AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > June > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCWS links Tech to UGA — again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The Louisville broadcaster Jock Sutherland once described the frustration of having to live alongside the hugely popular Kentucky Wildcats: “You could be in a hole at the center of the world with five other people, and one of them would be waving a pennant and saying, ‘Go Big Blue.’ “
Omaha, Neb., is not to be confused with a hole in the ground. It’s the site of the College World Series, where most every amateur baseball player dreams of going. Georgia Tech is going. So, almost inevitably, is Georgia.
You have to feel for Tech. Its baseball program is a model of consistency, having missed the NCAA tournament once since 1985. Georgia, by way of contrast, alternates big seasons with lesser ones — the Bulldogs have graced consecutive NCAA tournaments only once in their existence — but which side has reached Omaha more often? (Georgia has qualified five times, Tech three.) Which side has won a national championship? (Georgia, in 1990.) Which side has eliminated the other more often in NCAA play? (Georgia has ousted Tech three times; Tech has dismissed the Bulldogs once.)
[an error occurred while processing this directive]“That’s just the way baseball runs,” said Jonathan Wyatt, the Georgia left fielder from Kennesaw. “Tech has been a top-line program since I can remember. We get hot toward the end of the year, which is the best time. Tech stays hot all year and comes up a little short.”
Mike Trapani is Tech’s second baseman. He lives in Dunwoody and played at Marist, so he has been around Bulldogs all his life. He’s a Tech guy now — a Tech grad, actually — but at no time in his life has he been a Georgia backer. “I’m a die-hard Auburn fan,” he said. “Auburn and Jordan-Hare Stadium have a special place in my heart.”
So does the memory of last season’s epic Georgia-Auburn football game, the Tigers winning by a point after the Brandon Cox slant pass to Devin Aromashodu on fourth-and-10 and Courtney Taylor’s subsequent recovery of Aromashodu’s fumble. “There’s nothing better than hearing all [Georgia’s] fans [whining] and moaning,” Trapani said. “I have to listen to all the buddies I grew up with talking about how Georgia’s going to win the national championship every year, and I never say a word.”
About baseball, Trapani is more circumspect. The Tech-Georgia collisions, while fun for fans, aren’t quite as meaningful. The teams meet in separate midweek installments, including one at Turner Field. (Georgia took two of three this season.) Neither deploys its best pitchers, saving them for the weekend conference games. “It’s a shame we don’t play on the weekend,” Trapani said. “I know the fans would show up.”
As it happens, Tech and Georgia could well play a best-of-three series for the national title. (The schools can’t meet in Omaha before then.) Even though the Jackets, who haven’t yet lost in this NCAA tournament, are playing as well as any team in the land, the Bulldogs, who have faced four elimination games already, take special pleasure in defying form. When last they met in the postseason, Georgia won a 2004 super regional on Tech’s field. “That was a great weekend,” Wyatt said. The Jackets enjoyed it rather less.
According to Wyatt, there’s “no hatred” between the teams. “That’s more for the fans.” But how could the men who represent the state’s best baseball program not feel a measure of resentment toward the team that pops up more often than its pedigree suggests it should?
According to Trapani, the Tech players didn’t pause to watch Georgia beat South Carolina on Monday night, convening instead at a steakhouse for a celebratory dinner. “It really didn’t matter [whether Georgia or South Carolina] won,” Trapani said. “They’re on the other side of the bracket.”
And that’s true. But the Jackets also have to share a state with those infernal Bulldogs, and now they’ll have to share the College World Series.
Your opinion
Permalink | Comments (63) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Tech and Gold
June 13, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Our football program at Tech is in a sad state when our own Tech second baseman is an Auburn football fan. Our football program can not even build fans from fellow Tech athletes. No wonder why we can’t fill up Bobby Dodd Stadium.
By Andy
June 13, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
Tech is the state’s best baseball program??? Did Mark read the facts in the article he wrote?? Georgia won the 1990 national championship (Tech’s never won one.) Georgia has been to the College World Series 5 times (Tech’s been 3.) Georgia’s ousted Tech from the NCAA tournament 3 times (Tech’s only sent Georgia home once.) Georgia’s been to the CWS 3 times in the past 6 years (Tech’s been twice in that time span.) Georgia won 2 out of 3 against Tech this year. Again I’m just reiterating the facts Mark Bradley had in his column, but they sure lead me to a different conclusion. Georgia has historically a better baseball program than Tech and currently a better baseball team than Tech!!
By Baseball!
