As OSU prepares to play host to nationally-ranked Arizona State this weekend in college baseball, both players and fans know that a decent outcome, say winning two of three, may have major tournament implications later in the spring for Head Coach Pat Casey's 2001 Beavers.

Which begs the question: when was the last time a Beaver nine appeared in the NCAA tournament?

The year was 1986. Coach Jack Riley's team repeated as Northern Division champs but then had to survive a six-team, four-day, double elimination tournament to move on.

Above: In 1986 Dave Brundage earned all-regional and third-team All-American honors. Left: Jack Riley was the last OSU baseball coach to take his team to the NCAA tournament. Below: Quinn Williams was one of five players from the 1986 team to sign professional contracts. All photos from The Beaver, 1986.

In the sixth and final game, an 11-inning struggle against Portland State, OSU prevailed 7-4 for the automatic bid to the NCAAs.

In the first game of the Midwest Regional at Stillwater, Okla., OSU lost 4-3 to 10th-ranked Arkansas, then came back to defeat the University of Richmond 7-1. This was the first tournament win for Oregon State since 1952.

Next came another crack at Arkansas. The final was 1-0 in favor of the boys from Corvallis. Stanford and OSU squared-off the next day, the Cardinal eliminating the Beavers with a final score of 10-7.

Even so, it was a super year for the Orange and Black. Oregon State finished the season at a respectable 39-15, with pitcher/outfielder/first baseman Davie Brundage earning all-regional and third-team All-American honors.

He and four other players from the squad, Bryce Hulstrom, Keith Krafve, Mel Mallinak, and Quinn Williams, signed professional contracts.

-- George P. Edmonston, Jr. and Chuck Boice