Collegiate Baseball Association

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The offseason was a busy one for Ephraim. He had wholeheartedly thrown himself into his job, determined to build the Collegiate Baseball Association into the pinnacle of college sports organizations. Ephraim, who was always on the lookout for new marketing ideas for the CBA, noticed an article in the paper about pharmacist John Pemberton from Georgia. Pemberton, it seemed, was injured in the Civil War and as a result on ongoing pain, became addicted to morphine. Realizing his addiction, he set out in 1866 to create an alternative medicine. In 1886, he patented his formula for Coca-Cola for the Pemberton Medicine Company. Unfortunately during this past year, Pemberton fell ill and agreed to sell the formula and patents to Asa Candler of Atlanta for $550 ($14,000 in 2018). Pemberton died shortly thereafter. Pemberton apparently believed his invention "some day will be a national drink." Ephraim wondered if it were really possible for a drink to become national, but he decided to keep an eye on the product and see what Candler did with his new business, which he was planning on naming "The Coca-Cola Company."

Ephraim had wondered if he had made a mistake with his decision to create two new regions and expand the playoffs. He was hoping the teams in the new regions would enter the postseason with winning records, or he was afraid he would never hear the end of it from the Board of Presidents or the sportswriters. The 1889 preseason predictions put his anxiety to rest, however, as all of the regional favorites were projected to finish above .500.



Harvard was the favorite to win the New England Region, which had produced four of the past five national champions. Brown and Yale were expected to challenge the Crimson, while Dartmouth was expected to finish at the bottom. Rutgers was named a slight favorite over Syracuse in the Northeast Region, followed by Columbia, Cornell, Fordham, and Princeton. In the Atlantic Region, VMI was projected to edge out Lehigh for the regional title. Penn was expected to contend for a playoff position and finish 3rd in the region. Mississippi State and Michigan State were expected to easily win their regions over the two new programs, Wake Forest and Northwestern.

On Opening Day, March 5th, Ephraim traveled to Evanston, Illinois to see Northwestern University begin their season in the CBA. President Matt Roman greeted Ephraim upon his arrival and introduced him to the team staff. He was already familiar with Athletic Director Dane Timpano, who had been fired by Harvard last year, while in his 11th season with the Crimson. Timpano had hired Travis Baughman, a newcomer to the CBA, as the Wildcat's manager. Baughman and Ephraim toured the Ballpark of Northwestern, which held 1700 people. The ballpark measured 319 and 317 down the left and right field lines, with left and right field coming in at 345 and 339. The gaps were 381 and 375 feet deep, while center field was 423 feet from home plate!! In addition, the walls were 10 feet high, expect in center, where it climbed to 14 feet.

"I'll be honest with you, Commissioner Herring, this team is going to struggle. They're young and inexperienced. They're going to have a steep learning curve getting adjusted to the CBA level of play," Baughman admitted.

Ephraim responded, "Manager Baughman, I have complete faith in you and your team. Yes, it will take time, but I expect great things from your program in the future. And trust me, with the size of this ballpark, there are going to be a lot of CBA players struggling to cover all this territory or getting the ball over the top of those walls."

The game didn't go well for the Wildcats, as they faced off against the Penn Quakers in front of 240 fans. Penn was up 9-0 midway through the 6th before Northwestern found their stride in the bottom half of the frame and scored twice. Eventually though, they lost 9-4.

The following week, Ephraim traveled to Wake Forest, North Carolina, for the Demon Deacons' home opener against Lafayette. Wake Forest had started the season 1-4, and President Omar Garcia wasn't thrilled, but realized the team had an uphill battle with being the new kids in town. Ephraim met with Athletic Director Steve McBride, who had just come back into the CBA after being away for a decade. McBride was the AD for Columbia from 1872-1875, in the association's early years. After doing an interim stint at Penn in 1877, he was hired by Lehigh. McBride made it about 3/4 of the 1878 season before being fired.

"I had to take a break, Commissioner Herring. It was just too much for my family, changing jobs and moving. We moved down south and just focused on what was important to us. But I still had the desire to run an athletic department, so when I heard about Wake Forest joining the CBA, I just had to go for it," McBride told him, as the two were touring the new stadium. Wake Forest Grounds held a capacity crowd of 1500 people and definitely had a unique design. The left field line was 342 feet, while the right field line was 323 feet. It was 370 to left field proper and twenty feet shorter in right. The gaps kept the 20 foot difference, with left center at 410 and right center at 390. Straight up center field was 422 feet from home. The park definitely favored to left handed hitters, not only in distance, but with fence height as well. The left field wall stood at 14 feet, dropped to 10 or 11 feet in left center and dead center, then plummeted to 6 feet high from right center on.

The game was rough, as only 197 people turned out for the contest. Wake Forest Manager Josh Christian was able to rally his team from deficits of 5-1 and 8-4, as the Demon Deacons walked off with an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th, winning 9-8.

The month of March seemed to be balanced, with a mix of headlines of shutout pitching performances and multi-hit games for batters. Michigan State lost their star player, sophomore right fielder Scott Johnson, to a ruptured achilles tendon. This was the second major injury for Johnson, who fractured his thumb in May 1888 to end his freshman campaign. Johnson had been hitting .438 on the season. By the end of the month, the favorites were performing as expected, with the lone exception being VMI, who was off to a slow start. Syracuse righty Jack Stivetts was named both Rookie and Pitcher of the Month. The sophomore transfer posted a 7-0 record and 1.43 ERA. Harvard junior right fielder Mike Tiernan was named Batter of the Month after hitting .403 in March, with three homers and 18 RBI.

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The month of April started out with great pitching by some players and great hitting by others. Bucknell lost junior third baseman Charlie Reilly for five weeks after he strained his elbow making a throw on April 5th. The following day, Ephraim's brother John, a senior pitcher for Villanova, threw a 4-0 shutout against Mississippi State. The win pushed his record to 5-3 on the year. On April 16th, Columbia senior Matt Kilroy earned his 50th career victory after pitching a three hitter against Northwestern. Kilroy struck out 15 Wildcat batters in the 5-0 win.

April 28th was a busy day for the Collegiate Baseball Association. VMI learned that senior center fielder Mike Ford would be out 4-5 weeks with an oblique strain, in all likelihood ending his season and collegiate career. In a game between Brown and Harvard, Crimson junior Gus Weyhing hit Bear sophomore Jon Swanson with a 1-2 pitch. Swanson charged the mound and the benches cleared. Both players would later end up being suspended four games by Commissioner Herring. As for the commissioner, Ephraim got word of Irene going into labor with their fifth child. He got home just in time to see his family grow once more. But there was a surprise, as Irene delivered not one child, but two!! A set of boy-girl twins. They named their son Thomas, after Ephraim's brother. Their daughter was named Louise.

The following day, Columbia learned they had lost junior third baseman Mike Ricci for the year with a broken bone in his elbow. The injury had occurred on April 26th during a 10-1 win over Fordham. Michigan State clinched the Great Lakes Region the same day, securing their position in the postseason. On April 30th, Mississippi State sophomore Frank Dwyer threw the sixth no-hitter in CBA history, a 9-1 win over Dartmouth. Dwyer struck out three and walked two in the game. The Spartans continued their good fortune as their top offseason recruit was named Rookie of the Month. Junior transfer Bug Holliday received the award after hitting .438 in April, with six home runs and 24 RBI. Pitcher of the Month honors were given to Lehigh junior Daniel Raley, after he finished the month at 7-0, with a 0.86 ERA. The Batter of the Month award again went to Harvard junior right fielder Mike Tiernan, who continued his great hitting with a .425 average for the month, six home runs, and 23 RBI. For the season, Tiernan is hitting .413, with nine homers and 41 RBI.

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May saw the Columbia Lions add onto their four game win streak, as they won their first seven games of the month to push the streak to 11 in their pursuit of the Northeast Region crown. On May 12th, Mississippi State claimed the first Southeast Region title. Syracuse continued their good play and it paid off for them, as they clinched the Northeast Region title on May 20th. It's the third regional title for the Orange. A couple of days later, Lehigh clinched their 4th Atlantic Region title to put themselves into the postseason. The Northeast Region dominated this season, as Cornell, Columbia, and Rutgers claimed all three Wild Card positions. As the regular season came to a close, the New England Region ended in a tie between Harvard and Yale. A tiebreaker game was played in Cambridge to decide the winner. Harvard took the game easily, winning 11-5. The win secured the 4th regional title for the Crimson.

Cornell junior second baseman Zach Thompson won the batting title, finishing the season with a .390 batting average. Harvard senior transfer, shortstop Herman Long, was named Rookie of the Month after hitting .370 in May, along with two homers and 14 RBI. Pitcher of the Month honors went to Columbia junior Cinders O'Brien, who posted a record of 6-1, with a 1.45 ERA in 7 starts. O'Brien finished the season with a 13-7 record for the second consecutive year. Harvard sophomore third baseman Bob Cook was named Batter of the Month after hitting .402 in May, with three home runs and 17 RBI.

The field of eight is set for the playoffs. Mississippi State will travel to Syracuse to start the Collegiate Playoff Series. Columbia visits regional rival Cornell, as both teams split their six regular season games. Rutgers hits the road to face Michigan State, while Harvard boards the train to play Lehigh.

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Game 1

The first game on the schedule for the day is Mississippi State (34-26) versus Syracuse (43-17). The Orange swept a two game series on the road against the Bulldogs on April 2-3, winning easily by scores of 9-0 and 6-1. Syracuse owns a 22-6 mark at Orange Ballpark this season. On the mound for the Bulldogs is senior Jason West (12-7, 3.22), while the Orange give the start to junior Kid Gleason (11-6, 2.91). The weather is a bit cool for this one, 59 degrees, and the wind is blowing from left to right at a clip of 20 mph, which is sure to make fly balls a little harder to pull in. There are 1791 fans in the stands as we get underway.

Mississippi State wastes no time, getting a lead off single to start the game. Combined with an error, the Bulldogs plate two in the top of the 1st for an early 2-0 lead. After a three up, three down for Syracuse, Mississippi State pushes another runner across the dish in the top of the 2nd, thanks to two more Orange errors. West sits Syracuse down in order again, and it's 3-0 Bulldogs at the end of two. After a scoreless 3rd, Bulldog junior third baseman Andrew McNeil hits an inside the park homer to lead off the 4th inning. Syracuse get their first hit in the bottom half of the 4th, but can't score, as Mississippi State leads 4-0 after four.

Senior center fielder Danny Johnson hits a two out triple for the Bulldogs in the 5th and subsequently scores on fellow senior Lave Cross' RBI single. The score remains 5-0 until the bottom of the 8th, when Syracuse finally gets a run on the board, compliments of senior second baseman Jason Jillson's two out RBI triple. Mississippi gets the run back in the top of the 9th, thanks to yet another Syracuse error, and go on to win the game by a score of 6-1.



