A College Baseball Classic

The Florida–Florida State Baseball Rivalry: A Sunshine Showdown

A College Baseball Classic

The Florida–Florida State baseball rivalry, often dubbed the "Sunshine Showdown," is a storied American college baseball rivalry between the University of Florida Gators and the Florida State University Seminoles. The two schools, located a mere 250 miles apart, have been competing on the diamond for over a century, with the first game taking place in 1953.

A History of Success

Both Florida and Florida State have established themselves as powerhouses in NCAA Division I college baseball. The Gators have won three national championships (1984, 1996, 2017), while the Seminoles have claimed two titles (1987, 1999). They rank second and third, respectively, in all-time wins among Division I programs.

Divisional Dominance

The rivalry has played a significant role in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where both schools are members. Florida State has won 29 ACC regular-season championships and 15 ACC Tournament titles, while Florida has captured 11 regular-season crowns and 12 tournament championships. Their dominance has made the ACC one of the most competitive conferences in college baseball.