#96 College Baseball World Series (CWS)
Number 96, The College Baseball World Series is starting on June 13th, 2009. The Lonestar state seems to be dominating the entire series and it hasn’t even begun yet!
Significance of the CWS
While not having the stature and following of its professional counterpart, the College World Series (CWS) has a strong and loyal following among baseball fans. Sure they borrowed a bit from the Major League Baseball’s World Series moniker, but it signifies the best of the best in NCAA Division I Baseball. Setting attendance records over 300,000 every year, over 6 million fans have attended since the CWS’s start at “The Blatt” in Omaha, Nebraska. Millions more watch at home on ESPN.
History of the CWS
Since 1950 the College World Series has been held at Rosenblatt Stadium. Before that it was held at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1947 and 1948 and in Wichita, Kansas in 1949. On June 10, 2008, the NCAA and the College World Series of Omaha, Inc. (a non-profit group that organizes the event) announced a new 25 year contract extension, keeping the Series in Omaha through 2035. The new contract will go into effect in 2011, coincidentally the same year it was scheduled to move from Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium to a new downtown stadium across from Qwest Center Omaha.
In 1988, the College World Series changed from pure double-elimination tournament into two four-team, double-elimination brackets. Starting with the 1999 championship tournament, the field increased from forty-eight to sixty-four teams. The four-team brackets were determined by the results of regional and super-regional play, similar to the NCAA basketball tournament.
Winning one NCAA Division I Baseball championship is challenging, let alone winning two consecutively. TO date, only five colleges have that distinction. Dual champions include Oregon State in 2006 and 2007, Louisiana State University in 1996 and 1997, the University of Texas in 1949 and 1950, and Stanford University in 1987 and 1988. The University of Southern California reigned as champs from 1970 to 1974.
Last year’s champions were Fresno State, coached by Mike Batesole. They beat out Georgia in game three and the Most Outstanding Player of the Series was Tommy Mendonca of Fresno State. This was Fresno State’s fourth trip to the College World Series, but their first win.
The 2009 CWS
Seven of the eight teams going to the College World Series are from Texas. They are: the University of Texas, Rice, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas State, TCU, and Sam Houston State. TCU, Texas and Rice will be among sixteen national host sites. The University of Texas will be looking to win their seventh national championship. The Longhorns won the College World Series in 2005, which was the last time they made it to Omaha.
Sports Travel Insider’s Edge for Those Attending the CWS
Best way to watch the action:
With multiple expansions, it’s hard to claim a bad seat in the house. The seating sections run as far as the foul poles down each line. Bleacher sections occupy the outfield area. For those who want to get out of the elements, there are plenty of seats under the cover for those who desire shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.
Best place to get up close:
The Stadium View Club provides a restaurant to dine in while watching the best that college baseball has to offer. Just find 249 of your best friends to join you as the capacity is 250. Reservations are required.
Best travel tip:
If you come early or stay late, you can return to “The Blatt” to see the Omaha Royals, a Triple A affiliate of the KC Royals, Pacific Coast League baseball game. A great environmentto enjoy baseball with unique promotions and giveaways from time to time.
One Comments on “#96 College Baseball World Series (CWS)”
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Here's a nice write up about Rosenblatt Stadium - it's a great ballpark.. such a shame they're tearing it down.