June 13, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
Hey stupid^, We are talking about the achievements of the baseball team, stop with the hard on for football.
By Bryan G.
June 13, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Andy, look…I’m a UGA grad and have to disagree with you.
For example, since the Marlins came into existence they have won more World Series (2) than our Braves (1). However, no one would argue that they have been a better team historically than the Braves since 1993 (when the Marlins started).
The point is that Tech keeps getting its putts close while Georgia just has happened to make more (and hitting some 20 feet by). Tech has been more consistently good than UGA; UGA has just happened to win it all once. Just like football, it takes some luck to win a National Championship. Although Tech has more consensus NCs (4 to 2) in football, no one could seriously argue that they have traditionally been better than UGA there, as UGA is top 10 all-time in wins. Got it?
By GW
June 13, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Tapani doesn’t like whining from UGA fans but says, “I wish we could play on a weekend.” Sounds like an excuse for losing 2 of 3 too me. If Tech didn’t feel inferior a writer could never pull a quote from one of their baseball players during the regionals where he defers to Auburn football. Just like their FB fans chanting “LSU, LSU” in the middle of our game, they keep grabbing for straws.
By northwestDawg
June 13, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
For Ga. to be considered a real Diamond power house Perno has to start having those year after year teams that are ALWAYS in the hunt for and get to Omaha. Miami, Texas, Fullerton, LSU are good examples even though a couple of those teams lost out this year. as far as Tech or any other team not in our bracket, I’m hoping that the Diamon Dawgs are concentrating on NOTHING but the Rice Owls. I’m being redundent to say that but it’s the most important part of the CWS RIGHT NOW!!!! The teams in Omaha aren’t like the teams we’ve played so far this season. They are all good enough to beat us as we are them. Focus, focus , focus on the Rice Owls and nothing else!!!!!
By northwestDawg
June 13, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
For Ga. to be considered a real Diamond power house Perno has to start having those year after year teams that are ALWAYS in the hunt for and get to Omaha. Miami, Texas, Fullerton, LSU are good examples even though a couple of those teams lost out this year. as far as Tech or any other team not in our bracket, I’m hoping that the Diamon Dawgs are concentrating on NOTHING but the Rice Owls. I’m being redundent to say that but it’s the most important part of the CWS RIGHT NOW!!!! The teams in Omaha aren’t like the teams we’ve played so far this season. They are all good enough to beat us as we are them. Focus, focus , focus on the Rice Owls and nothing else!!!!!
By northwestDawg
June 13, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
For Ga. to be considered a real Diamond power house Perno has to start having those year after year teams that are ALWAYS in the hunt for and get to Omaha. Miami, Texas, Fullerton, LSU are good examples even though a couple of those teams lost out this year. as far as Tech or any other team not in our bracket, I’m hoping that the Diamon Dawgs are concentrating on NOTHING but the Rice Owls. I’m being redundent to say that but it’s the most important part of the CWS RIGHT NOW!!!! The teams in Omaha aren’t like the teams we’ve played so far this season. They are all good enough to beat us as we are them. Focus, focus , focus on the Rice Owls and nothing else!!!!!
By northwestDawg
June 13, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
For Ga. to be considered a real Diamond power house Perno has to start having those year after year teams that are ALWAYS in the hunt for and get to Omaha. Miami, Texas, Fullerton, LSU are good examples even though a couple of those teams lost out this year. as far as Tech or any other team not in our bracket, I’m hoping that the Diamon Dawgs are concentrating on NOTHING but the Rice Owls. I’m being redundent to say that but it’s the most important part of the CWS RIGHT NOW!!!! The teams in Omaha aren’t like the teams we’ve played so far this season. They are all good enough to beat us as we are them. Focus, focus , focus on the Rice Owls and nothing else!!!!!
By BIGNCDAWG
June 13, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
All I got to say is sic’um DAWGS. If we lose the first game, which I hope we don’t, it could be a good omen.
By northwestDawg
June 13, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
I want to apoligize to everyone. I don’t know how my post was posted 3 times. I wasn’t trying to hog the blog. I hit post and then nothing happened. I hit again, same thing and one more time, same thing . Went to the grocery store came back and walla! Sorry
By Brooks
June 14, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this
All I know is that Omaha is wide open. Any team making the trip could win it. As a Dawg fan, I have to brag a little bit about our guys. We made a huge statement for the program on Monday night. We play big time, clutch baseball when it counts. You don’t just make it to the CWS 3 times in 6 years without having a top notch program. One team from the SEC is heading out west-UGA. We earned our way. Playing long series with grade A opponents only makes you better. It’s all about the postseason. Unfortunately just ask the Braves about that. GO DAWGS!
