It has arrived!

What has arrived, you ask? College baseball season! My absolute favorite time of year. Friday is the University of South Carolina's first game of the season against Duquesne in our BRAND NEW stadium. I sure will miss the Sarge:

But I am definitely looking forward to this:

And, although the coaches are only predicting us to finish 4th in the SEC East, I have MUCH more faith in my boys in the pinstripes than that prediction. 4th in the East, for real? I know we lost some big players (Justin Smoak, Reese Havens, James Darnell to name a few), but we stole one of the best assistant coaches in the nation away from North Carolina, who has been a powerhouse in recent years.

Welcome, Coach Chad Holbrook! We're so glad you're a Gamecock!!

And, while I won't be able to attend this weekend's series due to an out of town trip, I can't wait for the game against our rivals in the northwest corner of the state, Clemson, on March 1st. Last year we swept them, although, arguably, they have more talent this year and a more veteran ball club than we have. But, bragging rights are on the line, and I live with a Tiger, who has been able to strut around after Clemson defeated us in football and basketball. But, I've always said I care the most about baseball, so if we win, it will be my turn to crow- Cockadoodledo!

So, the countdown is on... 4 more days til baseball and our quest for Omaha 2009.

From the Texas hills to the Golden Gate

To the warm Miami shore

They play the game a thousand names

You've never heard before

Yeah but don't forget a single face

You could see that boy again

And somewhere down the road you might say

"Hey, I remember when.."

Cause there's a dream in every glove

There's a wish on every ball

And once again they'll make their name

Back Home in Omaha

-Todd Thibaud- "Back Home in Omaha"