Scarbinsky: Troy to the College World Series? This alum had to see it to believe it

This is an opinion column.

Troy in the Super Regionals? Troy on the cusp of the College World Series? It sounds surreal, even for someone who walked the campus as a freshman hopeful decades ago. But watching the Trojans turn Riddle-Pace Field into a theater of the impossible this past weekend was not just baseball—it was a homecoming of pride for every Troy alum.

A Program Transformed

Long before Skylar Meade arrived to steer this ship and Jabe Boroff earned the nickname Jabe Ruth, the program was laying a foundation of excellence. Walking into the current, modern Riddle-Pace Field felt like watching a black-and-white film burst into technicolor. The legacy of coach Chase Riddle lives on in this atmosphere, where the 'Trojan Wall' in right field and the fans in 'Doubles Alley' have fueled a run that feels truly historic.

The Road to Omaha

The Trojans didn't just compete; they dominated. After battling out of the loser’s bracket in the Gainesville Regional, the team brought that momentum home. In the Super Regionals, Troy took Game 1 with a 12-2 victory and followed up with a 7-2 win on Saturday to punch their ticket to Omaha for the first time in program history. The energy was palpable, with a record crowd of 7,033 witnessing the feat on Saturday, following a 6,426-strong turnout the day prior.

Defining Moments

The highlight came from Boroff, who delivered a massive grand slam in the eighth inning of Game 1. It was the quintessential 'Jabe Ruth' moment—a shot that sent the Doubles Alley faithful into a frenzy. Combined with the defensive acrobatics of Houston Markham and the dominant pitching efforts from Benjamin Stubbs, Zach Crotchfelt, and Matt Dill, the Trojans proved they are not just here by accident; they are national championship contenders.

Looking Ahead

Troy isn't backing down from the big names in Omaha, either. The Trojans split their season series against both Alabama and Georgia, proving they belong in elite company. The team is expected to open the College World Series against West Virginia on Friday afternoon. As the university prepares for its first Division I World Series appearance, the program is honoring its past while charging toward the future.

It is a fitting narrative that the Omaha journey begins on the 15th anniversary of Chase Riddle’s passing. While the players, coaches, and staff enjoy this well-earned spotlight, the pride of the Trojan family is louder than ever.

Kevin Scarbinsky, a member of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame, is a special contributor to 205focus.com. Follow him on X @kevinscarbinsky. Watch his Scarbo Knows podcast on YouTube.