What Is 2013 Rhode Island Rams baseball team

Overview

The 2013 Rhode Island Rams baseball team represented the University of Rhode Island during the 2013 NCAA Division I baseball season. Competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Rams achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history under head coach Raphael Cerrato, who was in his first full year as head coach after taking over midway through the 2012 season.

The team posted a 35–24 overall record and a 17–7 mark in conference play, securing the top seed in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Their strong performance culminated in a conference championship victory, which earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals—their first appearance in the national tournament since 1998.

• 35–24 record: The Rams finished the season with a winning record, including a strong 17–7 mark in Atlantic 10 play.
• Atlantic 10 Champions: They won the 2013 Atlantic 10 Baseball Tournament by defeating Saint Louis in the final game.
• NCAA Tournament berth: Their conference title secured an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Regionals, ending a 15-year drought.
• Bill Beck Field: The Rams played their home games at their on-campus stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, which has a capacity of approximately 1,000.
• Raphael Cerrato: In his first full season as head coach, Cerrato guided the team to its most successful season in over a decade.

Season Performance

The Rams showed consistent performance throughout the regular season and tournament play, peaking at the right time to claim the Atlantic 10 title. Their offense and pitching staff balanced each other well, and several players stepped up during critical moments in the postseason.

• Joe Kowalski: The senior shortstop batted .318 on the season and was named First Team All-Conference for his defensive and offensive contributions.
• Mike Bradstreet: As the Friday night starter, Bradstreet posted a 3.22 ERA over 95 innings and earned Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week honors twice.
• Relief pitching: Closer Tyler Wilson recorded 12 saves and held opposing batters to a .210 average against in high-leverage situations.
• Non-conference strength: The Rams defeated strong opponents like UConn and Boston College, helping boost their RPI to 42 by season's end.
• Postseason run: Rhode Island won four games in five days at the A-10 Tournament, including a 7–4 victory over Saint Louis in the final.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2013 Rams stacked up against recent seasons in program history:

The 2013 season marked a return to national relevance for Rhode Island baseball. While not matching the win totals of 2005 or 1998, the team’s conference title and NCAA appearance signaled a program resurgence after years of mediocrity. The consistency in conference play and clutch postseason performances distinguished this team from its immediate predecessors.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Rhode Island baseball, re-establishing the program as a competitive force in the Atlantic 10 and bringing postseason excitement back to campus after a 15-year absence.

• Program momentum: The success of the 2013 team helped boost recruiting and fan engagement in subsequent seasons.
• Historic return: It was the Rams’ first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998, ending a long drought and renewing national visibility.
• Coach Cerrato’s impact: The season validated Cerrato’s leadership and earned him a long-term contract extension.
• Regional impact: Rhode Island’s presence in the NCAA Regionals raised the profile of baseball in a region dominated by hockey and basketball.
• Player development: Several Rams were drafted in 2013, including Joe Kowalski, selected in the 38th round by the Yankees.
• Legacy: The 2013 team is remembered as one of the most resilient and accomplished in URI baseball history.

The 2013 Rhode Island Rams baseball team not only achieved on-field success but also revitalized a dormant program, setting a foundation for future competitiveness in NCAA Division I baseball.