By Andy
June 14, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley, if you’re reading this, I just want to say that I do enjoy your columns. They are always well written and most of the time they are entertaining. Even if I disagree with what you say sometimes!
By PJ
June 14, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
The baseball stats kind of remind me of the football stats except bassackwards. While Tech has more and the most recent National Championships in football, UGA has probably produced the most and better NFL athlete. This is why they are ranked higher nationally year after year but run back to Athens with their tails between there legs when given the pre-season “Championship Contender” label. Much like Tech in baseball. With that said lets compare the MLB alumni from both schools.
UGA: Jeff Keppinger (WHO?), Robby Hammock (WHO?),Dave Flemming (Huaaah!), Mark Watson (FRY BOY), Chris Stowers (Flips Burgers)
GA Tech: Mark Teixeira (All Star), Jason Varitek (All Star, World Series), Nomar (I don’t even have to say his last name), Kevin Brown (All Star, At one point the highest paid player in the MLB), Jay Payton
GO JACKETS!!!
By Mike
June 14, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this
hahaha…sure does say alot about the Jackettes when their own 2nd baseman is a Au-Barn fan.
By Steve
June 14, 2006 07:00 AM | Link to this
To Tech and Gold…..The Jackettes have an “athlete”??? WOW….really??
By vinnie
June 14, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
Just thought u bums would like to know that GT is favored by twice as much as UGA in Vegas. JUst FYI
By northwestDawg
June 14, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Vinnie, just what does “favored in Vegas” have to do with anything?
By Jay
June 14, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Its about winning championships, UGA 1….Tech 0
By Alan
June 14, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Trapani, you complain about how UGA fans talk of a National Championship each year in football, yet every year we hear how GT is #1 in pre-season baseball. Their fans (what few there are) always seem to think this is their year. Pot meet Kettle.
By GT Fan
June 14, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Bryan G. — You are right on the money and used some great analogies to prove your point. This is unheard of for a UGA grad. While most of my fellow GT fans will likely disagree with me, I am sincerely hoping GT and UGA both make it to the finals. While it would make for a “bitter pill to swallow” if GT should lose, it would also be some very delicious “icing on the cake” to beat UGA in the championship game. Go Jackets!!!
By WG
June 14, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Good post by Brian G, especially for a Dawg fan. Bradley left out some stats showing a more consistent solid performance by Tech baseball, 23 NCAA tournament appearances vs. 7 for UGA, 5 regional championships and advancement to the Super Regionals vs. 3 for UGA. The bottom line is that both the Tech and Georgia baseball programs are very good and fans on both sides should be proud of their accomplishments. It was good to see them not placed in the same regional or super regional bracket for a change so that both could advance to Omaha and demonstrate the strength of college baseball in GA.
By Ramblor
June 14, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
I second that Bryan G. That was right on the money. Not real surprised that Andy didn’t acknowledge that though.
Hey northwestDawg, I just thought you were trying to be like BuLLdawg and take up the whole blog! And, I agree with you. The only thing that matters for Tech right now is Clemson. We have a whole week to go before we should even think about seeing UGA.
By bo
June 14, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
‘Bark Madley’ up to his usual BS games. He might as well get a ‘G’ tattoed on his forehead.
By Pitbull
June 14, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
I remember how Bear Bryant used to set winning the national championship as his team’s goal each year and was lauded for setting such a high standard for his team to strive for. I see no reason for UGA supporters to be criticized for doing the same thing. If you don’t set your goals high, then you may never achieve high goals, which just might be one of the problems at GT judging from the Tech comments regarding UGA’s national championship talk.
Regarding baseball, it is wonderful to have both UGA and GT in the CWS, and it would be more wonderful if they actually get to play each other for the national championship. Both school supporters have a right to be proud, but not at the other’s expense. Let’s all show some respect for the opposition in this wonderful CWS moment.
By gtfan
June 14, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
Tech has been a better team with better players for many more years. Just look at the drafts and what year they were drafted.
Rarely, does a Tech player stay for his Senior year b/c he is drafted while the majority of UGA players have had to stay for their last year.
UGA is now starting to catch up with more top recruits, they should thank East Cobb Baseball. GT vs UGA is basically that now. East Cobb A vs East Cobb B
I’m glad for both teams but obviously continue my support for the Jackets!
