The Sunbelt Classic originated in 1977 as an all star between the states of Oklahoma and California. The first series was played in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the series alternated between the two states for the first ten years. The founders, Coach John Schwartz and Coach Gordon Morgan of Oklahoma had dreams of the series eventually becoming a national showcase for high school baseball players.
In 1988 Florida joined the series and it became known as the Sunbelt Classic. In 1990 the states of Georgia, Ohio, and Maryland joined the series and for the first time the series was played outside the states of Oklahoma or California. The 1990 series was played in Avon Park, Florida and Team Georgia defeated Ohio in the finals to win the Classic Championship. The finals were televised by the Sunshine Sports Network. Beginning in 1991 the series was moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma and was played on the campus of Oklahoma State University until 1994. Texas joined the series in 1994 and since 1995 the series has been hosted in a great way by the community of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Arizona joined the tournament field in 1997 to round out the eight team classic field in what has been called by Collegiate Baseball the most competitive tournament of it's type in America.
There has been well over 40 major league players who have played in the series since it's inception. Among those are Kevin Bass (Astros), Buddy Biancalana (Astros/Royals), Al Davis (Mariners), Eric Plunk (A's), Randy Johnson (Mariners/Astros), Mike Moore (A's), Phil Stephenson (Cubs), Mickey Tettleton (A's/Orioles), John Russell (Phillies), and Johnny Damon (Royals). Additionally, Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys was a series participant.
Arizona Sun Belt Players who have played in the Major Legues include:
Andy Pratt (Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs), Brian Anderson (Chicago White Sox), Chris Duncan (St. Louis Cardinals), JD Durbin (Minnesota Twins), Brian Bannister (New York Mets), Andre Either (Los Angeles Dodgers), J.J. Hardy (Milwaukee Brewers), Brandon Wood (Los Angeles Angels of Anthiem) and Elliot Johnson (Tampa Bay Rays).
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