Bio

Joe Urso, 1989-92, ranks as one of The University's most popular players. Urso was a four-year starter at second base and was twice named second-team All-American, first-team all-South and first-team all-Sunshine State Conference in 1991 and 92. He was a career .332 hitter, who held the NCAA career record for runs (258). He owned the school mark for runs in a season (76) and still holds school records in walks for a season (54) and career (176). He ranks fourth on the all-time school list for games played (223), is second in career doubles (63) and sixth in stolen bases (70). Among his achievements as a senior, Urso hit .377 and was a perfect 11 for 11 in stolen base attempts in 15 games against Division I competition, including Florida, Clemson, Michigan, Alabama and Miami. Among the top players to lead UT to the NCAA II National Championship Series in 1990, he was voted MVP of the Spartans' national championship in '92. In 1997, Urso was named to the NCAA II NCS all-time team as the best second baseman. In two tournaments, he played in eight games, hitting .469 with one homerun and 10 RBI. He was named to the Sunshine State Conference Silver Anniversary team. A Tampa native, Urso was a member of Plant High School's 1988 state champions where he was a two-time 1st Team All-Area, all-County and All-Conference honoree and 2nd Team All-State. Urso is currently the head baseball coach at UT and recently led his team to a 54-6 season and the school’s fourth baseball national championship.