(I had to see it with my own eyes this morning! Took several pictures. Above is one).
As an alumus of USC (December 1992), I couldn’t be more proud of what this year’s baseball team has accomplished. I have only been to two games this year (both victories) but was impressed with their fightin’ spirit and never-say-die attitude during both those games. A “score fest” versus Alabama earlier this year and the clinching game in the opening round Regional at Carolina Stadium (a.k.a “The Ray”).
Obviously, that fightin’ spirit was alive and well the past few weeks as they clawed beat Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina before starting off their Omaha play with an opening loss to Oklahoma. This team faced 4 elimination games and won all four (top seed Arizona State, Oklahoma – who beat them days earlier, and two against in-state rival Clemson) before they set the stage for the final series v. UCLA. We all know the final outcome and have seen a city and state (well, maybe half the state) come together and embrace some positive national attention .
It took me 39 years to finally see it but the day finally came! I even kept the kids up to watch the historic moment! I know others have been waiting longer and the emotions showed at the welcome home celebration yesterday at Colonial Life Arena.
Of course, let’s not forget Bayler Teal and his family . It’s times like these that give even more meaning when men and women stand together and sing:
We hail thee, Carolina, and sing thy high praise
With loyal devotion, remembering the days
When proudly we sought thee, thy children to be:
Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee!
Thanks guys, Coach Tanner and the other coaches for giving our state something to smile about and change the tone about how the nation views South Carolina!