Torero Diaries

The long anticipated opening weekend for us finally came last Friday as we hosted the Hoosiers of Indiana. Any spectator could tell that we were excited to get on the field and face an opponent other than ourselves in another 10-13 inning practice intra-squad game. When we finally put the home game white jerseys on, we kicked it up a notch.  We defeated the Hoosiers 16-10 in game one, 9-2 in game two and 9-4 in game three, but we suffered our first loss in game four on Sunday. While we were all shocked that we gave up a loss to this team, we were still content to take away three wins and start the season off on the right foot.
Other than the good old-fashioned competition shared between the two teams, it felt great just to be back out on the field again in season. If you have never been to a USD baseball game, I strongly encourage you to check one out if you get the chance. For those of you who do not know where the baseball stadium is, that’s not a problem at all.  Just grab a campus map or ask that friendly, non-threatening ball player that sits in the very front of class and diligently takes notes while responding to every question. He’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
While I may not be able to promise a beautiful stadium with an upper deck or a jumbo-tron scoreboard, I can ask you where else you would be able to see sophomore infielder Bryan Haar looking incredibly strapping and rugged with his Brawny paper towel man grizzly beard? Or how about the way that Columbia jersey sits on the body of sophomore outfielder Austin Green, former Abercrombie model? It’s enough to turn some heads ladies. Take my word for it.
It was, however, a surprisingly big crowd this weekend at the “giant staircase” we have come to call Cunningham Stadium.  We would actually hear the roar of a crowd this weekend, as opposed to the usual Tuesday game fan section consisting of our parents’ yells and the occasional clap of Mr. McCoy, loving father and mentor of senior catcher Nick McCoy.
But seriously, we love the friends, family and fans that come out to watch.  There was a great vibe at the field during home games this weekend and  USD baseball is very fortunate to have the support of so many people, donators, family and friends. 
There’s a special feeling that permeates through the seats and into our home dugout every time we take the field.  It is a feeling of welcoming that every player and coach wearing the Torero jersey is extremely grateful for.  I encourage any baseball fans, enthusiasts, students, faculty or anyone who has nothing to do on Fridays to drop by for some peanuts and crackerjacks.  Do you honestly care if you ever get back?  I also promise I won’t tell you any lame jokes like that alluding to the famous seventh inning stretch song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” because I will be out on the field and can’t yell up to you during games.  See you guys soon.