 ranking from USA Today and Collegiate Baseball, and a No. 9 ranking from Perfect Game. Those marks set new program bests, eventually eclipsed by Thursday's ranking from Baseball America.

The last time NC State appeared in Baseball America's preseason poll was a No. 28 ranking ahead of the 2007 season. The Pack's previous high came in 1993, when State entered the season ranked No. 16 by both Baseball America and USA Today.

Baseball America's college preview issue hits newsstands in early February. In a feature for the magazine, Aaron Fitt detailed the most recent chapter in NC State's rivalry with North Carolina, a 12-inning battle during last year's ACC Tournament. That article can be viewed in its entirety HERE.

The entire Baseball America preseason top 25 can be found HERE. For Fitt's scouting reports on each of the top 25 teams, click HERE.

NC State hits the diamond for the first time in 2013 on February 15, hosting a three-game series with Appalachian State.