Join the Titans on the Road to Omaha

At the Pub

2006-06-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

I swung by the Off Campus Pub to add some hometown flavor to our Omaha coverage.

There was a fairly small but vocal contingent of Titan fans there, cheering every defensive strikeout and offensive hit.

I spoke with students Jill Ibarra and Vanessa Amaro, who both said they've attended almost every home game this season. They said they would have liked to have traveled to Omaha but just didn't have the money to do so. They decided hanging out at the Pub would be the next best thing.

"You're around people your age and fellow Titan fans," Ibarra said. "It's just a more exciting experience (than watching from home).

Buena Park resident Chuck Egbert agreed. Egbert, who first started following the Titans in 1995 when he came to campus to check out former star Mark Kotsay, has been a season ticket holder for eight years.

"It's a blast," he said of Pub watching parties. "Instead of high-fiving the wall, you're high-fiving other fans."

When I left the Pub, the Titans were trailing 4-2 in the third inning. But the fans there hadn't lost faith, and hopefully the team can rally and pull out another comeback win.

Signing back on

2006-06-21T11:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back in Fullerton and we've decided to resurrect the blog and capture some of the hometown fan perspective here. You can still keep in touch with the going-ons in Omaha by visiting Cathi Douglas' Web site at this address. But here, we're planning on asking a question of the day and hoping to get a lot of fan interaction, so I encourage you to post your comments.

So before I head to the Off Campus Pub to catch some of the game, I wanted to post today's question:

Do you think the Titans can take two straight games from the Tarheels and advance to the championship series?

North Carolina has some great pitching, but so do our Titans. So what do you think? Can the Titans do it? Can they continue their magical run and win two in a row?

Signing Off

2006-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I return to California, so this will be my last post. But this blog isn't going away. Cathi Douglas, editor of Titan Magazine, will be taking over and should give a fresh perspective on Omaha. View her blog

I really enjoyed my trip to Omaha. It was my first College World Series experience, and it was time well spent.

Hopefully the Titans can keep on winning and bring a title back to Fullerton. Thanks to everyone who helped me out along the way.

Go Titans!!

Around the Horn

2006-06-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

A few odds and ends I thought I'd share:

Parking around Rosenblatt Stadium is severely limited, and getting a parking pass is near impossible. Snaring one is like having gold in Omaha, so most people are forced to park on the streets and walk a good mile or so to the stadium. This hasn't gone unnoticed by Omaha residents who have made quite a business out of the parking shortage. Many residents have turned their front yards into temporary parking lots, charging anywhere from $5-$20 a day to park your car there. On one of my hikes to the stadium, I counted seven such lots, so I thought I'd stop and chat with one of the lot's owners. At Greg Wolfe's lot, he charges $9 a day and can park up to 30 cars. Wolfe, a real estate broker who has owned the lot for three years, says he makes close to $1,500 during the College World Series on his parking venture. Not a bad two-week payout.

Omaha is hot. Really hot. It's been in the 90s most of the week, but it feels like about 153 degrees when you're sitting at the stadium and the sun is blazing down on you. I grew up in Texas and used to consider a 90 degree summer day mild. But after living in Southern California for the past two years, I think I've become accustomed to the mild summers because this feels almost unbearable. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 97. Yikes.

And finally, and most importantly, while you may not be able to help the Titans win on the field, you can help them cover some of their World Series expenses. The team can spend close to $100,000 at the World Series in costs that aren't covered by the NCAA. Fans and alumni can assist the Titans in reimbursing these expenses by donating to the Titan Athletics Club. If you're in Omaha, you can swing by the Titan House and make a donation there. If you're elsewhere, you can make a donation through this Web site. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the baseball team, and Pamela Jones-Tintle, director of development for athletics, said the team has already raised close to $11,000 during the past week.

At the Helm of Titan Baseball History

2006-06-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Matt Helm was playing baseball for Cal State Fullerton before Cal State Fullerton even had an official baseball team.

Helm, who I chatted with at the Titan House, was one of the founding members of Titan baseball way back in the 1960s. Helm said he was sitting in the library one day during his junior year in 1963 when he decided the school needed a baseball team.

So Helm said he and a few of his buddies put together an 11-man club team and Warren Beck, a physical education instructor, agreed to coach the squad.

Helm said the team played primarily area junior colleges and wasn’t very good, but he’s proud to have helped initiate what has become one of college baseball’s elite programs.

“I knew what this program could become,” he said. “I thought if we could get the right kids here, we could win a national championship, and we have.”

Helm never had that opportunity while he was playing. In fact, he never had the chance to play as a member of a varsity team, as he was no longer with the squad when the team assumed intercollegiate status in 1965.

But that hasn’t kept Helm from experiencing national titles as a fan.

Helm, who said he had fallen out of touch with the team for the better part three decades, reconnected once he retired in 1996. Now the Missouri resident said he tries to catch at least one home series a year and has been to the College World Series four times, including the 2004 championship run.

He’s now become one of the Titans' biggest supporters and plans on being in Omaha whenever the Titans are here playing.

