As I anticipate our trip to Omaha and the College World Series, I continue to watch the television coverage. There have been many lengthy rain delays, including the Oregon State Beavers game against the Pac-12 rival Washington Huskees. Fortunately, OSU staved off elimination by rallying after lightening left them waiting for hours with the bases loaded and two outs. Finally, a walk allowed them to tie the score and then rally in the following innings for 9 more runs and the must-win victory. This at least kept my hopes alive of seeing them in the final games of the tournament. They will have to keep winning in games against North Carolina and then Mississippi State for us to see them play this weekend. The Beavers were upset in their opening game against North Carolina, with the Tar Heels getting partial revenge for two heartbreaking Championship losses to OSU in 2006 and 2007. As a result, North Carolina has never won a College World Series, and could gain some additional retribution by putting an end to the Beavers title quest this year.

We’re headed to Omaha despite the outcome of this critical game. Airfare, hotel rooms, and tickets have already been pre-paid. However, I might not be seeing my favorite teams, one of which has already been eliminated. Texas lost to Florida in a record-tying 13-strike-out Rocket-like pitching performance by Jackson Kowar. Unfortunately, Roger Clemens son Kody was the victim of two of these K’s. Ironically, all of the Clemens’ boys were given names starting with a “K” to honor their father’s strike-out reputation. In fairness, Kody batted .419 (13 for 31) in the NCAA Tournament with five home runs, two doubles and 11 RBIs, but Jackson Kowar’s full name is spelled with two “K’s.” Texas lost their opener to Arkansas, putting them in the vulnerable loser’s bracket where they failed to respond. 

Will Oregon State still be playing by the time we touch-down in Omaha on Saturday? Or should I leave all my orange shirts that I planned to wear at home? Should I take my plastic hog hat, rally bananas, Gator gear, red hat, or powder blue pom-poms? Personally, if I can’t wear the orange and black of Oregon State, I prefer the banana story of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Apparently, the banana trend started June 3 during a doubleheader in the NCAA regionals when MSU Freshman Jordan Westburg gobbled a banana in the dugout as a snack. Once he noticed that the ESPN cameras were on him, he got another and started to have a little fun, holding it to his ear like a phone and pretending it was a radar gun. The team won and the Bulldogs have gone bananas ever since!

Florida is the defending champion, and I’ve never liked their obnoxious Gator Chomp, just as I detest the Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Chop. UF would be my least favorite team. Also, ever since I went to the 1982 NCAA Final Four in New Orleans, the NC cheer-block dressed in powder blue with white gloves became an instant turn-off. “Powder Blue” is not a power color, and I couldn’t possibly incorporate it into my wardrobe. Mississippi State, Arkansas and Texas Tech players all sport my favorite color of red, and as an Indiana fan most of my gear is right in line with these three remaining programs. Right now, I’m watching Arkansas leading Texas Tech on the TV and the Cubs beating the Dodgers on my smart phone. Both scores are 4-0. If those scores hold up, the Cubs will win the series with the Dodgers, Texas Tech will play Florida in an elimination game tomorrow, and Arkansas will join Mississippi State as the undefeated winner’s bracket leaders.  Hogs love bananas, don’t they? Beavers certainly do!