Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the April 1, 2022 flipbook.

Since Texas A&M left the Big 12 in 2012, Longhorns and Aggies alike have been starved of a favorite long-held sports rivalry. But in baseball, the legacy of competition survived, with games played in seven of the 10 years since the teams split ways in conference play. On Tuesday, fans showed how their love to hate lived on in a sold-out matchup at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.

Texas A&M and Texas have played ball 373 times in school history, with Texas winning 239 of those matchups. In recent history, the scales have tipped in the Aggies’ favor, winning four of the past five games.

With A&M out of the Big 12 conference, the team’s matchups have often been reduced to weekday exchanges. But with just a two-hour drive between campuses, the highlight of the game seems to come not out on the field but in the stands. 

“We all know it’s gonna be a very intense game,” Texas redshirt sophomore Silas Ardoin said before the matchup. “A lot of tension between the two teams. We respect them as a team and we’re gonna go in and play our game.” 

Texas fans seemed to believe in the idea of the A&M rivalry, and to many students, the game still holds some significance.

“This rivalry means a ton to me. I grew up in a small town where everybody and their mom goes to A&M, so anytime I can, (I) show I chose the better university,” said architectural engineering sophomore Nick Zuniga during a tailgate before the game. “I make sure to be proud of it.” 

To show his support, Zuniga joined Texas Iron Spikes, a men’s spirit group who supports Texas baseball and often hosts tailgates before home games. On Tuesday, outside the field, the group set up food and music for many student fans to socialize and build excitement before the game. 

Another new Iron Spike, freshman Brandon Garcia, described the importance of fans in the stands at Texas baseball.

“The atmosphere at a UT baseball game is like no other,” Garcia said. “This year especially, their fan base has really shown out to support our team. There is nothing better than being at the Disch watching the Horns play.”

While Texas fell short to A&M with a final score of 12-9, the Texas crowd still showed out for their baseball team in the long-lasting rivalry.