Sometimes, no matter what you do, life just decides to toss a nasty curveball.
You’d think you can square it up and maybe make solid contact. But that little deviation in trajectory leaves even the best hitters floundering about.
Such was the feeling for players and fans of the Cisco College and McLennan Community College baseball teams who, in the span of a few hours, went from National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series hopefuls to victims of justice gone awry.
Both teams, which were squaring off for a spot in the NJCAA World Series earlier this month, were ultimately disqualified following an on-the-field incident that happened during their May 14 game.
According to reports, the disqualification was the result of NJCAA officials adhering to a section of its rule book calling for players who leave their position on the field or dugout for a fight to be ejected.
That’s exactly what happened in the sixth inning of the teams’ May 14 game after a close play at the plate. Words were exchanged and a few shoves were seemingly doled out by a couple of players.
As a result, players and coaches from both teams poured onto the field to break up the scuffle. It’s something fans and players have seen countless times, both on the professional and amateur level.
But no punches were seemingly thrown. No one tried a karate kick.
And yet the NJCAA saw fit to call a forfeit to the game, which effectively ended both teams’ seasons.
Whatever happened to due process? Whatever happened to fleshing out the details?
Whatever happened to reviewing the video?
Sadly, the NJCAA didn’t seem to take any of that into account as they made an erroneous decision.
To disqualify both teams for a rule that seems wildly draconian was a poor move on their part. What’s more so is how the NJCAA didn’t seem like they did enough to sort through the situation.
It’s a shame for the players involved, who might have missed out on a chance at glory.
However, as some might say, “C’est la vie.”
Meanwhile, College World Series dreams are still alive for the Texas Longhorns baseball team, who might have just improved their stock for a regional and possible super regional bid this past week.
For a short time earlier this year, Texas had the look of a club that was on the cusp of greatness, but could have succumbed to mediocrity.
They are good and talented, but not always consistent.
Winning six out of their last seven games to close the regular season campaign seemed to do the trick.
Credit must be given to David Pierce, who in only two short years is starting to bring the program back to its former glory.
A long road lies ahead, however, as the Longhorns still must navigate through the Big 12 tournament.
From there, Texas will need to maintain its hot streak during the postseason to have a shot at Omaha.
But with an offense that’s boasted a .277 team batting average and popped 54 home runs, along with a pitching staff with an ERA of 4.41, the sky is the limit.
Somewhere up there, one has to believe Augie Garrido is smiling on them.
