Virginia’s season now hangs in the balance after a 3-2 walkoff loss at the hands of North Carolina. One more loss in bracket play would lead to an early Omaha exit for the second year in a row. A lot of uncertainty hangs in the air as lineup mainstays in sophomore outfielder Harrison Didawick and graduate outfielder Bobby Whalen both went 0-4 in the opener — and O’Connor may have to keep them out of today’s lineup entirely.
The most important challenge yet — a win or go home contest against No. 8 Florida State — begins today at 2 p.m. eastern time. Despite the foul feeling of a frustrating finish against the Tar Heels still lingering, the Cavaliers can still turn things around. This 2024 Virginia ballclub is incredibly resilient, and has a lot to play for.
Coach Brian O’Connor is a legend of Omaha, Nebraska. The former Creighton star is forever ingrained in College World Series history with a statue of him celebrating the Blue Jays’ 1991 victory located directly in front of the main entrance at Charles Schwab Field. O’Connor’s story has become common knowledge and is usually the first factoid mentioned when Virginia makes an appearance at the College World Series. This year though, a sense of family is essential for the Cavaliers in myriad ways.
O’Connor’s college job was at a local Omaha bar — Barry O’s — and a close friend of his is the owner of Rocco’s, home of the famous College World Series Jello Shot Challenge.
“I do not stop into Rocco’s while I am here,” O’Connor joked. “Not my style.”
A significant Virginia deficit in the Jello Shot Challenge aside, the sense of family felt by the Cavaliers surrounding the College World Series is certainly not limited to just O’Connor. Freshman infielder Henry Ford, who attended the 2011 College World Series as a fan, now gets to live out his childhood dream and compete for a national title with Virginia. Ford grew up a diehard Cavalier fan and is making his second trip to Omaha.
“It’s a dream come true and we’re here to win it, we’re going to leave it all on the field and compete as hard as we can to win,” Ford said.
Family extends to the stands as well — Class of 1985 alumnus Kirk Pond and his wife Julie drove from Indiana to take in the experience of the College World Series.
“It was on my bucket list and I said ‘You know what, we are going this year,’” Kirk said.
Sophomore utility player Aidan Teel is back in Omaha for the second straight season, but this time without his older brother, Kyle Teel, who is busy ascending the minor league ranks of the Boston Red Sox organization. The younger Teel has seen his playing time fluctuate due to a crowded group of outfielders and struggling as a relief pitcher, but Teel usually delivers in huge moments when he is called upon.
Most prominently, this season has been unforgettable for junior pitcher Matt Buchanan. Every game this year, Virginia players have worn a light purple ribbon on the right side of their hats in support of Buchanan’s father, Aaron Buchanan, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the start of the season. The Cavaliers have worn the ribbons for every single game of 2024 in support of their teammate and his family.
Now, on Father’s Day Weekend, the ribbons are even more impactful. Buchanan’s father will not be in the stands this season for the first time in his career, but Buchanan’s Virginia brothers donning orange and blue — as well as purple — will continue to support him as family.
As Virginia will now have to endure a final stretch of grueling games against the nation’s very best, the team is fueled by the power of family. Expect these Cavaliers to play incredibly motivated baseball. Under the brightest lights in college baseball, the team with the most heart always stands a fighting chance — even if they are on the brink of elimination.
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