By Jason Spencer
Assistant Sports Information Director
June 15, 2007

Was that a welcome mat at the edge of the runway at Eppley Field or was it just me?

Yeah, okay, so it's only my second time here in Omaha for the College World Series, but I am still continuously amazed at the size of the welcome mat this city rolls out for two weeks in June.

Everyone here is treated like family. Even the teams seem to be buddies until they get between the lines as summer ball teammates renew old friendships and high school rivals revel in the wonder that is the College World Series.

There has been talk all week about the future of the event here in Omaha. Seems there is some discussion about a new downtown ballpark that would leave Rosenblatt Stadium without its feature event.

Even though I haven't had the same experiences that the thousands of ball players who have graced the field in the 60-year history of the event, I can't imagine driving up to another stadium and experiencing the same awe and wonder that I have had in my two trips here.

Changing the subject...

Since the gates opened at Rosenblatt on Thursday morning for fan festivities and official team practices, the Titans have been in "all go, no quit" mode.

Meeting after meeting for coaches, administrators and players. ESPN shoots with Wes Roemer, Clark Hardman, John Curtis, Josh Fellhauer, Matt Wallach, and Evan McArthur. Then, finally, one hour on the field at Rosenblatt surrounded by young fans anxious for a signed ball, poster, or old batting glove.

Only in Omaha can you expect thousands to attend practice. We're not talking about a game here, we're talking about practice (thanks to Allen Iverson for that one).

Autograph seekers mobbing the stadium. Young and old. Asking for a signature from anyone who resembled a player or coach. College baseball players turned into major league heroes in a matter of mere seconds.

Fans lined up down the concourse and around the corner for the Titans' post-practice autograph session, getting everything signed from bats and balls to posters and t-shirts.

I even signed media guides and programs from three of the younger fans who really didn't care if I was one of the guys sporting a uniform on game day. Needless to say, those were probably the first three autographs I have signed in my life - not counting the one on the rent check every month.

It's a major league atmosphere in a minor league ballpark at the college level. There's nothing like it that I have experienced in my 10-plus years working with student-athletes.

As a veteran of the middle school varsity golf team and a middle infielder that wasn't very good at the plate (apparently that's an important part of the game... who knew...), I feel very thankful for the opportunity to join these student-athletes at the pinnacle of their sport, living vicariously through their experiences.

I am also thankful for the copious amounts of Omaha beef (mmmmmm... steak...) that has been the feature of every one of my dinners since arriving here on Wednesday night.

Titan radio voice Justin Alderson suggested dinner at The Drover. Assistant Sports Information Director Michael Greenlee gave it 4 1/2 forks out of five and we agree.

However, despite the numerous fine steak houses that adorn the streets of the Old Market district near the stadium, the BEST meal hands down is the BBQ put on by a group of volunteers in the parking lot at Rosenblatt Stadium for the teams prior to opening ceremonies.

Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and barbecue chicken. Each a meal in and of itself, but so much better when eaten together. Oh, yeah, there were vegetables too.

That's just in case mom was reading.

"Smoking at the Series" is what their shirts said and they lived up to the moniker.

Then came Friday. Kind of the calm before the storm.

A two-hour practice at nearby Bellevue East High School and then sit back and focus in on Saturday's opener.

Even head coaches and long-time friends George Horton and Dave Serrano joined in the "love fest," as the two teams exchanged spots on the practice field.

"He's taught me everything I know," Serrano said.

Horton quipped "I've taught him everything he knows, but not everything I know."

However, if we learned anything from Friday's opening games, it's don't score first.

Newcomer Louisville led 5-0 and 10-4 before succumbing to 11 unanswered runs from a CWS-veteran Rice squad in a 15-10 loss. Mississippi State suffered a similar fate after jumping out to a 4-0 lead against last year's runner-up team in North Carolina, which came back for an 8-5 win to move into the winner's bracket.

Saturday's first pitch with Oregon State is scheduled for 4 p.m. PDT at Rosenblatt. Just another game "at home in Omaha" for the Titans.

Thanks for your patience. Mel Franks will be back on Saturday. It's been a pleasure. Try the veal and tip your waitress.