NCAA® 2007 Men's College World Series - Omaha, Nebraska

Program Includes Answering Questions, Signing Autographs

(OMAHA, Neb.– June 16, 2005) – An all-star line up of coaches, former major-league players and special activities are scheduled for the 2005 Men’s College World Series Fan Fest Stage at Rosenblatt Stadium starting on Friday, according to Jack Diesing Jr., president of College World Series of Omaha, Inc.

“We are excited to provide fans with the opportunity to meet in person with such legendary college baseball coaches as Rod Dedeaux of Southern California, Hall of Fame great Lou Brock, Will ‘The Thrill’ Clark and others who will answer questions and give out autographs,” Diesing said. 

Each appearance will begin at approximately 4 p.m. Central time, assuming that the first game of the day requires three hours to complete, according to Scott Fosler, NCAA manager of promotions and events.  Specific times will depend on the completion of the first game.  Scheduled appearances include:

• Friday, June 17, 4 to 5 p.m. – ABCA coaches Glenn Tuckett, BYU; Bob Bennett, Fresno State; Jerry Kindall, Arizona; and John Winkin, Maine.  The ABCA coaches will answer questions from the audience for approximately 30 minutes, followed by autograph signing, Fosler said.
• Saturday, June 18, 4 to 5 p.m. – ABCA coaches Bobo Brayton, Washington State; Rod Dedeaux, Southern California; Jack Stallings, Florida State; and Tom Petrov, Rider College.  The format will be the same as Friday’s appearance.
• Monday, June 20, 4 to 5 p.m. – Louis Spry, official scorekeeper for the Men’s College World Series, will present a scoring clinic.
• Tuesday, June 21, 4 to 5:30 p.m. – Major League first baseman Will Clark.  An All-American at Mississippi State, Clark played a starring role for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team which yielded such future major leaguers as Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire. During the five-game Olympic tournament, Clark batted .429 with three home runs and eight RBIs. The following year he won the Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the country's top collegiate player.   One of baseball's fiercest competitors, Clark was known for the fearsome glare he would fix on a pitcher while standing in the batter's box. "The big thing people say to me is, 'Why don't you ever smile?'" Clark once remarked. "Well, I'm too interested in trying to beat somebody right now to smile."
• Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5:30 p.m. – Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock.  During his 19-year career, the outfielder stole an unprecedented 938 bases and broke several World Series records, including hitting .391 in more than 20 World Series games. 

Fans can also visit the NCAA Hall of Champions booth outside Rosenblatt Stadium and get a personalized trading card based on a photograph of them wearing the hat and jersey of their favorite participating team. Cards will also carry personal “stats” for each individual.

The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) is recognized as the world’s largest association of amateur baseball coaches. The ABCA has approximately 5,500 members, including coaches from every state in the country and over 200 international members. The focal point of the year is ABCA’s Annual Convention, held each January at various locations.

College World Series of Omaha, Inc., is a non-profit organization and the local organizing committee for the annual NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.  This year’s event gets underway with the Opening Celebration on June 16, and concludes June 26 or 27, with the final Championship game. For more information, visit the NCAA Web site at ncaasports.com, or the CWS of Omaha Inc. Web site at http://www.cwsomaha.com/.