The UNC Baseball team is headed back to Omaha for the College World Series! The Diamond Heels clinched a berth to its first CWS since 2013 – and 11th in program history – by sweeping the Stetson Hatters in the Chapel Hill Super Regional on Friday and Saturday.

I’ve followed UNC Baseball for many years, but there is something special with this year’s team. It has truly taken a team effort to get to this point. The Heels have not always been at the top of the national polls this season and, in fact, Carolina began the 2018 campaign with a .500 record, well below expectations. There has not been just a player or two who have carried the team. A different guy has stepped up and delivered in each win this season. It has been remarkable to see.

Luckily I had the week off, so I was able to attend the Chapel Hill Super Regional. And let me tell ya, I’ve seen many games at Boshamer Stadium, but these last two were incredibly special. Even with the early start of 11 a.m. on Friday, Tar Heel fans packed the place out and were fully committed to the game from first pitch, yours truly included. I believe that made a difference in the two wins and I’ll remember this for a long time.

Carolina will face a familiar foe in Omaha, Oregon State, beginning Saturday. The Beavers and Heels always seem to be matched up with each other in the postseason like the basketball squad is with Kansas or Kentucky. This season has seen its ups and downs but, with hard work and perseverance, UNC Baseball is now just a few wins away from a national championship.