Good morning, folks... I want to preface this note with a disclaimer, and possibly an apology. I go through phases in my life where I love to write, and find that writing is really the only effective medium through which I can set the thought conundrums in my brain loose on the world. My musings are very random, and rarely of any deep consequence, but it's the stuff I think about. My brain is much like a Seinfeld episode: full of thoughts about nothing. And whether anyone actually reads my writing or not, it's a stress reducer for me and a whole lot of fun.
Well, as a result of talking with my friend Brice on the way back from the Astros/Rangers game the other night, I have felt the inspiration to write/journal/blog (whatever you want to call it) once again. So, in accordance with good ethics and due diligence, I inform, warn, and apologize to you for the random ramblings that ensue. Now, on to more exciting things...
Well, as a result of talking with my friend Brice on the way back from the Astros/Rangers game the other night, I have felt the inspiration to write/journal/blog (whatever you want to call it) once again. So, in accordance with good ethics and due diligence, I inform, warn, and apologize to you for the random ramblings that ensue. Now, on to more exciting things...
Anyone that knows me even a little knows about my love affair with the game of baseball. I simply can't put into words the allure, intrigue, fascination and even therapy that baseball continually gives me year in and year out. Little League, High School, College, Minors, Majors... it doesn't matter. It's all baseball, it's all magical, and it's the greatest game on the planet. However, nothing to me embodies the supernatural allure of baseball more than the College World Series. Let me explain...
For roughly ten days in June and/or July, the top 8 college baseball teams in the nation meet in Omaha on the hallowed grounds of Rosenblatt Stadium to duke it out ON THE FIELD (please take note, FOOTBALL) and determine who will wear the crown of National Champion. These 8 teams, having survived a 4-team Regional Tournament and a 2-Team Super Regional to get to this point, have earned the right to take the field on a national stage, at the mecca of college baseball. I can only imagine the thrill of taking that field for the first time... the sounds, the smells, the feel of the grass under your feet, the flags waving in the outfield... truly an opportunity of a lifetime.
All of this is but a table setting for the battles to come, and like in any contest, the thrill of competition is in the competition itself. By the onset of the College World Series, the Major League Baseball Draft has occurred. All the players that will be drafted have been drafted at this point, and these guys have nothing to play for other than school pride, their teammates, their coaches, and the pure thrill of competing at a high level to gain a prize so few attain.
As I sat watching Arkansas and Virginia play in an elimination game last night, I couldn't help but get caught up in it. It was a classic pitcher's duel, and though I really didn't have a dog in the hunt, it was just damn good baseball. Arkansas trailed 3-1 going into the top of the 9th. After 2 weak groundouts, they were down to their last shot. That's when the wheels came off for Virginia.
After Zack Cox singled to center, Brett Eibner launched a no-doubter to left-center on a 1-1 pitch, tying the game. Despite putting base runners in scoring position in the bottom of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th innings, Virginia came up empty each time. The Hogs got the win on an RBI double by Andrew Darr in the top of the 12th, culminating in a dramatic comeback, and capping off one of the most fascinating games I've ever watched.
It was there and then last night on my couch at 11:00 that I decided that I'm going to Omaha next year, even if I have to hitch-hike. You see, 2010 is the last year that the CWS will be held in Rosenblatt Stadium, as it will be giving way to a new multi-million dollar facility with increased capacity, improved amenities, and all that junk that fans think they are entitled to these days. Well, not me. In my humble but accurate opinion, even though it will still be the greatest sporting event in the country to me, the CWS will lose some of its luster without Rosenblatt in the equation. And honestly, I'm not going to miss this opportunity to experience the end of a legacy first-hand.
So, even though my Bears being there next year would be a fairytale come true, I'm going with or without 'em. Next year, from June 19 - 30, you can reach me in Omaha. I'll be getting my dose of therapy. - B
For roughly ten days in June and/or July, the top 8 college baseball teams in the nation meet in Omaha on the hallowed grounds of Rosenblatt Stadium to duke it out ON THE FIELD (please take note, FOOTBALL) and determine who will wear the crown of National Champion. These 8 teams, having survived a 4-team Regional Tournament and a 2-Team Super Regional to get to this point, have earned the right to take the field on a national stage, at the mecca of college baseball. I can only imagine the thrill of taking that field for the first time... the sounds, the smells, the feel of the grass under your feet, the flags waving in the outfield... truly an opportunity of a lifetime.
All of this is but a table setting for the battles to come, and like in any contest, the thrill of competition is in the competition itself. By the onset of the College World Series, the Major League Baseball Draft has occurred. All the players that will be drafted have been drafted at this point, and these guys have nothing to play for other than school pride, their teammates, their coaches, and the pure thrill of competing at a high level to gain a prize so few attain.
As I sat watching Arkansas and Virginia play in an elimination game last night, I couldn't help but get caught up in it. It was a classic pitcher's duel, and though I really didn't have a dog in the hunt, it was just damn good baseball. Arkansas trailed 3-1 going into the top of the 9th. After 2 weak groundouts, they were down to their last shot. That's when the wheels came off for Virginia.
After Zack Cox singled to center, Brett Eibner launched a no-doubter to left-center on a 1-1 pitch, tying the game. Despite putting base runners in scoring position in the bottom of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th innings, Virginia came up empty each time. The Hogs got the win on an RBI double by Andrew Darr in the top of the 12th, culminating in a dramatic comeback, and capping off one of the most fascinating games I've ever watched.
It was there and then last night on my couch at 11:00 that I decided that I'm going to Omaha next year, even if I have to hitch-hike. You see, 2010 is the last year that the CWS will be held in Rosenblatt Stadium, as it will be giving way to a new multi-million dollar facility with increased capacity, improved amenities, and all that junk that fans think they are entitled to these days. Well, not me. In my humble but accurate opinion, even though it will still be the greatest sporting event in the country to me, the CWS will lose some of its luster without Rosenblatt in the equation. And honestly, I'm not going to miss this opportunity to experience the end of a legacy first-hand.
So, even though my Bears being there next year would be a fairytale come true, I'm going with or without 'em. Next year, from June 19 - 30, you can reach me in Omaha. I'll be getting my dose of therapy. - B
