The 1981 Arizona Wildcats baseball team represented the University of Arizona during the 1981 NCAA Division I baseball season. The Wildcats played their home games at Wildcat Field. The team was coached by Jerry Kindall in his 9th season at Arizona. The Wildcats finished 30âÂÂ22 overall and placed 4th in the Pacific-10's Southern Division with an 14âÂÂ16 record. Arizona failed to make the postseason for the 1st time since 1977.
The Wildcats finished the 1980 season with a record of 45âÂÂ21âÂÂ1 and 17âÂÂ13 in conference play, finishing tied for 1st in the "Six-Pac" (Pac-10 Southern). This was the Wildcats' 1st Pacific-10 Conference championship. Arizona advanced to the postseason for the 3rd straight season and was selected to host the West Regional at Wildcat Field. The Wildcats defeated Fresno State in their 1st game before defeating Gonzaga twice to advance to the College World Series for the 2nd straight season (and 12th overall). After losing their 1st game in Omaha, Nebraska to St. John's, Arizona won the next 4 against Florida State, Michigan, Hawaii and California to advance to the final game: a rematch against Hawaii. The Wildcats defeated Hawaii 5âÂÂ3 to win their 2nd National Championship.