Fresno State in the 2008 College World Series Finals

"Underdogs to Wonderdogs", the phrase was seen all over town on t-shirts and signs at the 2008 College World Series as Fresno State, the Series underdogs kept pulling out win after win. They've made history already for the Bulldogs, the NCAA, and Fresno itself. I'll admit I don't know a lot about baseball, but am I watching this? You bet I am. Watching these guys play with heart and courage, through injury and other people's doubt is inspiring and everyone wants a part of the excitement.

This year I learned a lot more about baseball as my high school freshman son earned a spot on his Varsity team. Now I've been able to watch this College World Series and not be totally clueless. Playing a best of three championship series right now, Fresno was predicted to lose it all tonight. Nobody told them that, or at least they didn't believe it. Tonight's game looked like it was coming true with a 0-5 deficit. Not only did they not lose, the "Dogs" from Fresno came back to pound the "Dawgs" from Georgia, 19 - 10.

Fresno State should not be doing this. Their best pitcher is injured, their next best was off two weeks with injuries and probably won't be back after pitching a great game the other night to advance. They have changed pitchers each game almost faster than you can blink, playing less experienced or just plain tired pitchers. They have had no rest, while Georgia had a couple days to rest. Until tonight, Georgia had not lost a game in the series and Tonight Fresno faced it's fourth elimination game. Fresno's third baseman Mendonca is playing with three dislocated fingers, which you would never know by watching the outstanding diving catches and throws, plus his pounding out hits and home runs. Mendonca blasted a three run homer in the third inning to take a lead over Georgia that didn't end. Another Fresno player has torn cartilage in a hand and various other injuries have been reported, and yet they are still in this thing. Way to go guys.

History was made by the Bulldogs from Fresno when they entered the Series as the first number 4 regional seed to make it to the eight team CWS, let alone the final two. They also are the first Fresno team to make it to the College World Series since 1991 and the lowest ranked team to ever make it to even the top 4. The ESPN TV commentators reported the other night that this team was the lowest ranked team to ever make it to the finals "in the history of college sports in any sport ever." Did anyone but the Bulldogs believe they would be in the top two? The AP reported that when told there really was not a lot of faith in Fresno State in the college community even after their opening wins, player Gavin Hedstrom said it was fine with them because "That has been a big part of what has gotten us this far. We like proving we're better than people say we are". Well gentlemen, just as Fresno's youth hockey teams have won state championships against the odds , you have most certainly shown how good you are.

Wednesday will be a game to remember. Go Dogs!