“I always said I’d like to be here when we won one and we did that,” Helm said. “Now I’m greedy and want to win another one.”

“As long as I’ve got my health, I’ll be here. I do what I do because I love the program.”

Stayin' Alive

2006-06-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it doesn't get much more exciting than that.

It looked pretty grim for the Titans, down 5-4 with two outs and nobody on base in the ninth inning. But the Titans pulled off an unforgettable comeback, rallying for three runs in the inning and keeping their season alive with a 7-5 victory Sunday over Georgia Tech.

Junior Blake Davis initiated the heroics with his two-out single to left field. Junior Brett Pill followed by stroking a double to right-center field to put runners on second and third. Then after an intentional walk of senior Danny Dorn, pinch hitter Cory Vanderhook came through with an infield hit up the middle that Georgia Tech's shortstop couldn't handle, scoring two runs, giving the Titans a 6-5 lead and triggering a mad celebration among Titan fans in the stands. The team would add one more insurance run in the inning, and then closer Ryan Paul shut down the Yellow Jackets in the ninth to close out the game.

Following the contest, many Titan supporters caravanned across the street to the Titan House to celebrate. The team joined us shortly thereafter and we all ate another fantastic barbecue dinner together. Players and coaches signed autographs, chatted with the fans, discussed the game, and at one point I overheard coach George Horton say he felt like the president.

Well I can guarantee you that following today's memorable win, Horton is far more popular than the president in most Titan fans' minds.

Next up for the Titans is another elimination game against the Clemson Tigers at 2 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday. The Titans still have a lot of work to do if they hope to reclaim the nationial title, but after Sunday's dramatic victory, maybe this is a team of destiny.

Taking on a New Role

2006-06-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

Jeff Soulages and Jon Wilhite aren’t used to being fans.

I ran into the pair before the team’s first game Friday at Titan House – a place neither expected to be spending their Omaha experiences just a few months ago.

Soulages and Wilhite are both members of the baseball team, but neither is able to suit up and participate in games during the World Series. Soulages, a sophomore pitcher, tore a ligament in his elbow in March and is now out after having Tommy John surgery in April. Wilhite, a redshirt sophomore catcher, is behind John Curtis and Cory Vanderhook on the depth chart. And because CWS rosters are limited to a precious 25 spots, there wasn’t room for either on the active roster.

Both, however, were able to travel with the team. This is Soulages’ first CWS experience with the Titans. But for Wilhite, this is the second time he’s been unable to join his teammates in the dugout. Wilhite was a redshirt freshman when the Titans won the title in 2004, but couldn’t travel with the team to Omaha because of his redshirt year. He does, however, own a championship ring and did get to make the trip to Washington D.C. when the Titans were honored by President Bush at the White House.

Stopping by the Titan House was obviously a bitter-sweat experience for the duo, but they were both encouraged by the support they saw and will continue to serve as loyal fans and rally behind their teammates.

“I’ve never really met anyone here because I’m always on the field,” Soulages said. “So it’s nice to be able to meet everyone that supports the program.”

Added Wilhite: “I got to work out with the team (during practice) Thursday and be on the field during the opening ceremonies. It’s a lot different being a fan than it is a player.”

The Titan House

2006-06-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I made reference to the Titan House, but I wouldn’t be doing it justice with just a brief mention. So here’s a little more about what has become a very popular place for Titan fans in Omaha.

The Titan House sits literally right across the street from Rosenblatt Stadium, and is a place where Titan alumni and fans can congregate and hang out before and after games.

The two-story house is decked out in Titan signs and gear, sports four TVs (all tuned to college baseball, of course), including a 62-inch model under a tent out back, and is stockpiled with free food and drinks.

Fans spend their time there swapping stories about their favorite Titan moments, creating signs and banners to take to the game, watching college baseball and eating barbecue (yesterday we had hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chicken, beef and anything else you can think to throw on the grill).

I spoke to Carlos Leija, executive director of alumni relations for the university, who told me the idea for the house was born in 2001 when Leija came to Omaha during the College World Series and saw Titan fans scattered all over the town with no central meeting place to gather.

“People were tailgating in the parking lot, they were in bars and in hotels, and I told myself if I ever come back, I’d try to do something about that,” Leija said.

So in 2003, when the Titans returned to Omaha, Leija found a house to rent on 13th Street. Word quickly spread, and Titan fans showed up in droves.

In 2004, the Titans were again back Omaha and so was the Titan House, albeit in a slightly different locale. Titan House moved a few houses down the street to what is now its current location.

It continues to thrive (on game days the house can draw several hundreds of fans), and Leija says he hopes the house and the fun atmosphere it brings will become a staple in Omaha just as the Titans have.

“The people who’ve come back from ’03 and ’04 are always so excited and grateful (for the house),” Leija said. “The alumni are really stepping up and we’ve seen contributions coming in for baseball just because of this house. It’s just brought about a great sense of good will. It’s been a win, win, win (situation).”

Recognizing Bryan Harris

2006-06-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Apparently Thursday's opening ceremonies did not go off without a hitch.