Our next game has Columbia (37-23) traveling to Cornell (38-22). Both teams played six games against each other this season, with each team winning three times. Columbia was 14-14 on the road this year, while Cornell posted a 16-12 record at Big Red Ballpark. On the hill for the Lions is senior Matt Kilroy (15-4, 1.33). Kilroy led the CBA in multiple categories this season; ERA, WAR (6.8), Opp Avg (.188), and K's (129). Getting the nod for the Big Red is sophomore David Velez (12-5, 3.28). The weather here is the same as neighboring Syracuse, but the wind is only blowing from left to right at 9 mph. There are 1469 people at the ballpark to see this match up.

After a scoreless inning and a half, Cornell gets on the board first, thanks to an RBI single by Big Red senior third baseman Nick Dangel. Columbia takes the lead in the top of the 3rd, however, when junior first baseman Dan Palmer strokes a 2 RBI double down the first base line. The Lions hold their 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 5th, when Cornell freshman center fielder Dusty Miller scores, thanks to a Columbia fielding error. The game remains tied 2-2 as we head into the 7th. But an error and passed ball by Cornell allows Columbia to score twice in the top half of the inning and take a 4-2 lead. The score remains until the top of the 9th, when Columbia senior transfer center fielder Charlie Duffee cracks a two run shot to left, increasing the Lion lead to 6-2. Cornell would get a run in the bottom of the inning, but Columbia takes this one by the score of 6-3.



Rutgers (36-24) is on the road to take on Michigan State (38-22) in our next game. These teams split a two game series here in East Lansing just a week ago, during the final week of the regular season. Senior Jim Handiboe (8-12, 2.23) is on the mound for the Scarlet Knights, while the Spartans throw sophomore Scott Stratton (11-8, 2.54). There are 1571 people in Spartans Ballpark to see this one in 54 degree weather, with partly cloudy skies. The wind in blowing in from center at 11 mph.

The pitchers lock in and no one is able to score until the 4th inning, when Rutgers junior Omari Boyd cracks an RBI single to give the Scarlet Knights a 1-0 advantage. Michigan State would answer in the bottom half of the inning. Sophomore outfielder Steve Barrett delivers a lead off single for the Spartans and is sacrificed to second. Barrett then steals third, but a wild throw by Rutgers catcher Joe Mullen allows Barrett to score easily. Game tied 1-1. The tie held until the 6th inning, as Rutgers loaded the bases and scored a run on a wild pitch by Stratton. Michigan State tried to get that run back, but Handiboe keeps the Spartans at bay, as the Scarlet Knights take Game 1 by a score of 2-1.



Our final Game 1 features Harvard (35-26) at Lehigh (40-20). The Crimson were a terrible 13-19 on the road this year, while the Mountain Hawks put together a 20-10 home record. These two teams also split a two game set last week here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Today's game will be played in front of 1481 fans at Mountain Hawks Ballpark, where it is 56 degrees under partly cloudy skies. The wind is blowing from right to left at 8 mph. On the mound for the Crimson is sophomore Ad Gumbert (10-8, 3.11), while the Mountain Hawks start junior Daniel Raley (16-3, 1.90). Raley led the CBA in wins this season.

After a scoreless first, Harvard gets a bead on Raley, hitting a double, triple, and single en rout to scoring two times. The Crimson hit two more doubles in the top of the 3rd to score twice more, pushing their lead to 4-0. Both teams score in the 4th inning to make the score 5-1 Crimson. Harvard scores again in the 5th to increase their lead to 6-1, a lead they carried into the 7th inning. Lehigh strung together three base hits and scored twice in the bottom of the 7th to cut the lead down to 6-3. Harvard rebounds in the 9th, however, scoring twice more to pad their lead. Lehigh makes a last ditch attempt at a rally and score twice, but it's too little, too late, as the Crimson go on to win this one by the score of 8-5.

Game 2

Two days have passed and it's time for Game 2 of the Collegiate Playoff Series. Syracuse is on the road to play at Mississippi State. There are 1675 fans in Bulldogs Ballpark to watch this game under clear skies. The weather is beautiful here at 74 degrees, while a gentle breeze is blowing from right to left at 8 mph. The Orange send sophomore Brad Perry (11-2, 2.76) to the hill, while the Bulldogs pitch sophomore Fred Dwyer (12-8, 2.46).

Mississippi State gets the home crowd into the game early, scoring a run in the bottom of the 1st to take an early lead. Syracuse, however, answers in the top of the 2nd with a run of their own to tie it up. The score remains 1-1 until the bottom of the 4th. Two base hits by the Bulldogs set the stage for Andrew McNeil, who delivers a three run blast over the left center field wall, giving Mississippi State a 4-1 lead!! But the lead doesn't last long, as the Orange come back in the top of the 5th. Thanks to a base hit and two errors, Syracuse plates a run to cut the lead to 4-2. With two men on, sophomore DH Ken Bradley clears the bases with an inside the park home run, giving the Orange the lead, 5-4.

Syracuse adds another run in the 6th to make it 6-4. The Bulldogs respond in the bottom half of the inning with two base hits and a run of their own to cut the lead down to 6-5. But in the top of the 7th, junior right fielder Mauricio Mejia pounds a three run homer over the right center field wall for the Orange, pushing the Syracuse lead to 9-5!! The Orange add an insurance run in the 8th on their way to a series tying, 10-5 victory.



Cornell travels to New York City to face Columbia for their Game 2. Under 64 degree skies, Lions Ballpark is hosting 1765 fans for this game. The wind is blowing in from center at 12 mph. Taking the mound for the Big Red is junior transfer Alex Ferson (12-6, 2.73). On the hill for the Lions is junior Cinders O'Brien (13-7, 1.90).

After a scoreless 1st inning, Cornell delivers back-to-back solo home runs to lead off the 2nd. Junior second baseman Zach Thompson delivers an inside the park homer, while junior DH David Williams delivers the ball over the left field wall. Cornell would add to their lead in the top of the 3rd, thanks to an RBI double by senior right fielder Justin Kapp. Down 3-0, Columbia rallies in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game up, with two RBI singles and an RBI triple. The game stays tied as we go to the 7th, where Dan Palmer strokes an RBI single to give Columbia the lead, 4-3. Cornell responds, however, in the top of the 8th by getting three straight base hits, the last an RBI single by Kapp to tie the game once more. The game is still 4-4 as we go into the bottom of the 9th, where Lions freshman Walt Watts leads off with a single to left field. A fielding error on the subsequent at bat gives Watts third base. Cornell's defense implodes, as they commit a second error. Watts crosses the plate, giving Columbia the win, 5-4, as the Lions sweep the series from the Big Red, two games to none.



Our next game takes us to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where Rutgers is hosting Michigan State at the Ballpark of Rutgers. It's 70 degrees, with clear skies, and the wind is gently blowing in from right at 9 mph. There are 1685 people in attendance today, where they will see sophomore Joe Grieco (12-6, 3.51) on the mound for the Spartans and junior Mike Smith (14-5, 2.80) on the hill for the Scarlet Knights.

Smith carries a no-hitter through four innings, but Rutgers has only managed one hit themselves in the first three innings. That changes in the bottom of the 4th. The Scarlet Knights hit three singles and a triple, scoring twice to take the lead, 2-0. Michigan State gets a lead off single in the 5th to break up the no-no and later plates a run to cut the lead down to 2-1. But in the bottom of the 6th, Rutgers pushes two more runs across the plate to increase their lead to 4-1. The Spartans, however, have an answer in the top of the 7th, as they respond by scoring four times on four hits to take a 5-4 lead. Neither team can manage a run for the remainder of the game and Michigan State wins it 5-4 and ties the series up for a return to East Lansing.



Our final Game 2 features Lehigh at Harvard, where it is raining and 53 degrees at Crimson Ballpark. 1995 fans have braved the weather, which includes 17 mph winds blowing from right to left, to see this game. Mountain Hawks sophomore Cody Belair (12-8, 2.95) gets the start, as does Crimson junior Ed Beatin (10-11, 3.35). After Lehigh starts the game three up, three down, Belair struggles to start the game, giving up a single and walking three. Harvard got a run from the last walk, which occurred with the bases loaded. The Crimson double their lead in the 2nd, as they add another run to push themselves to a 2-0 advantage. But Lehigh takes advantage of three Harvard errors in the top of the 3rd to plate two runs of their own, tying the game 2-2. The tie would remain intact until the 5th inning, when Harvard takes the lead once more on an RBI single by senior catcher William Brown. Lehigh struggles at the plate the remainder of the game. Harvard adds an insurance run in the 8th, as they win the game, 4-2, and sweep the series, 2-0.

Game 3

The first of our two Game 3's on tap feature Mississippi State making a return trip to Syracuse. There are 1784 fans at Orange Ballpark under partly cloudy skies and 57 degree weather. West and Gleason are again the starters, as they were four days ago in Game 1. Gleason gives up a lead off single to begin the game, but settles down. West, however, has a rough 1st, giving up five hits, three singles and two doubles, to the home team. Syracuse plates four and after one, the Orange have the early lead. The Bulldogs recover a run in the 2nd inning, cutting the lead down to 4-1. But in the 3rd, Syracuse DH Ken Bradley sends a solo shot over the right field wall. Orange now lead, 5-1. Gleason gives up a run to Mississippi State in the 5th, but shuts them down after that, as Syracuse cruises to a 5-2 victory, winning the series two games to one.



The final game of the Collegiate Playoff Series has Rutgers returning to East Lansing to face Michigan State. Game 1 starters Handiboe and Stratton return as the starters. There are 1560 people in the stands, enjoying partly cloudy skies, with a temperature of 64 degrees and a light wind blowing in from right. Stratton keeps the Scarlet Knights hitless for the first two innings, but neither team scores. But Rutgers finally gets to Stratton in the 3rd, hitting two singles and a double, while scoring twice. Down 2-0, Michigan State finally pushes a run across in the 4th, cutting the lead to 2-1. Rutgers answers immediately in the 5th, however, recovering the run and increasing their lead to 3-1. The Knights manage to plate two more runs in the 6th to increase their advantage to 5-1. An inside the park homer in the 7th pushes the Rutgers lead to 6-1. The Spartans manage a run in the bottom half of the inning, only to have the Scarlet Knights score twice more in the 8th to make it 8-2. Michigan State scores again in the 8th, but Rutgers goes on to win, 8-3, and takes the series 2-1.



So, the Collegiate Semi-Final Series are set, with Columbia headed north to take on Syracuse, while Harvard heads to New Jersey to battle Rutgers.

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Game 1

The first game of the newly formed Collegiate Semi-Final Series features the Columbia Lions at the Syracuse Orange. It's 64 degrees at Orange Ballpark with clear skies, but the wind is blowing out to right at 16 mph. There are 1788 fans on hand for this game. Senior Matt Kilroy (1-0, 1.00 ERA) gets the start for the Lions, while sophomore Brad Perry (1-0, 5.00 ERA) is on the mound for Syracuse.

Columbia goes down in order to start things off. Kilroy and the Lions continue their shaky start, as Kilroy issues two walks and his defense commits two errors. Syracuse manages a run out of the deal and take an early 1-0 lead. After another three up, three down inning, Kilroy and Columbia come back out in the 2nd. After recording two quick outs, Kilroy gives up a single and a double, but Syracuse senior Bob Samuel is cut down at the plate by a great throw by left fielder Jeff Gogins for the final out!! Columbia has yet to record a hit by the 4th inning, but Gogins reaches base on an error. After stealing second, Gogins is sacrificed to third. Then he scores on a passed ball to tie the game, 1-1!!

