1989 Wichita State Shockers

In 1982, only five years after Gene Stephenson had resurrected baseball at Wichita State, the Shockers became an elite program at the national level by making the College World Series and finishing runner-up. 
In 1988, they returned to Omaha and would finish the decade with yet another trip.

The 1989 Shocker roster was loaded with experience and talent.  Six players would go on to play in the major leagues.  During the regular season, they reeled off a school record 24 game winning streak and finished the season ranked fourth nationally.

Going into the postseason, though, the Shockers were not in a good position.  Outfielder Jeff Bonaquista and shortstop Mike Lansing were injured and would not play.  WSU was surprisingly not selected as a regional host and had to travel to Fresno, California.

After two wins to start the regional, the Shockers were beaten by Michigan.  Facing elimination, they won three straight, including back-to-back over Michigan, to take the regional and advance to the College World Series.

In Omaha, the Shockers were seeded fourth and lost their second game.  But again, they would play their best when facing elimination.  They roared back to beat Arkansas, #1 Florida State twice and #2 Texas, 5-3, in the championship game.

Wichita State became the first non-sunbelt team since 1966 to win the College World Series.  It remains the school’s only NCAA championship.