As was reported earlier on this blog, freshman Joe Scott was recognized for having the team's highest individual GPA. That honor, however, should have gone to junior designated hitter Bryan Harris, who boasts a 3.57 average. Somewhere in Omaha there was a mix-up and the wrong player was announced during the ceremonies.

So let's congratulate both Bryan and Joe for their hard work in the classroom.

Down But Not Out

2006-06-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

Rough start for the Titans tonight.

The good guys dropped their opening game of the College World Series in a heartbreaking 7-5 loss in 13 innings to North Carolina.

It was an ominous game from the get go as the Titans fell behind 4-2 after the first two innings. But the team rallied back to take a 5-4 lead in the third on a three-run home run by Jared Clark. North Carolina then tied the game at 5-5 in the fifth and the score would remain that way until the Tarheels took the lead for good with a two-run 13th inning.

And while the final results were a downer, the pre-game festivities certainly were not.

I swung by the Titan House -- a gathering point for Titan fans and alumni -- around 1 p.m. There, myself and probably close to a 100 other Titan supporters mingled, ate some good barbecue, watched the early baseball game between Clemson and Georgia Tech and had an all-around great time. CSUF President Milton Gordon even made a special appearance and rallied support for the team.

The Titan House is a wonderful place for Titan fans to spend time together, and I'll have more on the house later this weekend.

But it's just past 12:30 a.m. on Friday night, and after spending most of the day on my feet in the hot sun, I'm pooped.

So I'm going to head to bed, but I'll be back at Rosenblatt Stadium on Sunday at 11 a.m. Pacific time to cheer the Titans on as they hope to avoid elimination against Georgia Tech. Hopefully the team can get rolling and continue their run toward another national title.

Opening Ceremonies

2006-06-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

My first full day in Omaha concluded with the College World Series’ opening ceremonies.

Our Titans led off the program as the first team to enter Rosenblatt Stadium. They paraded in carrying an orange Cal State Fullerton flag, while highlights of their postseason run were playing on the jumbotron in the left field.

The seven other participating teams – Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon State and Rice – followed. Then one athlete who had the highest individual GPA on his respective team was honored for academic achievement. Freshman infielder Joe Scott was singled out during the ceremony as the top Titan. However, there was apparently some confusion, and that recognition should have gone to junior designated hitter Bryan Harris, who has earned a 3.57 average.

The festivities ended with a fireworks display that lasted roughly 15 minutes. Word of caution: Don’t ever try to use a digital camera that has a three-second delay to snap pictures of fireworks. It’s not gonna work. Fortunately, I was able to capture the last few minutes of the show with my video camera. Here’s a little taste of what we saw.

Now the real fun begins Friday when the tournament finally kicks off. The Titans will open play at 4 p.m. Pacific time against North Carolina. No worries here. This isn’t basketball we’re playing.

***UPDATE: This post has been edited to refelct that Bryan Harris should have been honored as the Titan player with the highest GPA on the team.

What's a Titan?

2006-06-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

It’s not difficult finding young Titan fans roaming around Omaha. I did find out today, however, that it isn’t easy finding one who can actually tell you what a Titan is.

Usually you get a blank stare when that question is posed, followed by either silence or a ‘beats me.’ I guess you have to rely on our more seasoned fans for the proper explanation.

Take a look at this video clip to see what I mean.

Care to comment? Tell us what you think a Titan is.

Giving Back

2006-06-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Titans come to Omaha to win titles, but they’re also here to win over the fans.

Today the Titans followed their morning practice at Rosenblatt Stadium with an autograph session where the entire team signed balls, gloves, posters and other memorabilia for hundreds of spectators.

The line of folks waiting for signatures stretched along almost an entire half of the stadium’s concourse and was filled with fans from all eight of the series’ participating teams.

And for players like fifth-year senior Joe Turgeon, who has only recorded 29 at bats this season and rarely plays, he knows this is his chance to make a real difference this weekend.

This is Turgeon’s third trip to Omaha, and as he explains in this video clip, interacting with fans is an experience that rivals any success the Titans could have on the field.

Welcome to Omaha

2006-06-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

If you follow college baseball, you know Omaha, Neb., is the place to be in June. And if you follow the Titans, you know Omaha is where they usually are in June.

It’s been two years since the Cal State Fullerton baseball team captured its fourth national championship. And after a year away from Omaha, the Titans are back, looking to reclaim the crown.

I, Robby Nisenfeld – news assistant in the public affairs office – have the fortune of being there with them. And this blog is my attempt to give you a snapshot of what it’s like to be a fan in Omaha.

I’ll be tracking the team, the fans, the games, the festivities and whatever else I happen to stumble upon. So if you can’t be in Omaha, hopefully this will be the next best thing.

Check back regularly, cheer on the team and go Titans!!

Welcome Titan Fans!

2006-06-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

Cal State Fullerton's baseball team has done it again! They're in Omaha for the 2006 College World Series!! We are so proud of our Titans and look forward to some great games over the next several days.

Check right here to get the latest from Omaha and at home.

We invite you to post your thoughts about the team, the games, and our love of baseball!