After managing a base hit, an infield single, in the 5th inning, the Lions' bats warm up in the 6th, as junior third baseman Roman Bush leads off the inning with a triple! Junior Dan Palmer then delivers a two out, RBI single to right to bring Bush home and give the Lions a 2-1 lead! The score remains as we head to the bottom of the 9th. Kilroy issues a lead off walk, then throws wild to give the Syracuse runner second base. But Samuel, the Orange left fielder, is having no luck today, as he lines the ball to left for the out. The runner at second thought for sure it was going to fall in for a hit, but it's too late for him and he gets doubled up at second!! Columbia and Kilroy get the final out two batters later and hold on to win this one, 2-1.



The second game of the day is between the Harvard Crimson and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. There are 1699 people here at the Ballpark of Rutgers, and they're enjoying some beautiful weather for today's game. It's 75 degrees and clear skies, with the wind blowing in from center at 10 mph. Sophomore Ad Gumbert is on the hill for Harvard. Gumbert is 1-0, with a 1.00 ERA, in the playoffs. On the mound for the home team is junior Mike Smith, who is 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA in the postseason.

The first three innings belong to the pitchers, as Gumbert gives up a single run in the 2nd and Smith has yet to allow a base hit. That changes, however, in the top of 4th, when Crimson senior Herman Long leads the inning off with a single to right center. He advances to third on a steal attempt where the catcher threw wild. Long would score on a fielder's choice and give Harvard a 1-0 lead. The pitcher's duel continues inning after inning. Harvard misses a chance to put runs on the board in the top of the 6th, as Smith issues three free passes. But the runners are all stranded. Likewise, Rutgers can't capitalize on a single and double in the bottom half of the 6th. Things change in the 7th, however. Harvard sophomore first baseman Tom West leads off the inning by hitting an inside the park home run on a deep fly to left. Two more hits in the inning, plus a Scarlet Knight error, leads to three more Crimson runs, as Harvard pushes their lead to 4-0.

Rutgers has no answer for Gumbert. They manage to push a run across in the bottom of the 9th, but Harvard ends up winning this one by the score of 4-1. It could have been worse, as Smith ends up setting a playoff record with eight walks.

Game 2

Syracuse travels to New York City to face Columbia at Lions Ballpark for this important Game 2 match up. Junior Kid Gleason (1-1, 2.50) gets the nod for the Orange. The Lions send junior Cinders O'Brien (1-1, 2.50) to the mound. There are 1766 people in attendance, with the temperature at 78 degrees. The skies are clear, but that wind is pushing out to left at a brisk 19 mph.

The game starts off with Syracuse left fielder Bob Samuel changing his luck, as he leads off by reaching base on a Columbia fielding error. Samuel steals second, then advances to third on a ground out. Sophomore first baseman Jake "Eagle Eye" Beckley then connects and delivers an RBI single to left field. Beckley hit .341 this season for Syracuse. The Orange hold onto their 1-0 lead as we enter the 3rd inning. Syracuse junior third baseman Mike Bromberek doubles down the right field line to start things off. Samuel then reaches on yet another error. With two men on and one out, Beckley comes through again, sending a double down the left field line to score both runners and give the Orange a 3-0 lead!!

After a couple of scoreless innings, Syracuse added to their lead in the 6th inning. The Orange get three base hits, and coupled with a Columbia error, they score twice to push the lead to 5-0. Gleason cruises through the rest of the game, keeping the Columbia bats silent, as the Orange go on to win with a 5-0 shutout, tying the series and sending it back to Syracuse.



Rutgers is on the road against Harvard in an attempt to extend their season. It's 72 degrees with clear skies at Crimson Ballpark, where 1999 fans have come out to see this game. The wind is blowing in from center at 13 mph. The Scarlet Knights send senior Jim Handiboe (2-0, 0.50) to the mound, while the Crimson give the starting nod to junior Ed Beatin (1-0, 0.00). After Beatin sends Rutgers down in order to start the game, senior catcher Jack Boyle manages a lead off walk in the bottom of the 1st. After a pop out, Boyle tries to steal second. The throw is wild and he heads to third. Boyle would score on a ground out on the next at bat and give Harvard an early 1-0 lead.

Mike Smith, who DH's when he isn't pitching, leads off the 2nd inning for Rutgers with a triple!! Smith scores on the following at bat thanks to a fielding error. The Scarlet Knights then take the lead when senior shortstop Ryan Guenther delivers an RBI single. Trailing 2-1, Harvard tries to score in the bottom half of the 2nd, but Bobby Kaczynski is thrown out at home for the final out. Rutgers is hyped in the 3rd, as Harvard is shaken. Two fielding errors by the Crimson start out the inning on the wrong foot. A wild pitch and a base hit lead to two more Rutgers runs, as they extend their lead to 4-1. Harvard scores a run in the bottom half of the 3rd to cut the lead to 4-2. But Rutgers doesn't let up, as they continue to give Beatin a beatin'. One single and two doubles lead to two more Scarlet Knight runs, as the lead goes to 6-2. It takes a couple of innings, but Harvard manages a couple of runs of their own in the 5th, cutting the Rutgers lead to 6-4.

Rutgers scores again in the 7th, as Beatin issues a bases loaded walk to make it 7-4. Harvard manages to get the run back in the bottom of the 7th to make it 7-5. Both pitchers give up a base hit in every half inning, but no runs are scored. Harvard puts a man 90 feet away with two outs in the 9th, but the game ends on a ground out and Rutgers holds on to win it, 7-5. The series is tied, 1-1, as the Scarlet Knights send it back home.

Game 3

There's rain in the air for Game 3 between Columbia and Syracuse. Kilroy and Perry return as the starters in a Game 1 rematch. Along with the rain, the wind is blowing out to left at 16 mph. Regardless, 1764 brave souls have come out to Orange Ballpark in spite of mother nature to see this one. The game is scoreless for the first inning and a half, but that changes in the bottom of the 2nd, when sophomore DH Ken Bradley manages to flyball to deep left and turn it into an inside the park homer! Syracuse follows up with a double and a single. Columbia contributes an error and passed ball, as the Orange score two more times to take a 3-0 lead.

Columbia gets on the board in the top of the 3rd, thanks to Dan Palmer's RBI single, which cuts the Orange lead down to 3-1. The score would hold until the top of the 6th, when the Lions' bats would come to life!! Columbia hits two triples, a double, and a single en route to scoring four times, taking the lead 4-3!! But in the 7th, Syracuse manages to tie the game on a Mike Bromberek RBI single to left. The game remains tied, 4-4, as we enter the 9th. Columbia's Justin Gogins singles to lead off the 9th and works his way around to third. But he's stranded there on a ground out to first base. Kilroy starts out the bottom of the 9th by getting a ground out, but then gives up a base hit to pinch hitter Adam Johnston. Kilroy then plunks Bromberek on a 2-2 pitch. Syracuse brings in a pinch runner for Johnston, as there are men on first and second with one out. A lazy fly ball gives the Orange a base hit and the bases are loaded for Mauricio Mejia. The junior right fielder connects on the first pitch and sends it flying out to center. The catch is made, and so is the tag up at third. The runner heads for the plate as the throw is made. And the play at the plate.......He's SAFE!!!! Syracuse wins the game, 5-4, and takes the series two games to one.



And who will face the Orange in the Collegiate Championship Series?? Will it be Harvard or Rutgers?? The Crimson are on the road against the Scarlet Knights. It's a beautiful day at the ballpark, with clear skies and 82 degrees. The wind may be a factor today, as it's blowing out to center at 17 mph. Gumbert and Smith return to the mound for their respective teams. There are 1669 fans at the Ballpark of Rutgers for this decisive Game 3.

Rutgers starts off slow, committing two errors in the 1st. Harvard manages a base hit and pushes a run across for the early 1-0 lead. In the top of the 3rd, the Scarlet Knights are again their own worst enemy. They commit another error and Smith throws a wild pitch, Harvard gets a base hit and scores a run in exchange for a 6-4-3 double play. The Crimson lead it 2-0. Gumbert and Smith are locked into a duel and the score remains into the 5th. Harvard then starts making mistakes, committing two errors of their own. Rutgers gets a run out of it, and cuts the lead in half, 2-1. The pitchers continue to give up hits here and there, but no runs are scored, as the Crimson hold onto their slim lead. Rutgers junior second baseman Omari Boyd leads off the bottom of the 9th with a base hit to left. The home crowd is getting hyped!! Boyd is sacrificed over to second, bringing up Ryan Guenther. Guenther swings at the first pitch he sees and sends it screaming to Harvard's second baseman, sophomore Cupid Childs. Childs jumps up and snags the liner!! Boyd is caught off the bag, as Childs quickly throws to Herman Long covering second. Boyd is doubled up and it's game over!!! Harvard wins it, 2-1, and takes the series two games to one.



Syracuse is heading to the finals for the third time in their history. They lost the inaugural series in 1871 and won the national title in 1886. This is Harvard's fourth appearance in the Collegiate Championship Series, and their first since they won three consecutive national titles from 1874-76.

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Game 1

The 1889 Collegiate Championship Series begins in Syracuse, New York, where the Orange are hosting the Harvard Crimson. It's a beautiful June day, with partly cloudy skies and the temperature at 63 degrees. The wind is gently blowing out to right at 8 mph. Junior Ed Beatin (1-1, 2.00) gets the starting nod for Harvard. On the mound for Syracuse will be junior Kid Gleason (2-1, 1.67). There are 1790 people on hand to see Game 1. In the stands are Commissioner Ephraim Herring, along with his kid brother, Stephen Herring. Stephen is the last of retired Commissioner James Herrings boys and will be choosing a college to attend in the near future.

Syracuse strikes early in this one, getting two base hits in the 1st inning to score a run and take the early 1-0 lead. After a scoreless second, the Orange add to their lead in the 3rd. Although they only got one hit in the inning, Beatin contributed two walks and Harvard senior catcher William Brown allowed a passed ball. Syracuse was able to plate two and push their lead to 3-0. However, in the 4th inning, Harvard erupted for six hits, highlighted by senior DH Jack Boyle's bases loaded double. The double cleared the bases and the Crimson score five times in the inning to take the lead, 5-3. Syracuse senior Tom Daly got a run back in the bottom half of the frame, leading off with a solo shot over the left field wall to make it 5-4.

Harvard started out the 5th with two doubles, scoring once to reclaim their two run lead, 6-4. In the bottom of the 6th, Syracuse again trims the lead to one, when they hit a single and double to score a run. Harvard leads 6-5. The Crimson push their lead back to two in the 7th, plating a run off of a pair of Orange errors. The score remained 7-5 Harvard until the bottom of the 8th, when Syracuse put together a rally. With the bases loaded and two outs, junior center fielder Ken Johnson stepped up to the plate and swatted the ball to deep right center field. Johnson ends up with a bases clearing triple, as Syracuse takes the lead, 8-7!! Johnson scores on an RBI single on the following at bat, giving the Orange a 9-7 advantage. Harvard manages to get runners at second and third with two outs, but the game ends on a ground out to first base. Syracuse holds on to win Game 1 by the final score of 9-7.

