BigBuds and kelbow7 are correct.
Santa Clara finished as the runner-up to Michigan in 1962 (5-4 in 15 innings) after losing the opener to Florida State.
Wichita State first appeared in the CWS in 1982, finishing the year 73-14 and as the runner-up to national champion Miami. How many folks remember the Grand Illusion? Can anyone tell me why the fake pick-off throw to first base by Miami pitcher Mike Kasprzak was not a balk (see linked video)? All-American Phil Stephenson (younger brother of coach Gene Stephenson) had 87 steals on the year and was duped in this famous CWS play that played a significant part in Miami going on to win the national championship.
The Shockers also appeared in the 1988 CWS, won the national championship in 1989 (going undefeated in the CWS), finished as the runner-up to LSU in 1991, appeared in 1992 as the #2 seed, finished as the runner-up to LSU again in 1993, and last appeared in 1996.
Of course, we all know the story of the Cajuns.
Brian
Tentative schedule posted
Sat 5 PM vs Wichita St
Sun 11 AM vs SC
Mon 1 PM vs Texas St
Pregame set to go on air at 4:30. Tune in on Newstalk 96.5 KPEL.
It appears that the Kasprzak stepped off the rubber with his right foot first, which then made him an infielder and not a pitcher. At that point, he could fake the throw to first. Had he not stepped off first (jump and turn), he would have remained as a pitcher and a fake to first would have resulted in a balk call.
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