It’s all about the love of the game

My son and I were recently able to go to the opening weekend of the NCAA baseball College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. As a TCU graduate and having a son who loves baseball it was a memorable weekend in the making as TCU hadn’t been to the CWS since 2017.

After our drive due North, we arrived at what I thought would be a typical baseball game, or any sporting match for that matter. Two teams with fans for those teams. 

What I wasn’t expecting to see was an abundance of different fans from schools all over the nation. There were eight teams playing in the CWS, but to look in the stands, it can take a minute to know which two teams are playing.

We first stopped by the TCU tailgate in the Beer Garden. There were lines of tents along the path with merchandise such as hats, t-shirts, towels, bats, balls, pins, and so many things. 

The Horned Frog mascot walked through the beer garden and just about everyone wanted to take their picture with that fun-loving mascot. He met the Oral Roberts Golden Eagle mascot and had a friendly game of rock-paper-scissors that had everyone laughing and enjoying their time, regardless of school affiliation. 

Unfortunately, the Horned Frog lost, and well, later, so did TCU.

Walking into Charles Schwab Stadium was electric. The perfectly mowed green grass, the fresh white chalk lines, the smell of concession stands, the chatter of excited people, two teams warming up on the field, a college baseball fan's dream.

After finding our seats I realized I drove to Nebraska only to sit by a man wearing a burnt orange University of Texas shirt. He asked if it was okay that he cheered for TCU. We had a laugh and I said, “Yes, please!”

As soon as the game started, the entire stadium came alive. No matter the seat, every fan in the stadium had a great view. Although if you go to the daytime game, I do recommend sitting in rows 23-30 for the shade. The outfield was painfully hot.

Regardless of the heightened security at the entrances, beach balls made their way to the stands. Every once in a while, you would see three or four colorful balls go flying up and get passed around in the outfield. A few were lost to the field staff, who I assume do not find these shenanigans amusing.

Then came the infamous wave. The crowd went around the stadium quite a few times tossing their hands in the air and screaming as their turn came, albeit it took quite a few comical failed attempts to get it started. 

These little things are what make this event so special as no matter the school on the front of the shirt, they were vibrant and exciting just to be there.

The game was exciting to watch too! TCU was up 5-2 in the eighth inning. The stadium was rocking. Back and forth cheering. Then in the ninth with two runners on base, Oral Roberts hit a home run and TCU lost 6-5, breaking our 11-game winning streak.

The next day, we went to the LSU vs. Tennessee evening game. I wanted to see what two SEC teams play like and see the difference between the crowds. 

We were not disappointed. There were 25,000 people crammed in the stands that night. I thought for sure I would see the divide between purple and orange, but nope! Now don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of them.

In our section, there were Florida, Kansas State, Michigan, Ohio State, Baylor, Oral Roberts, South Carolina, and TCU fans, among others. The energy felt among fans from all over the country who watched teams they had no vested interest in displayed the passion and love they had for baseball. 

It truly changes how you feel about a game for the better, if not for the best.

I didn’t know who to cheer for, so I cheered for both teams. We watched the LSU pitcher Paul Skenes have an amazing appearance on the mound throwing 123 pitches and 12 strikeouts.

We sang Rocky Top when Tennessee scored. We were there for the love of the game.

We went back to the field the next day to watch TCU play their second game against Virginia. This being an elimination game for one of the teams made the experience even more tense, more exciting and all around perfect for even the most average of baseball fans. 

TCU almost had a repeat of the ninth inning rally from Virginia but in the end, TCU won 4-3.

It’s always fun to see TCU on the big stage. The small school in Fort Worth really does show up with fans. 

The CWS reminded me how much of a close-knit community we are. While there I

saw my dad’s neighbors, a friend from our son’s travel baseball team, an elementary school teacher from my daughter’s school, and yes, even our neighborhood UPS driver was there! I love our little school.

After the game we were walking to the car. I heard a son ask his father, “Dad, who did you want to win?” He answered, “I didn’t really have a team in the game, but I am happy that TCU won.” 

It made me smile. People were there for the love of the game.

We left Omaha on a high. What an experience.

For my son to watch his favorite players on the biggest stage in college baseball with Cole

Fontenelle, Elijah Nunes, Brayden Taylor and so many more is something that neither he nor I will ever forget. Not just the games, we will never forget the atmosphere, the joy, and the passion of everyone who attended.

The Frogs went on to win another game against Oral Roberts. Even though I wasn’t there, I could feel the electricity through the TV.

Unfortunately, the team fell to Florida with a 3-2 loss. We needed that ninth inning rally, but it did not materialize.

What a season for the Horned Frogs. Midseason no one would have believed we would finish in the final four in the country at the College World Series.

As TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos said, “Every season has a story, but this one is pretty special.”

Laura Finer is the page designer for The Community News. She lives in Fort Worth with her family and is a TCU alumn