Reply to "South Carolina"

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
I know a lot of Clemson people who are in pain today, but I never really understood the hatred that the two have for each other. And it's a real hatred, even between families and friends.

There are a couple of bittersweet stories unknown about some of the players, Scott Wingo for one. From a family of die hard Tigers, he was not offered a scholardship to play at Clemson, so he went to USC. It had nothing to do with ability, it was just one of those things and it didn't sit too well with many Clemson fans that knew the family.

USC always came second to many players from south carolina, with Clemson being more of the s e x y school, with better baseball facilities along with a nicer campus. It's always been about football for both schools, with bseball always taking a back seat. USC made a commitment and built a beautiful new baseball stadium, and this has helped recruiting, just goes to show what happens when the athletic department shows you they are committed to your success.

There are a lot of good things going on in that state, lots of good baseball programs. I kind of figured that once they got past a national seed, they weren't stopping, and two teams playing each other that play 4 times a year was pretty exciting to watch in Omaha. Clemson took the series this year, something they have only done a few times. I was behind USC because I am kind of tired about the east/west coast baseball thing, time for an eastern team to take the championship and great for the SEC, who I feel is the best conference in baseball (my opinion).

Congrats to pitching coach Mark Calvi, who we have known for many many years. It was actually Calvi (who was at FIU at the time) who told son, no other place to even consider than Clemson, when others were giving opinions. How ironic is that.

There is no long term sadness in losing, the sadness lasts for a few hours, they know how hard it was to get there and that's special. The next day you wake up, hop on a chartered plane back home, probably have to head out by tomorrow for summer ball decide about going pro and the sadness you feel is replaced by the sadness that for some that may be the last time they will wear the uniform, last time they will play with their teammates who are like your brother. Last time your coach will be there for you, fans, etc. That's the sadness of it all.

Last night was a great game, one of the best I can remember, and very befitting for the last game to be played at Rosenblatt.

Congratulations to all of your sons that made the playoffs, that won their regional, that won their super regionals to get to Omaha, it's a very difficult place to get to.