Hoping for Omaha plans

By: Kacy Hochstatter

Posted: 5/16/08

With summer fast approaching, it is that time of year where we all start to find ourselves looking beyond the last three weeks of the school year and toward the months of fun that summer brings.

Oregonians get three, maybe four, months out of the year where we actually have an opportunity to shed our clothes and enjoy the sunshine.

It is always a nice change of pace to see people with a little natural color in their faces, compared to the usual extremely pale (myself), tanning bed brown (easy to spot) and the always entertaining orange people (even easier to spot).

That last one I will never understand, but I guess I have to give those of you props because you are the biggest Oregon State fans out there. Most people don't even want to paint their faces for sporting events, yet you paint your entire bodies, even on off days? That's hardcore!

For all of us, there are inevitably some tough decisions to make when the school year is over. Where should I look for a job? How do I pay my bills doing an internship that pays me pennies on the dollar? Then there is always the fun question about vacation.

What can I do this summer that is going to make it more memorable than the last? I myself am a pretty stereotypical Oregonian - I like to camp, hike, fish, explore and so on.

I started thinking about it and it came to me. I have missed out on a golden opportunity the last three years.

The Oregon State baseball team has given us all a reason to pack our bags and go out on a classic summer road trip of monumental proportions. I understand that when we hear it is in Omaha, Neb., it immediately brings thoughts of cornfields and combines as far as the eye can see. That is not very appealing to anybody - believe me, I have been to Kansas before and if the two are even remotely similar, then be prepared for a whole lot of absolutely nothing.

There is one exception, Omaha during the College World Series. I have never been, but everyone that I have talked to has said it was one of the best experiences of their college lives. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is electric and there are so many intangibles that I don't even know where to begin.

I have had the joy of covering the 2008 team this season and to tell you the truth, I don't know if anybody knows what to expect when the playoffs roll around this year. They still have a little bit of work to do to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, but they are currently in decent shape and this weekend will be a big indicator.

Trying to figure this team out has been nearly impossible. This year's team has played a brutal schedule and they have done well against top-tier competition this season, which is a great sign. Like previous teams, the 'twenty-08' (as Mike Parker would say) team has a knack for stepping up in big games and getting contributions from all over the place.

Then there is the other side of the coin. They have played very poorly against some of the weakest teams on the schedule. There have been some ugly losses sprinkled between some great wins, which is why it is so hard to figure this team out.

Is it because they are bored? Has Pat Casey created an atmosphere where his players are only interested in playing the tough teams? If that were the case, then that would be the biggest breakthrough in coaching history. All you would need to do is play the toughest schedule imaginable every season and it would become the biggest dynasty since the Wooden-era Bruins.

As great as that would be, I admit that is a rather ridiculous idea. In all reality, the youth of this team and a lot of young arms in the pitching rotation is the likely cause of the ups and downs this season. But that doesn't mean this team can't do big things.

This team has a lot of confidence, and with Casey on the bench, you know they will never give up. He simply won't allow it. If the Beavers can make another magical run in June, it is going to be pretty hard to find a way to avoid going to Omaha for a fourth consecutive year.

If anyone can tell me what is going to happen this postseason, I would sure like to know. Amsterdam is in my sights and it is a Mecca for - well, I probably don't have to tell all of you. I guess I am going to put my summer plans on hold in the hopes that I can make three previous wrongs into one right.

If it doesn't work out, then I guess that is what I deserve. But it is okay, Amsterdam is not going anywhere.

Kacy Hochstatter, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com