By Buzz
June 14, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Bryan G. - GREAT POST! That’s the best, most thoughtful post I think I have ever seen by a UGA fan… that’s a compliment. Your brethren could learn from you and your sensible approach.
The one thing I’m left with out of your post:
FOOTBALL NAT’L CHAMPIONSHIPS GT = 4 UGA = 2
BASEBALL NAT’L CHAMPIONSHIPS GT = 0 UGA = 1
I’ll admit that UGA’s football program has an edge on GT. However, GT’s baseball program has an edge on UGA. The number of nat’l championships just don’t match that stat.
By gtfan
June 14, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
Tech has been a better team with better players for many more years. Just look at the drafts and what year they were drafted.
Rarely, does a Tech player stay for his Senior year b/c he is drafted while the majority of UGA players have had to stay for their last year.
UGA is now starting to catch up with more top recruits, they should thank East Cobb Baseball. GT vs UGA is basically that now. East Cobb A vs East Cobb B
I’m glad for both teams but obviously continue my support for the Jackets!
By CUfan
June 14, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Quit with all the bickering. Clemson is the best baseball team in the tournament. Hopefully we will have a chance to beat Tech and UGA. The better question is, who will be the bigger loser in the Loser’s Bracket - Tech or UGA? My guess is UGA, their school is full of losers.
By VWood
June 14, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
I am a Tech fan and yes Clemson could go far then we do as well as Fullerton. BUT who know? can be anybody. But again we could do it and I think we can. Anyone who hadnt been to the game shouldnt say who is better, records dont speak for itself, statistsics. baseball a funny game.
I agree Tech had always had a better athletic in baseball then UGA does and more players in pro baseball. Yes I have been to a lot of the games. Dont matter if Trapani like Auburn, I always like College of Charleston even though we beat them.
By northwestDawg
June 14, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
CUfan, did you and the Dawgs play this year? How many games and what were the results?
By Thom
June 14, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
MB conveniently forget the most telling stat of all. UGA owns the series record over Tech in baseball 183-152.
By Dawg in STL
June 14, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
How come nobody has pointed out Bradley’s screw-up? Georgia faced elimination when they beat Jacksonville, FSU twice, and USC twice…which is five by my count, not four as he says: “the Bulldogs, who have faced four elimination games already,”
Once the article is update I’ll look like an idiot…
By VWood
June 14, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Thom dont matter what or who had the most series record Tech or UGA. I dont look at that anymore.
By Thom
June 14, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
MB conveniently forget the most telling stat of all. UGA owns the series record over Tech in baseball 183-152.
By LawDawg
June 14, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
anybody know if the dawgs are gonna start brooks on saturday, or are they gonna do what they did against usc?
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 14, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
Bryan G. Looks like you will honorary driver of the Ramblin Wreck at homecoming this year! Great analogy, Pitbull well put. Don’t see why everybody can’t just be happy for the others success. Like I say everybody we play can go undefeated till the day we play them.
By renegadedawg
June 14, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
Victor Menecal slings hash at the Waffle House in Oakwood.
By Matthew Hall
June 14, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Bryan G…UMMM, Tech doesn’t have 4 consenus national championships in football and Georgia doesn’t have 2. We each have one. Now, if you want to count how many national championships by all the polls the NCAA recognizes (as the NCAA doesn’t sanction the Division I-A championship), UGA has 5 and GT has 5.
By Matthew Hall
June 14, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Bryan G…UMMM, Tech doesn’t have 4 consenus national championships in football and Georgia doesn’t have 2. We each have one. Now, if you want to count how many national championships by all the polls the NCAA recognizes (as the NCAA doesn’t sanction the Division I-A championship), UGA has 5 and GT has 5.
By Valerie
June 14, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
I think everyone need to be quiet and watch the game as it can be anybody, Tech could lose, UGA could lose and for the comment about Victor above, I am from nearby Oakwood myself. Yep, home of Victor and Micah Owings and the soon to be new football player from Gainesvile High that coming to Tech
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 14, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
This is hilarious!
Mike Trapani is Tech’s second baseman. He lives in Dunwoody and played at Marist, so he has been around Bulldogs all his life. He’s a Tech guy now — a Tech grad, actually — but at no time in his life has he been a Georgia backer. “I’m a die-hard Auburn fan,” he said. “Auburn and Jordan-Hare Stadium have a special place in my heart.”
What couldn’t get into Auburn?
By Valerie
June 14, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
It is not hilarious. Grow up.
