With the College World Series (CWS) starting soon this is a great time to look at fun facts around this beloved national pastime.

For those unfamiliar with this event, it is an annual championship tournament in college baseball, showcasing the top eight teams from across the United States. Held in Omaha, Nebraska, the CWS has become a celebrated event in the world of collegiate sports. 

Home of the College World Series: While the first CWS tournament happened in 1947, since 1950 Omaha, Nebraska has been its home.

The Unforgettable Walk-Off:  In 2013, the UCLA Bruins won their first College World Series title since 1995., Game 3 lasted a staggering 18 innings. Concluding with UCLA eventually winning on a walk-off single in the bottom of the 18th.

Historic Title Streak:   From 1999 to 2002, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning four consecutive College World Series championships. USC’s reign demonstrated their dominance during that period, leaving a mark in college baseball history that is yet to be surpassed.

First Time Charmers: A few universities have made an immediate impact in their first-ever College World Series appearance. In 1954, Rollins College, located in Winter Park, Florida, captured the championship trophy on their maiden CWS appearance. Additionally, in 2016, Coastal Carolina University, hailing from Conway, South Carolina, won the College World Series in their debut year as well.

Stolen Base Streak: One of the most remarkable streaks in College World Series history was set by Wichita State’s Phil Stephenson. From 1981 to 1983, Stephenson successfully stole a base in seven consecutive games, showcasing his speed and agility on the big stage.

Rivalry Extravaganza: The College World Series often creates intense rivalries on the field. One of the most notable rivalries is between Cal State Fullerton and Stanford. These two teams faced off against each other in the College World Series four times between 1977 and 2003, making it one of the most heated rivalries in CWS history.

Shattered Windshield: In a game during the 1990 College World Series, the Texas Longhorns’ Keith Moreland hit a foul ball that shattered a car windshield in the parking lot. While it’s not uncommon for foul balls to find their way outside the stadium, the incident left one unlucky car owner with an unexpected surprise.

Celebrity Sightings: The College World Series has attracted its fair share of celebrity spectators over the years. Famous faces such as actor Will Ferrell, former MLB player Alex Rodriguez, and even former U.S. President George W. Bush have been spotted enjoying the games, adding to the excitement and allure of the event.

So enjoy your time in the sun if you get the chance to attend and keep these facts in mind as they sometimes have trivia contests during the game!