May 29, 2003
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Greetings from the 2003 NCAA Baseball Championships!
The Tigers are back in the "Diamond Dance" for the first time since 1996, and enjoying the opportunity to extend their season as they begin play in the NCAA Starkville Regional.
While many were cooking out or otherwise enjoying Memorial Day, the team was erupting in cheers at coach Tim Jamieson's house as ESPN unveiled the 64-team bracket. Two strong workouts and a couple of days of behind-the-scenes preparation later, Mizzou was on its way to Starkville on Wednesday.
There is something quite surreal about the silence of a bus filled with 30-plus college-aged men, but that is what you get when the itinerary calls for a 6 a.m. departure. After going through St. Louis, the bus turned south onto I-55, and eyes slowly started to open as the first of several movies were started.
The first chance to stretch the legs came just outside of Cape Girardeau, and the group quickly found its way rolling through Memphis just as the Elvis Presley scene in "Forrest Gump" flashed on the screens.
Southern hospitality made its first display during the final stop of the day in Batesville, Miss. A gentleman befriended Garrett Broshuis and Derek Roper in the parking lot, and upon learning that he was chatting with members of the Missouri baseball team, suggested he'd call his friend who was the local high-school coach to offer the school's field for an impromtu practice. The pitchers politely declined, mentioning that the Tigers would work out upon their arrival in Starkville.
Just before dinner, the team arrived in the college home of Rafael Palmeiro, Will Clark and Jeff Brantley, among others. On its way to Starkville High for its practice, the team stopped at Dudy Noble Field for a quick glance at its competitive home for the next few days.
Thursday offered a chance to get on the playing surface, along with a final empty view of the fan shanties that comprise the "Left-Field Lounge". Starting Friday, these makeshift bleachers will come alive with homemade barbecue pits, chairs of all shapes and sizes, and plenty of camaraderie among those who simply love college baseball.
It's time.