West Virginia University will recognize its 1996 NCAA Tournament baseball team during the annual reunion weekend, according to an April 28 announcement. Chris Enochs, a former first-round draft pick for the Oakland Athletics and key member of the 1996 squad, is set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday night’s game against Kansas State as part of the celebration.
The event marks the 30th anniversary of West Virginia’s notable season, with about 19 members from that year’s team expected to attend. Reunion organizer Kevin Olkowski and WVU Varsity Club Director Kevin Johnston anticipate around 65 former Mountaineer baseball players will return for festivities.
Enochs reflected on his college career and how a strong pitching performance in early April against Rutgers marked a turning point for both himself and coach Greg Van Zant’s second season at West Virginia. “My curveball and changeup became more consistent, and I was able to throw three pitches for strikes,” Enochs recalled earlier this week. “After the Rutgers game, everything just sort of snowballed from there.” He added, “So much in athletics is about confidence.”
That year saw West Virginia rally late in the regular season after initial struggles. The Mountaineers clinched their only Big East Tournament title following crucial performances by Enochs, including a rare relief appearance that secured victory over Notre Dame. Reflecting on his experience coming out of the bullpen, Enochs said: “It was definitely an adjustment for me… back then I was just out there on pure adrenaline. I didn’t really have a lot of time to warm up.” He later got Notre Dame’s Mike Amrhein to hit into a double play before striking out Jeff Wagner for the championship win.
The team’s postseason run included advancing through regionals before falling short against Clemson and Tennessee. The successful season helped propel Enochs toward All-America honors and selection as No. 11 overall pick in the Major League Draft.
Looking back at changes within Mountaineer baseball since his playing days—such as joining the Big 12 Conference and new facilities—Enochs said: “It wasn’t always like this… The kids in the program deserve what they’ve got now, as do the people of the state.” He concluded: “But I will always have fond memories of Hawley Field.”
