It’s been 45 years since I had the privilege of participating with Mississippi State University at the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha. This illustrious event, which has undergone significant changes from 1979 to 2024, is a testament to the broader trends in collegiate sports, technological advancements, and evolving cultural attitudes toward athletics. Reflecting on the past, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for how things were.
Please pardon my starting with the phrase, “Back in the Day…”
…The CWS featured eight teams in a double-elimination format. Today, there are regional, super-regionals, two four-team brackets, and a best-of-three championship series for two teams to enhance the competitive process.
…The tournament was held at Rosenblatt Stadium starting in 1950, but its Fenway-aged-look led to the modern TD Ameritrade Park (now Charles Schwab Field Omaha) in 2011, with upgraded facilities, increased seating capacity, and state-of-the-art amenities for players and fans.
…Televised games were nearly non-existent. Today, they are nationally televised on major sports networks, and streaming options make the tournament accessible to a global audience.
…A single bat was used by half the starting lineup. The same goes for helmets. The instant replay didn’t exist. Participation in summer leagues was just gaining traction. Sponsorships and advertising were minimal. The transfer portal and NIL didn’t exist as in today’s form.
…Terms like curve balls, uppercuts, hard-hit line drives, swing and misses, and a quick release were supplemented or replaced by concepts like spin rate, launch angle, exit velocity, pitch tunneling, whiff rate, and pop time, to name a few, many of which I still don’t understand.
However, we can be grateful some things haven’t changed. Most notably, the baseball community is a tight-knit group of athletes who share an unsurpassed camaraderie.
Whether in 1979 or 2024, baseball players know the importance of being part of a team where each member uniquely fills a role that collectively supports their goals. Players are dedicated to their sport, love what they do, and are passionate about excelling and pushing through difficult times. Their rigorous training underscores the value of relentless preparation, physically and mentally. They understand the importance of being accountable to themselves and their teammates. They strive for consistent performance through disciplined practice in their quest for success. They trust their instincts, adapt, and make adjustments that are critical for success. Collectively, we embrace these traits, which provide lifelong benefits long after our days on the diamond.
Congratulations to this year's CWS champions, the Tennessee Vols, and all the teams that made it to Omaha. Thank you to players of all ages who lace up their cleats or sneakers, step onto the diamond, and carry on baseball's timeless traditions. Your dedication and passion make a lasting impact on the sport we love to play and watch.
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