Without a doubt, the main spectator sports at North Carolina State University are football and men’s basketball, and why not? These two sports by far have the most star power, the largest venues, the richest history and the most lucrative television contracts. At large public universities such as ours, that will be the case 99 percent of the time.
But especially in the Southeastern United States, another sport seems to gain popularity every year—college baseball. The ACC, along with the SEC, is widely regarded as one of the strongest baseball conferences year in and year out.
You may have heard that the Wolfpack baseball team is ranked No. 9 in the NCAA’s preseason poll; that is uncharted territory for the N.C. State baseball program. And if the team is truly going to build off of last season’s NCAA Super Regional appearance, it needs your help.
That’s right — you, sitting on the bus reading this on your way to class. You, grabbing lunch at the Atrium and enjoying the sports page with your Chick-fil-A. You may be swamped with work from your regular classes, but I’m giving you another assignment.
The baseball team opens the season Friday at 3 p.m. against Appalachian State, a tournament team from last year. And your assignment as a student of this university is to show up and support the Pack. In fact, between now and Feb. 27, State will play eight games at its home, Doak Field. In total, the Wolfpack have 34 home dates this season.
But it’s February; won’t it be chilly? Bring a blanket or dress warmly. You have class during the game? No problem, just come to the game whenever you can make it. Got homework? Bring it with you. You’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a ticket? Yes you can, admission for students is free. All you have to do is show your student ID at the gate and walk in.
You’ll get to see players such as sophomore left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon, who went 9-0 last season with a 1.57 ERA, or Trea Turner, who shattered State’s single-season stolen base record and led the nation with 57 swipes. This State team is loaded with talent. Who knows, maybe you can tell your kids that you saw the next Major League great in person.
The importance of a good home-field advantage cannot be understated in any sport. Last season, the Wolfpack posted an impressive 28-4 record within the friendly confines of Doak Field at Dail Park. With nationally-ranked opponents such as Clemson, UNC-Chapel Hill and Florida State scheduled to make visits to Raleigh this season, the Pack will need a strong effort from the home crowd in order to replicate that effort.
The players take notice as well. Former Wolfpack outfielder Ryan Mathews, who led the team in home runs last year, said that one of his favorite memories from his time at State was seeing and hearing the sold-out crowd at the Raleigh Regional this past June, where the Wolfpack came from behind to beat Vanderbilt and advance to the Super Regional round. He loved seeing 3,200 members of Wolfpack Nation going nuts.
The team is anticipating increased interest this season, so much that Doak Field now boasts auxiliary bleachers on the grass hillside where students gather for games.
Well, let’s prove them right. The season is finally here. Wolfpack Nation, let’s fill up the stadium from Friday afternoon all the way through this summer. The players are ready. The coaches are ready. Are you?