Game 2

The series moves to Crimson Ballpark for this all important Game 2. The wind is blowing in from center today at 11 mph, and the weather is wonderful. The temperature is at 65 degrees and we're under partly cloudy skies. There are 1983 fans in attendance of this game. Sophomore Brad Perry (2-1, 3.33) gets the start for Syracuse. On the other side of the diamond, we'll see sophomore Ad Gumbert (3-0, 0.67) on the hill for the hometown Harvard Crimson. Gumbert gives up a double to Bob Samuel to lead the game off, followed by a base hit by senior second baseman Jason Jillson. Samuel, the senior left fielder from Chicago, Illinois, rounds third as Harvard right fielder Mike Tiernan comes up with the ball. Tiernan throws it home and Samuel is OUT at the plate!!! Tiernan and the hometown crowd are pumped after that play!! Harvard shuts down the Orange and come out of the inning unscathed.

The Orange record two quick outs to start the bottom half of the 1st. Tiernan comes up to the plate and is plunked by a 1-2 pitch. Words are exchanged and tempers are flaring, as the umpire issues a warning to Perry. Tiernan promptly steals second and advances to third an a base hit by Herman Long. Long takes off for second on a steal attempt, but the throw sails into center field to allow Tiernan to score easily. Long moves to third, then comes home on a passed ball by Syracuse catcher Tom Daly. At the end of one inning of play, Harvard leads it, 2-0. Daly leads off the second and tries to atone for his previous mistakes by getting a base hit to left. Daly would later score, cutting the Crimson lead to 2-1.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Tiernan leads off by drawing a walk. He again steals second, then advances to third on a ground out. He would score on another ground out to push Harvard's lead to 3-1. In the top of the 4th, Daly is hit by a pitch and tensions are again high. This time it's Gumbert who gets the warning, as the umpires pull both managers aside and speak to them. Daly steals second and runs for third on Chris Barfield's base hit to right. He rounds third and heads for home as Tiernan again throws from right field. The throw and the play at the plate.......Daly is OUT!!! Another incredible throw by Mike Tiernan!! Harvard's William Brown singles to start off the bottom of the 4th. He would later score on a sac fly to push the Crimson lead to 4-1. Harvard scores another run in the 5th to make the score 5-1. Syracuse manages to plate a runner in the 6th on a sac fly, but Harvard responds by stroking three singles in the bottom half of the inning. Highlighted by Herman Long's 2 RBI single, the Crimson score three times to push their lead to 8-2.

Syracuse's bats come alive in the 7th, as they get three hits in the inning. Paired with three fielding errors by Harvard, the Orange score three times in the inning. But the Orange get cut down again at the plate, as Ken Bradley becomes the third out on a great throw by center fielder Bobby Kaczynski. The Crimson go down in order, and at the end of seven, Harvard leads 8-5. Syracuse manages a single in the 8th, but their inning ends on a 5-4-3 double play. That momentum carries Harvard in the bottom half of the inning, as they single three times and score twice to pad their lead, 10-5. The Orange get a couple of hits in the 9th, but can't score, as the hometown Harvard Crimson win the game, 10-5, and tie up the series.

Game 3

It's do or die time for both Harvard and Syracuse in this final game of the 1889 season. The winner is named National Champion, while the loser has a long offseason. There are 1789 people in Orange Ballpark, where we're under clear skies and 70 degrees. The wind is blowing in from center at 10 mph. Commissioner Ephraim Herring is here, holding the championship trophy to be presented after the game. Harvard is surprisingly going to not start Ed Beatin. We've been told Beatin has aggravated a sprained ankle he suffered about three weeks ago and he is not able to pitch. Taking the mound for the Crimson will be freshman Dave Anderson, who posted a 3-1 record on the year, with a 2.42 ERA. He had five appearances in the regular season, with two starts. His only appearance in this postseason is 1/3 of an inning in the Game 1 loss to Syracuse. Returning to the mound for the Orange is Game 1 winner Kid Gleason (3-1, 2.75).

Gleason easily records two outs to start the game, but then Mike Tiernan launches a full count homer over the wall in left center. The distance on that one was estimated at 435 feet!! Herman Long singles on the following at bat, then comes home on Bobby Kaczynski's RBI double. After a half inning, Harvard leads 2-0. Young Anderson records two strikeouts in the bottom of the 1st, as Syracuse fails to score. The Crimson bats are still hot in the 2nd inning, as they connect for three base hits, scoring two runners. Harvard's lead is now 4-0. Anderson gives up a couple of base hits in the bottom of the 2nd, with one run scoring to cut the lead to 4-1. The score holds, as Anderson and Gleason battle it out, inning after inning. That is, until the 7th, when Harvard gets three hits off of Gleason. Gleason contributes a wild pitch with a man on third and the Crimson push their lead to 6-1. Anderson allows hits and gives up walks, but none of them are able to cross the plate. The freshman is named Player of the Game, as Harvard goes on to win the game, 6-1, and takes the series 2-1, winning their 4th national title.

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Like many other years before, the offseason was a busy one for Ephraim. Work was busy, with the addition of new teams and speaking to other schools about their interest in having their baseball program join the CBA. The Association had grown from 14 original teams to 22. Ephraim had planned trips to Wofford College and Nebraska later in the season. Four more were joining after this season, with more and more planning on joining in the not too distant future. Home life was busy as well for Ephraim, as he and Irene tried to corral six children. The twins were getting ready to turn a year old in a couple of months and were getting mobile. Ephraim liked to describe his home life as "organized chaos."

With thoughts of family on his mind, Ephraim started going through the statistics of he and his brothers' performance in the CBA. At this past year's Christmas dinner, young Stephen started bragging about how he was going to be the best player of them all. Stephen had chosen to go to play for Nebraska as a relief pitcher. As he looked through the stats, Ephraim reflected on his playing years at Rutgers. He was a late bloomer, and struggled to get playing time until he started at second base in his senior year. But he made the most of it, finishing second in the All-CBA voting for his position after hitting .314. James Jr. was the most gifted of all the Herring brothers. He was a relief pitcher for Harvard from 1877-1880. He only appeared in 21 games over his four years, but he made the most of them. James only allowed three earned runs in his career, and all of them were in his freshman year. James finished his collegiate career with a 5-4 record, with a 0.68 ERA, and four saves. Thomas played center field for Cornell from 1879-1882. He was used sparingly and struggled to get playing time. Thomas finished his career with a batting average of .197. And finally, there was John, who played as a starting pitcher for Villanova from 1886-1889. John had winning records in his last two years, but finished with a career mark of 27-29, with a 3.71 ERA in 61 games.

The sportswriters had made their picks for the upcoming season, picking Harvard, Princeton, Bucknell, Mississippi State, and Michigan State to win their respective regions.



The first month of the season was pitcher dominated, as hurlers pitched shutout after shutout. By the end of the month, it appeared as though the sportswriters were right, as all of the favorites played like it. Freshman center fielder George Davis of Cornell was named Rookie of the Month. Davis hit .351, with three home runs and 12 RBI. Pitcher of the Month honors were given to Michigan State junior Scott Stratton, who put together a record of 7-0 in seven starts. Stratton's ERA for March was 1.86. Batter of the Month was given to Harvard senior right fielder Mike Tiernan, who hit .359 in March. Tiernan also hit a home run and had 16 RBI.

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Ephraim made his way to Spartanburg, South Carolina, in early April to watch the two newest members of the Collegiate Baseball Association play each other. Nebraska was traveling to Wofford to take on the Terriers for the second time this season. In March, the two teams split a two game series in Spartanburg, and now the teams prepared for a three game weekend series. Spartanburg, located in the northwest part of South Carolina, had a population of just over 5500 people. Textile mills and railroads were seemingly everywhere Ephraim looked as he made his way to the ballpark. While speaking with some locals, Ephraim learned the town had been named after a local militia called the Spartan Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Upon arriving at Wofford College, he met up with President Rafael Garcia at Terriers Ballpark. While touring the ballpark, the two men crossed paths with Athletic Director Rich Wilson.

"The CBA is definitely all it's cracked up to be Mr. Herring," Wilson told him. "Our team is 3-19 so far this year and we're just not used to getting our butts handed to us like this."

"It will take time," Ephraim responded. "Give it a few years, build a foundation of young players, and I think Wofford will be a contender sooner rather than later."

Terriers Ballpark was a fairly symmetrical field, with the left and right field lines at 335 and 334 feet. Left and right field were at 372 and 371 feet, while the left and right field gaps stood at 419 and 416 feet. Center field was an incredible 435 feet away. The wall was consistent across the outfield at seven feet high. Overall, the stadium was small, holding only 1400 people. Ephraim saw the teams coming onto the field for pregame warm-ups and batting practice, and he made his way to the Wofford dugout. Manager Travis Needham was there, trying to figure out his lineup for the game.

"Who's the player to watch?" Ephraim asked.

"Well, that's easy enough, Mr. Herring. Has to be my center fielder, Eddie Burke. Unfortunately, he's a senior, so this is the only year he'll play in the CBA. He's only hitting .241, but hell, no one on the team is hitting the ball right now."

The game didn't end up going well for Wofford, who had a 2-0 lead after two innings. Nebraska (7-15) scored in every inning from the 3rd through the 7th, eventually winning by a score of 10-4. After the game, Wilson caught up to Ephraim.

"Mr. Herring, there's an urgent telegram for you. I was instructed to get it to you right away." Ephraim read the following message from his office:

Dartmouth player Michael Jordan ejected for arguing third strike call and bumping umpire. Stop. Please advise on punishment. Stop.

Wilson took Ephraim to the nearest telegraph service and he sent back this message:

The association will never tolerate a player touching an umpire in anger. Stop. Jordan suspended four games. Stop.

Ephraim boarded a train the following day and made his way to Lincoln, Nebraska. He wanted to arrive before the team and spend some time with little brother Stephen. Stephen didn't make the varsity squad, so he was focusing his time on studies. When Ephraim arrived, the two brothers visited and caught up, with Ephraim getting Stephen up to date on all the news from back home. Ephraim was amazed at how big the city was. The state capitol of Nebraska, Lincoln boasted a population of over 55,000 people. Stephen mentioned that even though he didn't make the team this season, he liked his chances in 1891, since the team would be graduating seven seniors. Ephraim and Stephen eventually made their way to Nebraska Fields, which had a capacity of 1700 people. The field was much like Wofford's, as it was fairly symmetrical with seven foot outfield fences. The field measured 322 and 321 feet down the left and right field lines, and was 351 and 345 feet in left and right field. The power alleys measured in at 379 and 372 feet, while center field stood at 421 feet from home plate. Stephen introduced Ephraim to President Cody Joy and Athletic Director Mike Thomas.

