After several months and 131 teams, the NCBA’s has its 2015 Champion. This year’s title went to the University of Oregon’s Baseball Club! Congratulations, Ducks! In an amazing 4-0 game win, the University of Oregon Baseball Club conquered it all.
I had the opportunity and privilege of catching up with the recently returning University of Oregon Baseball Club’s captain and coordinator of the team, Michael Finneran.
Meeting with Michael (or Mikey, as his teammates/friends call him) was for sure a one of a kind moment yours truly had. His smile was contagious and you could see in his eyes pride and a sense of accomplishment. And if you think about it, who wouldn’t?! Mikey just came back from a long road where his team reigned until the last moment of the season. I say that’s for sure a major reason to smile and feel proud of the colors you represent.
When I asked Mikey what had the 2015 Ducks Baseball Club’s season had in comparison to others to get them to the championship, the response was simple and to the point.
“We have been able to take the program to a better level because we have become more cohesive. We have come together and understand how good we are. We stuck to the team’s theme, ‘Loosey Goosey’ and here we are.”
This without a doubt is a major accomplishment for the Ducks Baseball Club. Established in 2000, the win comes as a major milestone, especially after three seasons of not making it to the regionals.
What an amazing turnaround since this season the University of Oregon’s fans were able to witness some of the best games the club has provided in years. With highlights from MVP pitcher Jason Ross, along with great contributions from Nick Waldsmith, the team was able to carry a championship win over Arizona State with very little or even no struggle at all.
When I asked Mikey what this championship meant, he shared it was for sure a very positive thing. He also stated how thankful the team was for the university’s support. Because you see the club is not only about talent in the field but also about teamwork to make it all happen. From logistics to coaching, it’s all about the passion for the game.
Mikey is the captain and coordinator of the team. He is in charge of logistics; He even helps with the design of team’s uniform. The team receives financial support from the University of Oregon, along with contributions from supporters and player’s fees.
Furthermore, Mikey shared that they are very fortunate to have that level of backing from the university. One thing he has learned from participating in the championship is that the level of backing is not that case for other clubs. Needless to say, he felt thankful and lucky.
When I ask what is next for the club, he shares that final exams is what is next. With two weeks left until they take place, the team will concentrate on their academics and while he did not say it, I assume each player is going into that field with the same expectation of exceeding as good as they did last Sunday when they won the championship.
After final exams, most of the club’s members will go back home. Some of them will play in their home teams, some might even coach. Once October comes, the club will open their recruitment and tryouts again.
As with all seasons, the coach and senior players will provide some input as to who makes the team. And while there are some key decision makers involved, the approach of the club is that of a unified voice with the final decision being that of the team and not one person or coach.
It was Monday evening and I knew Mikey and his team were as he said preparing for final exams. I wrapped up this interview by asking him what he would like to share with Oregon Sports News’ readers and any youth out there, such as my son who has in the past played little league and has dreamed of making it to a college team.
Mikey said that while most think of making it to a Division I team, the opportunity to remain competitive can be found in a club as well. Last but not least, he wanted to make sure to express the team’s gratitude to the university’s support overall.
And with those words, dear readers, I say baseball season has arrived and thanks to the Ducks, we have the taste of a championship for those fans. Of course I can’t leave without saying that we all take their team’s theme and stay loosey and goosey through it all and who knows we might end up with a championship of our own! Go Ducks! Wonderful season and congratulations on being the NBCA’s World Series Champions of 2015!
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