Baseball, Beavers, Brats, Bars, Beer, Bricks, Beefsteak, Burgers and Botany. These Nine B’s pretty much sum-up my trip to Omaha and our College World Series experience. I’m going home with a no-decision, but nearly left with the bitter taste of defeat. Thanks to 9th inning heroics, Oregon State will have one more game this season. It’s Hogs versus Beavers for all the marbles, while I navigate my way back to Portland and attempt to find a TV screen to catch-up on the action. I should get back for the final few innings. My friend decided to stay in Omaha, and fend for himself in that endless sea of Arkansas red. I probably shouldn’t say “Red Necks,” but many prefer that title. 

I cannot wipe the smile off my face after last night’s stunning victory. Razorback fans were ready to storm the field and join the dog-pile of team jubilation. We were once again surrounded by chants of “Pig Souie,” outstretched arms, and gyrating fingertips reminiscent of a Baptist Church congregation. They were loud & obnoxious, and had long before gotten on my nerves. There were only brief moments of silence, but you could have heard a pin drop in the outfield stands after the misplayed foul ball that would have won the Razorbacks their first CWS title. 

It was sweet revenge, after the previous night of multiple breaks for the Arkansas squad. The Beavs made some uncharacteristic errors and the umpires didn’t help matters. After the game, we went to a nearby bar packed with obnoxious Razorback boosters, celebrating our misfortune and their victory. I was annoyed with both their shenanigans and their accents. I even lost my fondness for bacon. Sooie!

 

If it weren’t for the stadium vendors dressed in the bright orange shirt colors of Oregon State, we would have been even more outnumbered in the stands. It was hard to spot anything but red shirts and hats in the crowd. Even the locals sported Nebraska red, a color that I’m used to wearing fondly in support of Indiana. I bought my first orange shirts in Omaha, forever cementing my devotion to Beaver baseball. However, I’m surprised that Hog fans weren’t asking me to vend them a beer.

 

I at least got to see the Beavers win twice in Omaha, along with “cultural” visits to the Botanical Gardens and Durham Museum. I think we stopped at least once in every bar, since there was little else to do but walk around aimlessly. The rain delay spoiled any chance to see tonight’s third and final game. However, I’m sure it was good for the local economy to stretch the event another day.

 

I sampled the local fare like Brickway Pilsner, Omaha Steak, Ricky’s Omelet, a Hangover Burger, and Ted & Wally’s ice cream. I also registered over 135,000 steps around town and even into the next state, while completing day 3,469 of my running streak. Finally, I’m taking home some College World Series souvenirs, including a Beaver team autographed baseball, and a lot of great memories. Give me a B…..