Was waiting for the end of series to post. I didn't want it to be taken as a sore loser post, because there are no losers when you get to Omaha, only one team who wins.
I have been getting a kick out of some of the comments made here during the last week and a half.
First of all comments about ACC domination discussion. Four teams to Omaha in one year from the same conference is amazing. But once you get there all teams are equal. Getting there is an accomplishment, and now it's up to the best to get to the finals. After meeting some of the OSU players, hearing how they felt how they got no respect, I knew they would take it in the end, despite my ACC roots with a hope for UNC to take the championship.
There are lots of outside factors that can determine a win or loss. Any player playing there as a repeat has an advantage, wind conditions, mega attention, field conditions, heat, coaching decisions, understanding the finals, etc. To call out any player because he may have made an error that may have cost the game because that is where the coach decided to play him that day makes no sense. The point is, he was there that is what counts. Most of you have no clue as to what goes on, eg. why Fox went to the mound, etc. and I realize it is up for discussion, but some remarks can be taken as mean spirited.
I do not agree with the behavior with the Rice players, but it was unfortunate to be picked up on national TV, but I can understand the frustration, from a player's point of view. The pressure is tremendous, especially if you are a higly ranked player with high expectations not performing as expected.
Omaha is a great venue and an opportunity of a lifetime for players and their families, win or lose and a trip that should be taken by every player who aspires some day to play at the college level.
I repeat what Prepster has said, congratulations to the winners and to all the players that were able to experience the trip as participants.
Original Post