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The beginning of the 1956 season started with losses in cold weather. The first conference game against Wisconsin was a loss and the temperature was only 30 degrees. The Gophers managed to heat up, and thanks to some rained out games at the end of the season ended up winning the Big Ten Conference. Minnesota seemed to have better luck against teams in the NCAA tournament, beating Arizona 12-1 to win the College World Series.
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Dick Siebert was pissed coming into the 1954 season, having just lost the Big Ten title the year before.
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Gophers first baseman Doug Gillen set a conference record in 1954 belting 7(!) home runs.
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Shortstop Jerry Kendall congratulated by his teammates after going yard. Kendall won the Big Ten bating title hitting .440. Third baseman Jack McCartan was right behind him bating .436.
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Gene Martin slides into home against Arizona in the championship game.
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Pointdexter (upper right) out here winning natty champs in a very hip sweater.