Look at me in Gainesville, with all this Bulldogs fans and even the AD director at UGA is from here. I was a pure UGA fan until I got up in my mid 20’s and my husband got his master from UGA but he not a bulldog fan and never had. I see plenty of peoples like Trapani and yes Tranpani is my husband favorite. Trap hope you see this one.
By Pitbull
June 14, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
I can assure all bloggers that it is every Dawg’s wish that Aubarn fans die hard.
By Pitbull
June 14, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if there is a basic grammer class available in Gainesville for which Valerie may sign up?
By LawDawg
June 14, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
good lord Valerie - i hate it when people try and call other bloggers out on their spelling, but was that last post a joke?
By VWood
June 14, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this
There nothing wrong with my grammar for that matter. I have a husband with a Eng. major and he a editor and 3 grown kids and one going to be a teacher and other is a editor. and yes I have a niece,nephew and son in law a UGA alumni.
Again nothing wrong with it and to top it off I work as a local college helping students over 20 years
By northwestDawg
June 14, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
LawDawg, Brooks Brown is the Dawg starter Sat.
By Greg
June 14, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Umm… personal digressions aside, I’d love to see a Tech/UGA national final… Yeah it’d be great for Tech to win, but in either scenario it’d only boost both school’s status’ as baseball powerhouses. And to the CUfan guy, the Omaha park plays like Russ Chandler… your pitchers had better watch out.
By jamesd
June 14, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Look Valerie changed her name to VWood
By CUfan
June 14, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Sorry about my comment earlier. The one that said Georgia fans were losers. I’m just tired of my boss making me clean the fryers.
By CUfan
June 14, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Sorry about my comment earlier. The one that said Georgia fans were losers. I’m just tired of my boss making me clean the fryers.
By gdawginkalamazoo
June 14, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
According to Trapani (who couldn’t get into his favorite school in the world -Auburn), the Tech players didn’t pause *(but held their breath in fear that they might face UGA again and lose) to watch Georgia beat South Carolina on Monday night, convening instead at a steakhouse *( The Varsity) for a celebratory dinner (of two naked dogs walking, orange drinks and onion rings). “It really didn’t matter [whether Georgia or South Carolina] won because I am an Auburn fan and they don’t play baseball,” Trapani said. “They’re on the other side of the bracket.”
By renegadedawg
June 14, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
Breaking News…Victor Menecal has been spotted cruising the Gainesville strip in a green low-rider that says “Bad News” on the back. The information about his Waffle House employment is being investigated…Developing…
By Debby Fallick
June 14, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
The column by Mark Bradley re: Georgia and GA Tech baseball is one of the reasons I refuse to subscribe to the AJC. Mr. Bradley needs to move to Athens. He is just an awful sports writer and does not hide his support for GA behind statistics. Last I knew, the AJC was in Atlanta.
By northwestDawg
June 14, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Do any of you guys live in Atlanta? If how about calling the AJC and asking them to give a breakdown on all of the teams in the CWS.
By Doug
June 14, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley and the AJC don’t even realize that college baseball exists until one of the GA teams is in the CWS.
By Valerie
June 14, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
I dont know how this happen with my name change. jamesd Are you sure you not my husband as it is his name too. Anyway didnt do it on purpose and should have been Valerie and knock it off about Victor. He a good feller.
By Bryan G.
June 14, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Matthew Hall, “consensus” means “by a majority of the polls”. In 1980, UGA won unamanimously and in 1942, they won in one more poll than Ohio State (i.e. “consensus”). Hence, that is two “consensus” titles. Tech has won four if you include the split title in 1990 (which I do). I think you’re mistaking “consensus” for “unanimous”. You can take those numbers to the bank.
Thanks for all the props above, guys. Just trying to bring some common sense to the board.
By northwestDawg
June 14, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
FYI, FYI,FYI. If you want a good thumb nail look at all of the teams in the CWS, jump over to Rival.com.
By VWood
June 14, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
HI northwestDawg. I know someone who work at rival.com yes I know a lot of peoples.
By VWood
June 14, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
HI northwestDawg. I know someone who work at rival.com yes I know a lot of peoples.
By Thomas
June 15, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
Yeah, right. Mark “Big Blue” Bradley is a Dawg fan? How about the insults he hurls at our school’s academic reputation in his annual Ga-Ga Tech football rundown/comparison? MB is a bandwagon guy through and through. He slobbers all over the guy on top. Remember all those columns when he predicted the Braves would win it all? All those columns when he predicted UGA would win it all? Having MB in your corner is akin to being on the Sports Illustrated Cover. If I wore a big bug on my chest, I’d sure want MB fawning over UGA.