Nebraska returned home after sweeping Wofford and pushed their record up to 10-15. Lehigh (12-13) was visiting for a two game, midweek series. Stephen and Ephraim went to the stadium prior to the game and met up with Manager Ruben Vera. The three men talked briefly before the brothers made their way to the stands for the game.

"So, who's the best player on the team?" Ephraim inquired of Stephen.

"Got to be 'The Cork', our shortstop. His name is Tommy Corcoran and he can't make his way across campus without someone stopping him to talk about baseball. He's a decent hitter, but his strength is defense. And he's fast, Ephraim! You'll love watching this guy snatch up ground balls that would get by most players. Oh, and get this. He's only a sophomore!!"

Stephen had been spot on. Corcoran had a rough time at the plate, going 0 for 4 to drop his average to .255. But he did reach base on an error and promptly stole second. "The Cork" even started a 6-4-3 double play, but the Cornhuskers were held to only four hits and lost the game, 8-0.

Pitching was still the dominate headline in the CBA for the month of April, as pitchers threw shutout after shutout. On April 11th, Lehigh senior Daniel Raley won his 50th career game with a 7-1 triumph over Lafayette. Bucknell freshman pitcher Mike Hecht was named Rookie of the Month after posting a 6-1 record and 1.29 ERA. Bucknell junior Mitchell Plante was named Pitcher of the Month, as he went 7-0 in seven starts, posting an ERA of 2.00. Batter of the Month was Rutgers senior second baseman Omari Boyd, who hit .349 in April, with four home runs and 27 RBI.

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May began like the season had progressed, with pitchers dominating hitters and the headlines. On May 5th, Mississippi State secured their 2nd Southeast Region title. Two days later, Michigan State punched their ticket to the postseason by winning the Great Lakes Region for the 2nd time. On May 15th, Princeton followed suit by clinching the Northeast Region for the 7th time in school history. A couple of days later, Harvard clinched the New England Region. It is the 5th title for the Crimson. On May 21st, with four games left in the season, Bucknell won their 1st Atlantic Region title. The following day, Lafayette secured a wild card position. Two days later, Cornell clinched the second wild card slot.

That same day, May 24th, a benches clearing brawl occurred in the Yale-Brown game. The teams were playing the second game of a double header, with Yale winning the first game 12-9. With Yale leading 1-0 in the bottom of the 1st, Brown had loaded the bases. Sophomore first baseman Kurt Remington then took a 2-1 pitch and launched it 454 feet and over the center field wall for the GRAND SLAM!! Sophomore pitcher/right fielder Jesse Burkett, who was obviously frustrated, immediately plunked the next batter on the first pitch. Designated hitter, sophomore Chris Maxey, then charged the mound, igniting the "free for all." Ephraim issued suspensions to both players following the game, with Maxey getting a three game suspension and Burkett getting six games. Unfortunately for Ephraim, he had to issue suspensions the following day as well. In a game between playoff bound Cornell and Syracuse, the Orange were losing their grip on the final wild card position. With their season on the line and down 4-3 in the 5th, senior Kid Gleason had just allowed a two run homer to dig the Syracuse hole deeper. Now down 6-3, a 1-2 Gleason pitch hit junior Wade Pearce. Pearce charged the mound and the benches cleared. Pearce was suspended for four games and would keep the first baseman out of the first round of the playoffs, and possibly the second round, if the Big Red made it that far. As for Gleason, his suspension of eight games was irrelevant, as he is a senior and the game was the final one of the year.

Fordham won their final game of the season to finish over .500 (31-29) and clinched the final wild card slot, making the playoffs for only the 3rd time in their history. Michigan State first baseman Mike Singleton won the batting title. The junior hit .373 on the year, with 43 RBI in 55 games. So, the playoff match ups are set for the Collegiate Playoff Series. Fordham (31-29) travels to Michigan State (46-14), Harvard (37-23) is at Bucknell (40-20), Lafayette (36-24) takes a trip down south to face Mississippi State (41-19), and Cornell (34-26) goes to New Jersey to take on regional foe Princeton (44-16).

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Game 1

Fordham Rams vs. Michigan State Spartans

The first of our four Game 1 match-ups sees the Fordham Rams on the road against a powerful Michigan State team. There are 1565 fans here in Spartans Ballpark to see this opening round playoff game. It's partly cloudy out and 56 degrees, with the wind blowing in from center at 9 mph. The Spartans, of course, are a heavy favorite against a Fordham team who barely finished over .500 this season. The Rams will send freshman Kid Nichols (11-9, 2.17) to the mound, while Michigan State sends junior Scott Stratton (18-2, 2.49) to the hill. Stratton led the CBA in wins this season.

Stratton mows down the Rams to start the game, but Nichols isn't so lucky. He allows a single and double to start off the inning, putting men on the corners. After getting a fly ball out, senior center fielder Bug Holliday singles to left center. Two runs score, as junior left fielder Steve Barrett utilizes his speed to score all the way from first, beating the throw home. Holliday steals second and then advances to third on a fly out to center, bringing up junior shortstop Kevin Anderson. Anderson only hit .247 on the year, but he led the Collegiate Baseball Association in walks with 66, giving him an on-base percentage of .448!! But he strokes a single to center this at-bat, scoring Holliday. At the end of the 1st, Michigan State leads 3-0. Anderson would strike again in the bottom of the 3rd, delivering an RBI single to right to push the Spartan lead to 4-0.

Fordham didn't get their first hit until the 5th and they finally got into a groove in the 6th. With two outs and the bases loaded from three singles, junior second baseman Jason Carroll takes an 0-2 pitch and lines it into left center. Two runs score and the Rams cut the Michigan State lead in half, now trailing 4-2. But Stratton buckles down and only allows one hit in the final three innings, as the Spartans hold on to take Game 1 by a score of 4-2.

Harvard Crimson vs. Bucknell Bison

It was a year of firsts for the Bucknell Bison. The third year program had their first winning record, their first regional title, and now, their first playoff game. As a result of their hard work and success, their reward is to play Harvard, the defending national champions and New England Region winner. There are 1888 people on hand at Bison Ballpark to witness this historic game. As for the weather, it's 64 degrees, partly cloudy, and the wind is blowing gently out to right at 7 mph. Sophomore transfer Billy Rhines (12-8, 2.38) gets the start for the Crimson. As irony would have it, Rhines, in real life, attended Bucknell before leaving to pursue a career in professional baseball. As for the Bison, they name senior George Haddock (11-8, 3.20) as their starter.

The two pitchers dueled through four innings, with each team getting two hits and no runs on the board. But that would change in the 5th, as senior shortstop Bill Hallman singles to lead off the inning for the Crimson. Hallman would go to second on a walk and move to third on a sacrifice. He scored on a ground out and Harvard leads 1-0 midway through the game. Rhines gives up a lead off single in the bottom half of the frame, but it gets erased on a 5-4-3 double play. In the 6th inning with two outs, senior right fielder "Silent" Mike Tiernan triples to center. He would score the following at-bat, when sophomore DH Jake Young singles an 2-0 pitch into center, giving Harvard a 2-0 advantage. Rhines continued to give up lead off singles in the bottom half of the 6th, 7th, & 8th innings, but the Bison just stranded the runners. In the bottom of the 9th, Rhines gives up a double with one out to give Bucknell a chance to tie. But the Bison record two fly outs, ending the game. Harvard wins 2-0 and takes a 1-0 lead back home.

Lafayette Leopards vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Our next game features Lafayette on the road to face the Southeast Region champion, Mississippi State. The Leopards send senior transfer Ed Mars (14-6, 2.02) to the mound for today's game. The Bulldogs are starting sophomore Pat Luby (16-4, 2.30), who also likes to play first base on occasion. Luby's no slouch at the plate, either. In 29 games, he hit .295 with 8 homers and 29 RBI. The weather for the game is great. Partly cloudy and 68 degrees, with the wind blowing from right to left at 8 mph. Luby starts off slow in front of the 1658 fans, issuing a lead off walk. It comes back to haunt him, as a wild throw on a steal attempt sends the runner to third. Then Luby throws a wild pitch, and just like that, Lafayette has a 1-0 lead. Mississippi State gets a single in the bottom half of the inning, but nothing more.

Luby gives up a lead off single to start the 2nd, but a double play erases the hit. Mars issues a lead off walk to start the bottom half of the inning. Senior third baseman Andrew McNeil makes him pay for it, hitting a 2-1 pitch down the line in left for an RBI double. With the game tied 1-1, the Leopard defense implodes for two errors, leading to two Bulldog runs. At the end of two, Mississippi State leads 3-1. The game would remain close until the bottom of the 6th, when the Bulldogs blow the game open. Mars gives up three base hits and throws two wild pitches. Mississippi State scores four times and now leads it by a score of 7-1. Lafayette would get a run back in the 7th, but the Bulldogs cruise to a 7-2 win.

Cornell Big Red vs. Princeton Tigers

Two Northeast Region rivals face off for this playoff series, with Cornell challenging the regional champion Tigers. But Cornell should not be dismissed so easily, as they won 4 of 6 games against Princeton this season. There are 1753 people in Princeton Park to see this game under clear skies. The weather is great at 69 degrees, with a cross wind from right to left at 10 mph. Getting the start for Cornell is junior David Velez (11-8, 2.54). Princeton sends senior David Fowlkes (12-4, 1.97) to the hill. Fowlkes did not allow a home run in the regular season and averaged nearly six strikeouts a game.

After a scoreless first, Fowlkes gives up two hits in the 2nd. His defense, however, fails him, committing three errors as well, which lead to three runs scored. Down 3-0, Princeton records only one base hit in the first three innings. The Tigers get a lead off single in the bottom of the 4th, only to see it erased on a fielder's choice. But the base runner on first, junior right fielder Eric Bower, makes up for the out by stealing second and third. Bower would score on a ground out to second, getting Princeton on the board, and now trailing 3-1. Velez and Fowlkes battle it out, with hits becoming rare. Cornell holds on to their 3-1 lead as we enter the bottom of the 9th. Velez strikes out the first batter looking, but then gives up a triple to Bower. Sophomore third baseman David Haas delivers a first pitch single to score Bower, cutting the lead to 3-2. That brings sophomore Brian Eyers, the DH, to the plate. Eyers, who hit .324 in 18 games this season, fouls off the first pitch, then takes a ball to make it a 1-1 count. He connects on the next pitch, grounding it to second. The ball is fielded cleanly, the flip to the shortstop and second base and the throw to first. The game ends on the 4-6-3 double play, with Cornell holding on to win 3-2.

Game 2

Michigan State vs. Fordham Rams

There are 1569 fans in the stands of Rams Ballpark, enjoying the clear skies and 75 degree temperatures. Michigan State is starting junior Joe Grieco (12-7, 2.88). Grieco leads the CBA in strikeouts this year with 97 and hasn't allowed a home run all year. Fordham is hanging their hopes on junior Sadie McMahon (10-9, 2.94). McMahon, however, is just as formidable, striking out 92 batters this season. McMahon starts the game off a little shaky, giving up three singles. Only one run scores, however, so the damage is limited. Grieco doesn't give up any hits in the bottom half of the 1st, but he does issue a free pass and hit another batter. A defensive error allows a run to score, so after one inning, the game is tied 1-1.

