One of the most respected sports teams in the state, Baylor baseball is perennially competitive and won Division II state championships in 2003 and 2006 under legendary coach Gene Etter, who skippered the Raiders for over 40 years. The Raiders returned to the state throne in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
The Gene and Eddie Etter Baseball Complex and Wyatt McMahan Field provides a wonderful riverside venue for Baylor’s varsity baseball games. The complex was renovated in 2016 and renamed in honor of Coach Gene Etter and his wife, Eddie, who were constants in five decades of Baylor baseball. Two other baseball diamonds are also available on campus for Baylor games and practices.
Fast Facts on Baylor Baseball
Baylor fields baseball teams at the varsity, junior varsity, and Middle School levels.
The Gene and Eddie Etter Baseball Complex and Wyatt McMahan ‘69 Field was dedicated on April 30, 2016. The baseball field had been named in memory of Wyatt McMahan '69 in 1988.
Coach Gene Etter retired after the 2015 season, ending 41 years as the head varsity baseball coach in which he won 864 games. Red Raider teams led by Etter made 18 state tournament appearances, winning state championships in 2003 and 2006. Well over 100 Etter-coached players have gone on to play college baseball and several have landed in the professional ranks.
By Coach Etter’s side for every game was his wife, Eddie, who has served as administrative assistant in the Baylor athletic department for over 25 years. Gene calls their marriage, which took place at home plate before a Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs game, the most significant highlight of his professional baseball career. With an impressive understanding of the nuances of baseball, Eddie has been a great asset and constant encouragement to Baylor baseball teams.
The lighted baseball complex, with further renovations done in 2017, is situated alongside the Tennessee River and provides an inspiring setting for high school baseball on spring afternoons and evenings.
Baylor Baseball has an impressive 30+ year record in league, district, region, and state competition.
| State Champions |
2021, 2019, 2018, 2006, 2003 |
| State Runners-Up |
2008, 2002 |
| State Tournament Appearances* |
2021, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996, 1987, 1984, 1982, 1981, 1979
•no state championship in 2020 due to COVID-19 |
| Region Champions# |
2019, 2018, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1992, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1984, 1982, 1981, 1979, 1975
|
| District Champions** |
1997, 1996, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1987, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1975
|
| League Championships |
2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1990, 1988, 1987, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1977, 1975
|
* Appearances listed prior to 1987 before change to tournament format are "Final Four"
** District competition eliminated in 1998
# Region tournament eliminated after 2008.
Legendary Baylor baseball coach Gene Etter announced his retirement before the beginning of the 2015 season. Etter spent 41 of his 47 years at Baylor as the head baseball coach, racking up over 850 wins and two state championships –2003 and 2006. Well over 100 Etter-coached players have gone on to play college baseball, and several have landed in the professional ranks.
Coach Etter is a member of the Baylor Sports Hall of Fame, the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame, and was once named the National High School Coach of the Year.“I don’t see this as something that is sad,” Etter said in brief remarks to his players when he announced his retirement in March.
Etter’s last team, finished a strong 21-7, falling just one round short of advancing to the state final four.
