Will McEntire posts heartfelt goodbye to Arkansas baseball

After six seasons at Arkansas, Will McEntire‘s time as a Razorback has come to a close. On Friday, the redshirt senior posted a heartfelt goodbye to Arkansas fans.

“Arkansas, I’m not sure where to begin. You have forever changed my life,” McEntire wrote. “I got to do things that I never thought were possible as a kid. Growing up a Razorback fan, this was always the dream. I never took it for granted, and I am forever grateful that I got to represent this great state. Being a Razorback has meant the world to me and has forever changed me.

“I met my soon-to-be wife, played under some of the greatest coaches, played with the absolute best teammates-who I consider my brothers-and, lastly, got to play for the most passionate fanbase in the country.

“Through ups and downs, I never wavered in my love for this school. I will proudly call myself a Razorback for life and appreciate every single one of you for what you have done in this journey of mine. Forever and always, Wooo Pig.”

McEntire made 17 appearances this season, totaling 25.1 innings on the mound. He posted a 2.84 ERA and 29 strikeouts compared to just four walks.

In his six years with the program, McEntire amassed 82 appearances and a 17-5 record. He collected 233 career strikeouts and a 4.08 ERA. It’s worth noting that McEntire didn’t play during his second season in Fayetteville and redshirted instead.

McEntire’s final appearance at Arkansas was in the Razorbacks’ 7-3 win over UCLA in the College World Series. McEntire held down the mound for one inning but was taken out of the game after giving up two hits and three runs.

Just one day later, Arkansas’ season ended in devastating fashion. The Razorbacks led LSU 5-3 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the pressure was on Arkansas, with two LSU runners on base.

The Razorbacks collapsed in the clutch. Arkansas left fielder Charles Davalan misjudged a line drive and failed to make the game-winning catch, allowing LSU to score two runs and tie the game.

On the next at-bat, LSU’s Jared Jones hit a laser toward center field. The ball bounced off the top of Arkansas’ Cam Kozeal‘s glove, and LSU ultimately escaped with the win. After the game, Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn reflected on the team’s season.

“It’s hard to say goodbye,” Van Horn said. “I’m not good at saying goodbyes anyway. Great team, fun team, hard-working team. And probably just ‘team.’ Man, they were a team. You could tell by how emotional they were after the game.

“It was a lot of heartbreak, maybe because we lost the game, but honestly, probably because the season’s over and they don’t get to be around each other every day. So proud of them. Proud of the University of Arkansas.”