As I drove home through the early morning hours after watching Tyler Childers tear the house down at “The Horseshoe” in Columbus on Saturday night, I somehow connected the experience to baseball. After all, that’s my job/hobby.
Childers has a song called Eatin’ Big Time on his latest record, Snipe Hunter, describing his appreciation and pride for the gifts in his life and career. Baseball fans in and around Morgantown can surely relate right now — and that goes beyond WVU Baseball. Read more: Eatin’ Big Time: unprecedented times for Morgantown’s baseball lovers.
I’ve written about the potential encore for action at Kendrick Family Ballpark beyond WVU’s Senior Day, but what’s going on in the university city is unprecedented.
Collegiate, MLB Draft League, Banana Ball, you name it. It’s a good time all around. Here’s why fans of the game on any level should savor this while they can.
Far away, representing home
It all starts with the Mountaineers, of course. Though the team is in Omaha, Nebraska, more than a 13-hour drive away, striving for its first national title, we’re only a week removed from the Morgantown Super Regional. Record-breaking crowds, fiery offensive outputs, and a premier atmosphere made for a beautiful display at KFB.
Related: Gavin Kelly: WVU’s two-way phenom powers historic College World Series run
The energy throughout the city is palpable.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate for those who didn’t make the trek to the “greatest show on dirt” this week. Vibes spilling from Granville into campus makes it feel like the old gold and blue are right at home.
I’ve briefly mentioned the West Virginia Black Bears as a great follow-up for action in town, too.
Watch out
“Watch out where you sneak
In the woods without a little listenin’
You don’t wanna creep
And spook you up a momma bear”
Lyrics from Watch Out on the same album. It could also act as a piece of advice for adversaries of the Black Bears. The reigning MLB Draft League champions recently opened their home slate at KFB.
The squad has struggled in the early phases of the summer ball season, entering Sunday with a 5-6 record. Have no doubt though, this is a great outlet for Morgantown baseball junkies to get their fix. Expect the Black Bears to snag a few Mountaineers following the College World Series run.
The Black Bears return to KFB to battle Aberdeen on Tuesday.
Banana Ball takeover
While the Black Bears were on the road over the weekend, even more baseball graced Wagener Field.
Related: Rick Wagener on WVU Baseball’s Omaha journey (WV Sports Nation exclusive)
The Indianapolis Clowns and Texas Tailgaters held Banana Ball exhibitions on Friday and Saturday, bringing the circus-style interpretation of America’s favorite pastime back to the Mountain State. The Savannah Bananas weren’t there, but the concept brought fans new and old out to the ballpark.
When that’s not the headlining baseball storyline in the town, you’re blessed. That’s all I’ll say, considering it’s a nationwide phenomenon.
More to be proud of
For the locals of the bunch, don’t forget about Morgantown High School. The Mohigans have spent the past week at Jack Cook Field in Huntington battling for a state title.
Related: Miles McBride captures first NBA title as Knicks defeat Spurs
MHS came up one game short of the championship for the second year in a row, but goes into the offseason with another successful campaign in the books.
What’s next
WVU won’t be playing in its own confines again this season, and are undoubtedly the marquee baseball attraction in the area, but hopefully the Morgantown and Mountaineer faithful get a chance to celebrate at the airport with a national title.
It’ll take the Mountaineers completing the Omaha gauntlet, with the next challenge being a winners’ bracket showdown against UNC. The Tar Heels have had WVU’s number for years now, including in the 2024 Chapel Hill Super Regional.
Whatever happens with the Mountaineers, I’d argue baseball fans of any kind in the area have plenty to be grateful for and/or proud of. That’s what Eatin’ Big Time is all about.
Stay up to date with WV Sports Nation for more WVU Athletics coverage.
BONUS: Bitin’ List
For fans of Mr. Childers and his band, which is predominantly based out of West Virginia, you know about this song. With no further context needed, this is what I’d consider to be at the top of this list for the Mountaineers.
- Pitt
- Penn State
- Virginia Tech
- Marshall
- Maryland
- UNC (for the weekend)
Some days are better than others when it comes to writing columns— but baseball is a kid’s game anyway. Why not have a little fun with it?