The game remains tied until the bottom of the 3rd, when junior left fielder Greg Delaney strokes an RBI single with two outs, giving the hometown Rams the lead, 2-1. The next inning, Fordham's Game 1 starter, Kid Nichols, who starts today's game in right field, delivers a two out, RBI single to push the Ram lead to 3-1. Michigan State gets a run back in the top of the 5th, thanks to a triple by junior second baseman David Woodin. Woodin scores on an error on the following at-bat to trim the lead down to 3-2. Both pitchers lock in, however, and no one scores. The Spartans have their chance in the 9th, getting a runner to second with one out. But two fly outs later, the Rams win the game, 3-2, and force a trip back to East Lansing for a decisive Game 3.

Bucknell Bison vs. Harvard Crimson

It's partly cloudy and 62 degrees in Crimson Ballpark, with the wind blowing in from center a bit briskly at 13 mph. 1972 people have turned out to see this Game 2 match-up and must win game for Bucknell. The Bison hang their hat on junior Tyler Dople (4-2, 1.83), who was inserted into the starting rotation late in the season. Manager Kyle Henry never addressed the issue of why Dople replaced freshman Mike Hecht in the rotation. Hecht (10-5, 1.90) was named Rookie of the Month for April and made his last start on May 3rd, which he won. Rumors circulated that the young man got cross-wise with Henry and was banished to the bullpen. On the mound for Harvard is sophomore Dave Anderson (11-8, 3.08).

Bucknell fails to score in the 1st, but Harvard does not. The Crimson manage two base hits and combine it with two Bison errors to score three times. Harvard would add to their lead in the 3rd, when right fielder Mike Tiernan scored on an error to make it a 4-0 Crimson lead. But the Bison would come stampeding back in the top of the 4th. Anderson gives up five straight hits, four singles and a double, before an out is recorded. Bucknell scores four times and ties the game up. The score would remain 4-4 until the bottom of the 5th. Harvard scores twice behind Jake Young's RBI single and Bill Hallman's RBI double. Bucknell manages to waste triples in the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings, trailing 6-4 as we head to the 9th.

A walk, single, and error load the bases for the Bison to start the 9th. Anderson then walks in a run, cutting the Crimson lead to 6-5. A fielder's choice (4-2) records the first out, but keeps the bases loaded for junior right fielder Brad Bright. Bright works the count full, then grounds the ball into left. The runner from third scores, tying the game. But sophomore left fielder Tom Gettinger rushes the throw, trying to get the runner going to third. The throw is wild and another run crosses the plate. Bucknell takes the lead 7-6!! Dople returns to the mound and shuts Harvard down, securing the win and sending the teams into a Game 3 showdown.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Lafayette Leopards

It's 71 degrees with clear skies at Lafayette Grounds, where 1754 fans have turned out for this game. Junior Frank Dwyer (13-7, 1.92) gets the start for the Bulldogs, who are looking to close this series out on the road. Lafayette turns to senior transfer Cy Young (11-8, 2.31) to save their season. The two pitchers hold both teams to only three hits in the first 3 1/2 innings. But that all changes in the bottom of the 4th. Dwyer gives up a lead off double, a home run, and two base hits en rout to three Lafayette runs. The pitching duel picks back up, and after seven innings, the Leopards still hold a 3-0 lead. But with two outs in the top of the 8th inning, senior shortstop Phil O'Connor takes a full count pitch and sends it into deep left center field. O'Connor rounds the bases for an inside the park home run to get Mississippi State on the board. Young, obviously shaken, gives up a triple, followed by an RBI double. A wild pitch sends the runner to third, who then scores on an RBI single. Young implodes and allows three runs to score. The Leopards can't counter, and the game is tied 3-3 going into the 9th.

Pat Luby leads off the 9th against Young with a base hit to left. He steals second and finds himself at third after two ground outs. It isn't Young this time, but his catcher, who allows the passed ball. Luby races for home and scores to give the Bulldogs the lead, 4-3. Lafayette junior DH Mitch Fielder delivers a double with one out in the bottom half of the 9th to give the Leopards hope. Fielder advances to third on a ground out. So, with two out and a man 90 feet away, junior right fielder Travis Hansen steps to the plate. Hansen fouls off the first three pitches from Dwyer before taking a ball. Hansen connects on the fifth pitch, but pops it up weakly down the first base line. The ball is caught for the third out. Game over. Mississippi State holds on to win the game, 4-3, and takes the series, 2-0.

Princeton Tigers vs. Cornell Big Red

There are 1471 people at Big Red Ballpark to see this game. The skies are partly cloudy and it's 63 degrees here in upstate New York. Princeton is starting junior John Wells (11-6, 2.57) today in the hopes of pushing this series to a decisive Game 3. The Big Red turn to senior Alex Ferson (10-11, 2.91). The "Colonel" is tied this season for allowing the most home runs in the CBA with nine. Six of those homers came here at his home ballpark. Ferson looks good to start the game, however, as he sits the Tigers down in order to start the 1st. Well, on the other hand, gives up a lead off triple to sophomore left fielder Dusty Miller. Miller hit 10 triples this season, but had a paltry average of .228. Regardless, Miller later scores on a ground out to give Cornell an early 1-0 lead. The lead holds through five innings, as both pitchers duel it out.

But in the top of the 6th, Ferson allows three base hits. The damage is held to a single run, but Princeton has tied the game up. The game stays tied until the bottom of the 8th, when Miller hits another triple, this one a 2-RBI three-bagger. Cornell holds a 3-1 lead going into the 9th. Ferson has a man on first with two outs in the top of the 9th as Brian Eyers steps to the plate. Eyers failed in his Game 1 attempt to win the game for the Tigers. Will he fare better in Game 2? Well, he swings and misses on the first pitch, watches three balls go by, then watches a strike. Eyers makes solid contact with the full count pitch, sending it 390 feet and over the wall in right center. A 2-run HOME RUN ties the game up, 3-3!!! Cornell doesn't have an answer in the bottom half of the inning, so we go to extras. Ferson comes in to pitch the 10th, gives up a single, but doesn't allow a run. Wells, however, gives up a lead off double to junior catcher Spider Clark to start the bottom of the 10th. Two batters later, with Clark now on third, junior shortstop Shorty Fuller gets his first hit of the game, an RBI single, and the game winner, as Cornell wins the game 4-3, and takes the series in a sweep, two games to none.

Game 3

Fordham Rams vs. Michigan State Spartans

A near capacity crowd of 1599 people are packed into the 1600 seat Spartans Ballpark for Game 3. Rain is in the air and it's a chilly 59 degrees, with the wind blowing in from center at 11 mph. Game 1 starters Nichols and Stratton return for their respective teams. Stratton gets himself into a jam in the 1st inning, thanks to an error, walk, and base hit. But he gets out unscathed. Nichols cruises through a three up, three down inning, and the game is scoreless after one. In the 2nd, Stratton struggles again, allowing three straight hits to start the inning. A run scores and Fordham has an early 1-0 lead before Stratton is able to regain control. Bug Holliday leads off the bottom of the 2nd with a double for the Spartans. He would later score compliments of junior third baseman Brian Schnell smashing an RBI single into center field. After two innings, the game is tied 1-1.

Both pitchers settle in and the game remains tied until the bottom of the 6th. Nichols beans Michigan State junior first baseman Mike "Clockwork" Singleton to start off the inning. A throwing error on a steal attempt allows Singleton to advance to third. After a fly out, Schnell comes up and lays down a squeeze bunt. Singleton scores and Michigan State takes the lead 2-1!! After a scoreless 7th, sophomore shortstop Tom Mink reaches base on an error to lead off the 8th for Fordham. Mink is sacrificed to second, then takes off on Jeff Dukes' single to right. Mink rounds third. The throw to the plate......and Mink is SAFE!!! Game tied, 2-2!! The game remains tied as we enter the 9th. The Rams manage to get a base runner on after a fielding error by Michigan State, but they can't get him past second. In the bottom of the 9th, a walk and error by Fordham puts the Spartans in scoring position with two outs. Junior left fielder Steve Barrett steps into the batter's box. The count is 1-1, as Nichols unleashes his 121st pitch of the day. But the throw is wild!!! David Woodin races home from third and scores easily! Michigan State wins!! The final score is 3-2 Spartans, and they take the series two games to one.

Harvard Crimson vs. Bucknell Bison

Rhines and Haddock, the Game 1 starters, are on the mound again for this final Game 3. It's 66 degrees and partly cloudy at Bison Ballpark, as 1863 fans have come out for this game. The wind is blowing in from right at 9 mph. The battle is on between these two pitchers. A hit here, a hit there, but no runs cross the plate for three innings. Two Bucknell errors in the 4th, however, lead to the first run of the game, giving Harvard a 1-0 advantage. But the Bison rally in the bottom half of the frame. With two outs, junior right fielder Brad Bright singles to right. He steals second and then heads to third on Jason Murphy's base hit to right. Bright rounds third and heads home. The throw to the plate and Bright is......SAFE!!!! Game tied, 1-1!! In the top of the 5th, Harvard gets a man to third and puts on the squeeze.....but it fails, and the base runner is tagged out at home. The score remains tied into the 8th. But in the bottom half of the inning, Bucknell has men on second and third with two outs, and senior third baseman Charlie Reilly at the dish. Reilly has really struggled at the plate this year, hitting only .184. Ironically enough, Reilly led the CBA in home runs this season with nine!! Reilly makes this at-bat count, lining a 2-1 pitch to right, scoring both runners and giving the Bison a late 3-1 lead!!! Haddock finishes Harvard off with a three up, three down 9th. Bucknell wins 3-1, defeating the defending champs, two games to one.




So, the CBA Semi-Final Series are set, as Bucknell travels to East Lansing to challenge the Michigan State Spartans, and Cornell travels south to play Mississippi State.

[abell1198]

Game 1

Bucknell Bison vs. Michigan State Spartans

Don't expect much offense today in East Lansing, as the weather is not great to play ball in. It's partly cloudy and 59 degrees, with the wind blowing in from left at 20 mph. Still, 1572 people have come out to brave the elements and cheer on their team. Bucknell is sending junior Tyler Dople (1-0, 4.00) out to start this one. Michigan State is putting junior Joe Grieco (0-1, 2.25) on the hill. Both pitchers started for their respective teams in Game 2 of the CBA Playoff Series. In the 1st inning, Bucknell tags Grieco with a couple of base hits with two outs, but a fly out ends the inning for the Bison with no runs. The Spartans lead off the bottom half of the frame with a single, but can't score either. In the 2nd, Bucknell goes down in order. Michigan State records two quick outs, bringing up junior Brian Schnell. The third baseman, who only slugged .309 this season, hits the ball to the wall in left center. Schnell, who doesn't have great speed, manages to somehow circle the bases before the Bison outfield can get the ball home. The inside-the-park homer gives the Spartans a 1-0 lead.

