1968 NC State Baseball Championship Team Receives Its Rings
10/4/2025 9:00:00 AM | Baseball
RALEIGH, N.C.- One of the most memorable teams to take the field at NC State, members of the 1968 NC State baseball team and family representatives received rings commemorating their ACC championship and the program's first trip to Omaha.
Players such as Alex Cheek, Francis and Fred Combs, Mike Caldwell, Joe Frye, and many others returned to Doak Field for a special ceremony, where they were recognized for their accomplishments and success, and presented with their long-awaited championship rings.
Led by head coach and NC State Hall of Famer Sam Esposito, in his second year leading the Wolfpack, Esposito led the 1968 team to a 25-9 record and was 13-4 in conference on the way to an ACC Championship, and the Wolfpack's first Omaha appearance. Coach Esposito's son, Sammy Jr, and grandson, Sammy Esposito III, accepted the ring on Coach Esposito's behalf.
On its road to Omaha, the Wolfpack defeated Alabama, East Carolina, and Florida State in the District Three Championship in Gastonia, N.C. In the College World Series, NC State beat Southern Illinois and Texas, before falling to eventual champion Southern California.
The complete 1968 roster is below:
