In the complete definition of multi-layered anomaly, planet NCAA was granted a brief respite and the shackles from a reputation of ardent bureaucracy rivaling the dystopia of the International Olympic Commission were briefly removed by a modern fairy tale on the baseball diamond.
Coastal Carolina won the 2016 NCAA Baseball Championship.
If that statement does not facilitate at least low level shock or pique minuscule interest, hope has left the universe.
Coastal Carolina was actually the Vegas favorite before defeating historic powerhouse Arizona 4-3 at the College World Series in Omaha. The victory earned the small liberal arts school with an enrollment of 9,000 and located in Conway, South Carolina, its first NCAA crown in any sport. On the other hand, big bad boy major Arizona boasts 4 NCAA trophies in baseball, has produced household names such as Kenny Lofton, Trevor Hoffman and J.T. Snow, and has a stadium capacity larger than Coastal Carolina’s student population.
The mathematics and circumstances going against the Chanticleers actually advancing to the World Series and winning a championship are fascinating. Of course, much like Men’s basketball the baseball tournament brackets are set by seeding, with the teams from the larger conferences earning the top seeds. Unlike the basketball model, higher seeded teams are awarded the advantage of hosting games and the built-in home field advantage.
To label Coastal’s journey arduous and inspiring does not do the players, coaches, or fans justice.
VIDEO: A Celebration of Victory for the Underdog in Omaha