Grieco keeps mowing down Bison batters, as he faces the minimum in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings. Michigan State, however, isn't scoring, so the Spartans are still clinging to a one run advantage. But in the bottom half of the 5th, junior left fielder Steve Barrett hammers the ball to left. The liner cuts through the 20 mph headwind and sails over the fence for a solo home run!! Michigan State leads 2-0. Bucknell answers in the 6th with a couple of infield hits with one out, but they blow the opportunity, failing to score the runners from second and third. It's more of the same for the Bison in the top of the 7th, as junior first baseman Dusty Curci leads off with a double. But three outs later, Curci is trotting back to the dugout. Michigan State still holds their lead as we enter the 9th. Bucknell right fielder Brad Bright leads off the inning with a single to right. A wild pitch by Grieco gives Bright second base. Following a fly out, Curci walks, giving the Bison men on first and second. Junior shortstop Steve Gee steps into the batter's box. Gee works the count to 2-2, the smashes the ball toward first. Scott Stratton leaps up and makes the snag on the hot liner!! Curci is caught off the bag, obviously thinking the ball was headed into right field. Stratton takes a couple of steps toward the bag and makes the unassisted double play to end the game. Michigan State wins it, 2-0, and takes a 1-0 lead in the series.

Cornell Big Red vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The weather today in Starkville, Mississippi is much better than in Michigan. At game time, the skies are clear and it's 82 degrees. A gentle breeze is blowing in from left. Junior Daniel Velez (1-0, 2.00) is back on the mound for the Big Red after winning Game 1 of the CBA Playoff Series against Princeton. Sophomore Pat Luby (1-0, 2.00) returns to the mound for the Bulldogs, as 1677 people join us here at Bulldogs Ballpark. Luby was also a Game 1 winner in theBulldogs' CBA Playoff Series against Lafayette. Based on the quality of these pitchers, it's reasonable to think this game is going to be a close one. Luby records two quick outs against Cornell before walking George Davis. A wild throw on a steal attempt puts Davis on third, with senior second baseman Zach Thompson coming to the plate. Thompson, last year's batting champ, is having a down year, hitting only .275 this season after leading the CBA in 1889 with a .390 average. But after taking the first pitch for a ball, Thompson makes solid contact on the second pitch, sending it deep into center field and over the outfielder's head. Thompson ends up at third with a triple, scoring Davis and giving the Big Red an early 1-0 advantage.

Mississippi State gets their first base runner in the bottom of the 1st, when sophomore DH Terry Shelton reaches on an error. Shelton steals second and, after the following batter walks, he takes off for third. His aggressiveness backfires, though, as he's gunned down. The Bulldogs fail to score in the inning and trail by one. Cornell goes down in order in the top half of the 2nd. Mississippi State senior Andrew McNeil answers the call for the Bulldogs with a deep drive to left. McNeil circles the bases for an inside-the-park homer and the game is tied, 1-1. Two errors and a base hit later, a second run crosses the plate for the Bulldogs and they take the lead, 2-1. The two teams buckle down and the next three innings are scoreless as we go to the 6th. After getting the first two batters out, Luby gets sloppy and gives up to singles. Thompson then steps in and delivers a deep drive to right center for a 2-RBI double. Cornell takes the lead, 3-2!!

The Big Red are still holding on to their one run lead as we enter the bottom of the 7th. With one out and men on first and second, Phil O'Connor delivers a single down the third base line. The runners advance, but a throwing error by left fielder Dusty Miller allows the runner on third to score, tying the game at three. The 8th and 9th innings are uneventful, as the game goes into extras. Cornell gets a lead off single from senior right fielder Steve Billings. Junior catcher Spider Clark is up to bat when Billings takes off for second. But Bulldogs catcher Ethan Forrester's throw sails over the shortstop's reach and Billings heads for third on the errant throw. Cornell Manager Nate Koontz calls for Clark to lay down a bunt and the squeeze is on. Clark's bunt is to the right side of the infield and there is no play at the plate!! Cornell scores and takes a 4-3 lead!! Down by one, the Bulldogs get out of the inning without further damage. Luby returns to start the 10th for Cornell, but gets pulled after allowing a leadoff walk. Daniel Sanford (1-0, 2.93, 2 Saves) is brought in to pitch for the Big Red. The freshman only appeared in five games this season, starting one. A sacrifice bunt moves the runner to second, as Sanford now has a runner in scoring position. But he gets Jerry Gonzalez (.279) to ground out to short, keeping the runner in check. With two outs, Sanford throws three pitches to Pete Gilbert, as Gilbert goes down swinging to end the game, stranding the runner. Cornell wins 4-3 and takes a 1-0 series lead back to New York for Game 2.

Game 2

Michigan State Spartans vs. Bucknell Bison

Scott Stratton (2-0, 1.50) returns to the mound for the Spartans for Game 2. The hero of Game 1 will get the start today against the Bison. The junior dual threat is using his arm in addition to his defense to help his team. Returning to the hill for Bucknell is senior "Gentleman George" Haddock (1-1, 1.00). The weather here at Bison Ballpark isn't much better than Game 1 in East Lansing. It's 62 degrees with partly cloudy skies, and the wind is blowing in from right at 8 mph. There are 1889 fans in the stands for today's game, which looks to be a pitcher's duel with these two players on the mound. Haddock starts off a little rough in the 1st, throwing 20 pitches and walking one. Fortunately for the Bison, a 6-4-3 double play ends any threat of scoring. Stratton gives up a first pitch single in the bottom half of the inning, but the runner is caught stealing on the next at-bat. Stratton is struggling as well, walking one and throwing 16 pitches, but manages to escape the inning unscathed.

Bug Holliday leads off the 2nd inning against Haddock. After fouling off a couple of pitches, Holliday makes contact and sends the ball over the right field wall for a solo home run!! Michigan State leads 1-0. Haddock is obviously shaken, as he gives up a base hit to the next batter and later hits a batter. But the Bison defense bails him out, fielding grounder after grounder for three straight fielder's choice outs. In the bottom of the 2nd, Stratton gives up another first pitch single, but collects himself and gets out of the inning. Both pitchers seem to be on their game, as the 3rd inning goes by without incident. Haddock walks Holliday to lead off the 4th. After stealing second, Holliday manages to get to third with one out. But the Spartans strand him on two straight easy outs. Brad Bright leads off the bottom half of the 4th with a double for Bucknell. A sacrifice bunt moves Bright to third, as Dusty Curci strides up to the plate. Curci delivers a grounder through the hole on the left side, scoring Bright and tying the game, 1-1!! Curci advances to second on a passed ball, then goes to third on a fielding error by Michigan State shortstop Kevin Anderson. The junior shortstop committed 51 errors in 57 regular season games. Stratton then throws a wild pitch, allowing Curci to score and giving Bucknell the lead, 2-1!!

David Woodin leads off the 5th with a double against Haddock, then advances to third on a ground out during the next at-bat. But the Spartans fail to bring him home and the inning ends with the Bison still clinging to a one run lead. After Bucknell goes down in order in the bottom of the inning, Michigan State works a couple of walks in the top of the 6th against Haddock. A wild pitch puts runners at second and third with two out. But Brian Schnell fails to connect for the Spartans, as he goes down swinging for the third out. The innings go on, with runners here and there, but no runs scoring. Michigan State still trails 2-1 going into the 9th, but they can't solve Haddock. Bucknell holds on to win the game and tie the series at a game a piece.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Cornell Big Red

For Game 2 in Big Red Ballpark, the weather is perfect for a game of baseball. It's 72 degrees with clear skies, as 1496 fans join us for this match up. There's a gentle breeze blowing out to right today, so don't look for the wind to be a factor. Junior Frank Dwyer (1-0, 3.00) gets the start for the Bulldogs, while senior Alex Ferson (1-0, 2.70) gets the nod for the Big Red. The 1st inning goes by without a run crossing the plate, as both teams get a hit, but no more. In the top of the 2nd, junior right fielder Chris Samardzija works a full count to lead off the inning, then doubles down the third base line. Samardzija advances to third on a ground out to second, then scores on a second ground out to the right side of the infield. Cornell goes down in order in the bottom of the inning, so after two, Mississippi State leads 1-0.

Ferson starts off the 3rd by walking Phil O'Connor. The senior shortstop then steals second, putting himself in scoring position. Junior transfer Tim Shinnick steps to the plate and delivers an RBI double down the first base line, as the Bulldogs add to their lead with O'Connor's run. Shinnick led the CBA this season in runs (56) and stolen bases (60), so look for him to take off. Shinnick doesn't have a chance to steal before Terry Shelton hits the ball to center for a single, but he does take two bases, ending up on third. With Jerry Gonzalez at the plate, Shelton takes off for second on the first pitch. Cornell catcher Spider Clark comes up throwing and misses the mark badly. Shinnick scores, as Shelton advances to third on the errant throw. Gonzalez grounds into the hole on the left side and Shelton breaks for home. The shortstop makes the grab and his only play is at first, getting Gonzalez for the out. That allows Shelton to score and Mississippi State now leads 4-0. Pat Luby singles on the next at-bat, but a 6-4-3 double play grounder by Samardzija ends the inning.

In the bottom of the 4th, Cornell manages to draw three straight walks off of Dwyer. A fielder's choice allows one run to score, but the Big Red strand the other two runners, as they now trail 4-1. In the bottom of the 5th, junior shortstop Shorty Fuller gets a two out single. Fuller steals second, then scores on a fielding error by Bulldog center fielder Jerry Gonzalez, who misplayed a fly ball. Mississippi State's lead is now 4-2. But the Bulldogs come out swinging in the top of the 6th, as they get three base hits. Combined with another errant throw by Clark and a wild pitch by Ferson, Mississippi State scores three to push their lead to 7-2!! After a two out walk by Ferson in the 7th, his day is over. The score remains as we enter the 9th. The Bulldogs score two more runs on a single and two doubles to increase their lead to 9-2. Cornell, however, mounts a rally in the bottom of the 9th, hitting Dwyer five times, draw a walk, and benefit from a fielding error, which leads to four runs scored. But Dwyer collects himself and shuts the final two batters down to end the game. Mississippi State wins by a score of 9-6, sending the series back home for a decisive Game 3.

Game 3

Bucknell Bison vs. Michigan State Spartans

Junior Tyler Dople (1-1, 3.31) returns to the mound for Bucknell for this all decisive Game 3. Joe Grieco (1-1, 1.06) is named the starter for Michigan State, and the Spartans must like their chances with Grieco on the mound. 1575 people have come out to Spartans Ballpark to enjoy the 65 degree weather and partly cloudy skies. The wind in blowing in from center field at 10 mph. Grieco starts off splendidly, striking out the first two Bison batters before giving up a single. A fly out ends the inning, however, and the runner ends up stranded. In the bottom of the 1st, Steve Barrett singles with one out, then advances to second on a walk to Scott Johnson. After Bug Holliday flies out to center, Barrett tags up and bolts for third. But sophomore Ted Stone's throw to third is WAY off the mark and past the third baseman. Barrett rounds third and scores to give the hometown Spartans an early 1-0 lead.

