Top 5 Craziest things to happen in the college world series

The College World Series is due in a few weeks (Thu, Jun 15, 2023 - Mon, Jun 26, 2023). Sqore will cover most of the playoff games and give you free picks and pre-game analysis. Our experts base their picks on logic, but sometimes crazy things happen that you simply cannot predict. 

In this article, we list the top 5 craziest things to happen in the history of the College World Series. 

1# - Warren Morris' Game-Winning Home Run (1996)

Warren Morris' game-winning home run in the 1996 College World Series is often hailed as one of the most exciting moments in the tournament's history. The circumstances surrounding this iconic moment make it all the more remarkable.

During the championship game between LSU and Miami, Morris came up to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and a runner on base. LSU was trailing Miami 8-7, and the situation looked grim.

Morris had been struggling with a wrist injury all season and hadn't hit a home run the entire year, making him an unlikely hero. However, when he connected with the pitch, he sent it sailing over the right-field fence for a two-run home run. This surprising turn of events instantly turned the game's tide, giving LSU a dramatic 9-8 victory and securing their national championship.

The suddenness of this victory and the underdog nature of Morris' story due to his injury made this moment particularly exhilarating and memorable in College World Series history.

2# - Fresno State's Underdog Victory (2008)

The Fresno State Bulldogs' victory in the 2008 College World Series is a celebrated story of an underdog overcoming tremendous odds. This small school from Fresno, California, entered the NCAA tournament as a four-seed in their regional bracket, making them a long shot in the eyes of many.

Despite this, the team fought hard in each round, pulling off upset after upset. Their determined spirit and skill brought them to the College World Series, where they faced teams from much larger schools and programs with deeper resources.

Against these odds, the Bulldogs competed and won the entire series, shocking the college baseball world. This remarkable victory led to them being dubbed the "Wonderdogs" - a testament to their tenacity and drive.

The victory of Fresno State in 2008 stands as a reminder that with determination, grit, and a strong team spirit, underdogs can indeed achieve remarkable feats, and it's considered one of the most memorable moments in the history of the College World Series.

3# - Miami's Grand Slam Comeback (1985)

In the 1985 College World Series, the University of Miami Hurricanes found themselves in a challenging situation during a game against Mississippi State. Trailing 4-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, their hopes of winning the game seemed slim.

However, a pivotal moment came when Miami's Greg Ellena stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. Ellena, displaying both talent and composure under pressure, hit a grand slam, instantly tying the game. This unexpected home run completely changed the match's momentum and galvanized the Hurricanes.

Riding this wave of newfound energy and determination, Miami went on to win the game. But they didn't stop there. The team carried this spirit throughout the rest of the series, eventually securing the national championship.

This dramatic comeback story, highlighted by Ellena's game-changing grand slam, is considered one of the most memorable moments in the history of the College World Series. It is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the ability to seize opportunities in sports.

#4 - Arizona State's 23-Run Inning (1970)

The 1970 College World Series saw one of the most remarkable displays of offensive dominance in college baseball history, courtesy of the Arizona State Sun Devils. During a game against the University of Washington, Arizona State scored an astonishing 23 runs in a single inning.

To put that into perspective, scoring 23 runs in an entire game would be considered an extremely high-scoring affair in baseball. Achieving this feat in just one inning is almost unfathomable and illustrates the absolute dominance Arizona State had over Washington during that specific period of play.

The Sun Devils' relentless offensive barrage left spectators and players in awe, marking one of the most memorable innings in the history of college baseball. This extraordinary event is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of sports, where a team can explode in a burst of scoring that shatters expectations and records. This level of dominance in one inning is an exceedingly rare occurrence and cements the 1970 Arizona State team's place in College World Series lore.

#5 - Holy Cross’s Unexpected Championship (1952)

In the 1952 College World Series, an unexpected champion emerged from Holy Cross, a relatively small college in Worcester, Massachusetts. The team's journey to the title is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in the tournament's history.

Holy Cross was not favored to win the tournament, as it competed against larger universities with more established baseball programs. Despite this, the Holy Cross Crusaders proved that size and expectations don't always indicate a team's potential for success.

Overcoming odds and exceeding expectations, the Holy Cross team advanced through the tournament, showing great skill, resilience, and team spirit. Eventually, they achieved what seemed nearly impossible at the outset – they won the College World Series.

Their unexpected championship victory in 1952 inspired teams from smaller schools, demonstrating that with determination, teamwork, and a competitive spirit, even the unlikeliest of champions can emerge victorious. This remarkable achievement is remembered as one of the most surprising and exciting moments in the history of the College World Series.

Sometimes the unexpected happens; when they do, you can only hope you have backed the right team. To ensure you are on the winning side as often as possible, we suggest reading up on our college baseball picks.