The bronze statue outside Charles Schwab Field, players frozen in eternal celebration, has witnessed countless dreams, dogpiles, and dynasties. But this year, it stands in front of something it hasn’t seen since the Eisenhower era: a completely new cast of characters. Not one of the eight teams in the 2025 Men’s College World Series made it to Omaha last year. That’s not just a fluke; it’s baseball history.

The last time this happened? 1957. Back then, Elvis topped the charts, and the Dodgers still called Brooklyn home. Fast forward nearly seven decades, and college baseball fans are watching a complete bracket reset. Powerhouses like LSU and UCLA are back, but newcomers like Murray State and Coastal Carolina are stealing headlines, and hearts. The stage is different. The energy? Off the charts.

Amid the celebration, one voice from the big leagues chimed in with a message that hit home. Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, a name synonymous with class and competitive fire, took to social media with a clear, uplifting note: “Congrats to all 8 teams that made it to Omaha for the MCWS! He wrote, It was a great weekend of baseball. Good luck to all teams and enjoy the experience with your teammates!”

No fluff. No lecture. Just a tip of the cap from a legend who knows how sacred this moment is.

And if you’re wondering why this resonates, consider this: just weeks ago, Jones publicly criticized some teams during Regionals for disrespecting the game, taunting opponents, wearing careless uniforms, and lacking discipline. His tone then was sharp, even disappointed. So, when he follows a weekend of upsets and first-time heroes with praise? It means something. The game, in his eyes, got it right this time.

Fans seem to agree. Social media lit up with nostalgia and disbelief, as retro logos for the final eight made the rounds: Arkansas, Arizona, Oregon State, Louisville, and the rest. It’s not just a tournament, it’s a throwback, a reshuffle, and a reset. Baseball, in its purest form, has always been about hope and second chances. And this MCWS? It’s delivering both.

So, as the road to Omaha now winds toward its final chapter, there’s only one question left: Who writes the next unforgettable story? If the opening act is any clue, we’re in for a classic.

College World Series: brackets set, let the battles begin!

The stage is set, and Omaha is ready to host a baseball showdown like no other. The 2025 Men’s College World Series officially begins Friday, June 13, and this year’s bracket is stacked with unpredictability. In Bracket 1, Arizona faces Coastal Carolina at 1 p.m. CT, followed by Louisville vs. Oregon State at 6 p.m. The excitement continues Saturday, June 14, with Murray State taking on UCLA at 1 p.m. and a heavyweight clash between Arkansas and LSU at 6 p.m. These opening-round matchups launch a week-long battle of grit, strategy, and high-stakes drama, all leading to the national championship.

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. The College World Series runs on a double-elimination format through two four-team brackets. That means teams must lose twice before being eliminated, adding pressure and urgency to every pitch. Win your bracket, and you advance to the best-of-three championship series starting Saturday, June 21. Game 2 follows on Sunday, June 22, and if needed, a winner-takes-all Game 3 is set for Monday, June 23. No reseeding. No do-overs. Each team sticks to its half of the bracket, and only the toughest survive.

So, how did we get here? The road to Omaha starts with 64 teams split across 16 Regionals, each a four-team, double-elimination fight. The 16 winners then move on to Super Regionals, where they battle head-to-head in best-of-three series. Those 8 champions punch their tickets to Omaha. This year’s final field, as discussed earlier, LSU, Arkansas, UCLA, Murray State, Oregon State, Louisville, Arizona, and Coastal Carolina, is a mix of blue bloods and fresh faces.

That’s not just rare, it’s historic. And with the bracket now locked in, all roads lead through Omaha’s electric summer nights.