Bucknell strands another runner in the 2nd inning. In the bottom half of the frame, Kevin Anderson hits the ball deep to left and over the fielder's head. The ball hits the wall and gets away from the outfielders long enough to allow Anderson to circle the bases. The throw comes in late and Anderson has himself an inside-the-park home run. At the end of the 2nd, Michigan State leads 2-0. Between innings, Dople complains of back stiffness and is taken out of the game. Seriously?? You don't have your best stuff and suddenly your back hurts? Regardless, freshman Mike Hecht (10-5, 1.90) is brought in for Bucknell. Hecht had been in Manager Kyle Henry's doghouse for the past month, but it looks as though Henry doesn't have many options right now. Bucknell's ace, Mitchell Plante (12-2, 2.36) is still nursing a sprained ankle, so the pickins' are getting pretty thin. A pitcher's duel ensues and the Spartans maintain their two run advantage as we enter the 7th inning. Bucknell junior shortstop Steve Gee gets on base thanks to a fielding error on Anderson at short. Gee moves to second on a sacrifice and is stuck at third when the next batter grounds out to third. But Michigan State third baseman, junior Brian Schnell, fields another ball on the subsequent at-bat. Gee is off to third and Schnell's throw is wild!!! Gee rounds third and scores on the error to put Bucknell on the board and trim the Michigan State lead to 2-1.

In the bottom of the 7th, Hecht records an out before allowing a base hit. Henry isn't taking any chances and pulls the youngster from the game. Fellow freshman Jack McFetridge (0-1, 1.29, 3G), is brought in to face the Spartans. A fly out and a caught stealing later, and the young pitcher manages to salvage the inning. Grieco records two outs to start the top of the 8th, but then Justin Murphy singles to right. Murphy heads to second on a fielding error, bringing Gee into the batter's box. Gee works the count full, then lines the ball into center field. Murphy is off the bag on contact and scores easily to tie the game, 2-2!! Michigan State goes into the bottom of the 8th looking to regain the lead. Scott Stratton leads off with a base knock, but then gets caught trying to steal second. The Spartans manage two more base hits off the freshman McFetridge. The runners advance to second and third on a sac bunt, but a ground out ends the inning and McFetridge escapes once more.

Bucknell goes down in order in the top of the 9th, giving Michigan State yet another chance to win the game and take the series. Kevin Anderson leads off the bottom of the 9th with a single and Henry decides the freshman has seen enough action. In a surprise move, the Bucknell manager brings in George Haddock (2-1, 1.00), the Game 2 winner!! Michigan State sacrifices Anderson to second, but Henry calls for Haddock to intentionally walk the next batter. Haddock then gets pinch hitter Jeff Darnell to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. To extras we go! It's all the motivation Bucknell needed. In the top of the 10th, the Bison pound out three hits against a tired Grieco. Along with two Spartan fielding errors, Bucknell scores three times and takes a 5-2 lead!! Haddock returns in the bottom of the 10th and allows a couple of base hits, but Michigan State can't bring 'em home. Bucknell wins the game, 5-2, and takes the series two games to one!!

Cornell Big Red vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The weather is beautiful again in Bulldogs Ballpark, where it's 75 degrees and partly cloudy skies. A cross wind is blowing from right to left at 7 mph. There are 1691 fans in the stands to see this game. Cornell puts junior David Velez (2-0, 2.00) on the mound for today's game. Mississippi State counters with Pat Luby (1-1, 2.37). Luby has a rough start, allowing a lead off triple to Dusty Miller. But three fly outs later, Miller is stranded 90 feet away. It's a long half inning for Velez in the bottom of the 1st. He gives up two hits, hits a batter, throws a wild pitch, and his defense commits an error. Three runs score and Mississippi State is looking good early, leading 3-0. Cornell manages to get a run back in the 2nd, thanks to a fielding error on the Bulldogs. But Mississippi State recovers the run, scoring one of their own in the bottom of the 2nd. At the end of two, the Bulldogs lead 4-1.

After a scoreless 3rd and 4th, the Big Red come storming back in the 5th inning. Shorty Fuller leads the inning off with a single, steals second and third base, then scores on an outfield error to cut the lead down to 4-2. With two outs, Zach Thompson reaches base and ends up on second on Bulldog shortstop Phil O'Connor's wild throw. With new life, Cornell delivers an RBI single and RBI double on the next two at-bats, tying the game 4-4. Velez complains of fatigue in the 7th inning and is replaced by freshman Daniel Sanford (1-0, 2.93, 2 Saves). The game remains tied as we enter the 8th inning. Luby gives up two base hits in the inning, and the Mississippi State defense commits two errors on those base hits. Cornell scores one run and takes the lead, 5-4!! Sanford allows a single in the bottom of the 8th, but manages to prevent a run and hold onto the lead. Cornell can't give the freshman any insurance runs, however, as the batters are retired in order in the top of the 9th. Sanford returns for the bottom of the 9th, getting a fly out and a three pitch strikeout looking against the first two batters. He gives up a single to Terry Shelton, but gets Jerry Gonzalez to line out to right. Cornell wins the game, 5-4, and takes the series two games to one!!




So, the Collegiate Championship Series is set, as Cornell travels to Bucknell in pursuit of the national championship.

[abell1198]

Game 1

Cornell Big Red vs. Bucknell Bison

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania was a bustle of activity as the city hosted it's first Collegiate Championship Series game. Ephraim had traveled to Bison Ballpark to watch the historic game firsthand. It was also a chance for him to get out of the office and actually see a game. Another busy offseason was ahead of him, but for now, he was just one of 1898 people in the ballpark enjoying partly cloudy skies. Game time temperature is at 66 degrees, and the wind is blowing in from right at 9 mph. Cornell senior Alex Ferson (1-1, 5.40) is the starter for the Big Red. The submarine throwing righty had a tough last outing, and starting this game against a hostile crowd would be no walk in the park. On the mound for Bucknell is junior Bill Daley. Daley hasn't made a start in the postseason, with his last start back on May 26th. For the season, Daley was 3-2, with a 4.18 ERA in five starts and eight appearances. Most of those were in the month of May, as he has spent at least half the season on the reserve roster. But with the injuries the Bison have seen this season, Daley was called into service.

Neither team scores over the first two innings, but Daley has trouble in the 3rd. He gives up a leadoff single to Shorty Fuller. He also issues two free passes and throws a wild pitch. But Cornell can only score once, so the damage is limited. Trailing 1-0, Bucknell ties the game up in the 4th on first baseman Dusty Curci's inside-the-park homer to deep center. Daley responds well, now that his team has tied things up, recording two quick outs to start the 5th. But then junior first baseman Wade Pearce triples for the Big Red. He scores on the following at bat, when Bison right fielder Brad Bright drops a fly ball which should have ended the inning. Bucknell responds in the bottom half of the inning by getting a runner to third, but they can't bring him home and trail 2-1 after five.

The score remains unchanged until the bottom of the 8th. Ferson issues a walk to leadoff man Ted Stone, who is then sacrificed to second. Bright, trying to atone for his earlier fielding error, grounds a base hit through the hole at short and into left. Stone rounds third as Dusty Miller fields the ball. The throw to the plate and Stone is......SAFE!!! Bucknell ties the game, 2-2!!! But the wheels fall of the wagon for Daley, who's held up nicely so far in this game. With one out, Daley allows a single to Fuller, who is then sacrificed over to second. Daley is struggling to throw strikes, but when he does, Pearce makes contact and grounds it into left. Bison left fielder Brian Holley misplays the ball, allowing Fuller to round third and score. Daley is struggling, and one has to wonder why he's not being pulled from the game. He issues two more walks to load the bases with two outs. A wild pitch, a base hit, and a throwing error lead to three more Cornell runs crossing the plate. For the game, Daley walks nine, a new CBA playoff record. Down 6-2, Bucknell manages to get a run back in the bottom half of the 9th, but they run out of time. Cornell wins Game 1 by the score of 6-3, as the series moves to Ithaca, New York for Game 2.

Game 2

Bucknell Bison vs. Cornell Big Red

It had become tradition for the commissioner to bring the championship trophy to the ballpark if the series could be won, and this game was no exception, as Ephraim toted the championship cup into Big Red Ballpark. There were 1492 fans on hand for Game 2 of this series. The weather was a bit cooler than Game 1, at 62 degrees. The skies were partly cloudy, with the wind blowing out to center at 8 mph. Bucknell rests it's hopes on junior Tyler Dople (1-1, 3.93). As for Cornell, they've got their ace on the hill in junior David Velez (2-0, 1.48). Ace or not, however, Velez gets off to a shaky start, walking the leadoff man, Ted Stone, on four straight balls. Charlie Reilly then works the count full before stroking a base hit into shallow right. Stone moves to third on a fielder's choice on the following at-bat. Two batters later, he comes home on Dusty Curci's base hit to shallow left field. Up 1-0, Dople has two outs with a man on second in the bottom half of the 1st. But then Zach Thompson hits a triple deep to right, scoring the runner and tying the game up 1-1.

Velez leads off the top of the 2nd, still struggling, as he plunks Bucknell catcher Tun Berger on the first pitch. Later in the inning, Velez has two outs, with the bases loaded. Brad Bright steps in and hammers a 3-1 pitch into right for a 2-RBI single, giving the Bison the lead, 3-1!! Bucknell adds to their lead in the top of the 5th, when Reilly leads off with a triple, then scores on Bright's fly out. Justin Murphy doubles off of Velez down the third base line, moves to third on a ground out to second, then scores on a passed ball!! Leading 5-1, Dople coasts through the 5th and 6th innings. But then comes the 7th. By the time he gets one out, a run has scored and a man is on third. Things get messy during the next at-bat, as Dople hits Dusty Miller in the foot on the first pitch! Miller leaves the game with a fractured foot, as tensions between the two teams are building. Dople gets a ground out, then issues a walk to load the bases with two outs. Zach Thompson steps into the batter's box and delivers a line drive down the third base line, clearing the bases and tying the game, 5-5!!!

Bucknell goes down in order in the 8th. Dople records two quick outs in the bottom half of the 8th, but then gives up a base hit to left to Spider Clark. A fielding error gives Clark second, as Shorty Fuller comes up to bat. Fuller cracks the first pitch he sees into right center. Clark races around third as the ball is fielded and thrown home. The play at the plate and Clark is......SAFE!!! Cornell takes the lead 6-5!! Velez returns in the top of the 9th for the Big Red. After striking out the leadoff batter, Velez hits Brandon Ward on the first pitch. Manager Nate Koontz has seen enough and he heads to the mound to pull Velez from the game. Freshman Daniel Sanford (1-0, 0.00) is called in to close this game out. Sanford, you may recall, came into Game 3 late on the road against Mississippi State and picked up the win after shutting down the Bulldogs over 2 2/3 innings. Ted Stone steps up to the plate and grounds a 3-1 pitch to second for a 4-6 fielder's choice for the second out. Charlie Reilly then works the count full before lining the ball into right field, sending Stone around second and to third. Men are on the corners as Brad Bright steps into the box to face Sanford. Bright connects on the first pitch thrown and it sails into the air in left. But it doesn't carry far enough, as he flies out for out number three. Cornell holds on to win the game, 6-5, and win the series two games to none for their 2nd National Championship title!!

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