By MATT BANEY
Of the Tribune
Back in 1983, two programs looking for their first NAIA World Series championship, Lewis-Clark State and Lubbock Christian, met in the tournament’s final round. The last game, played in front of a partisan crowd, came down to the final at-bat.
And the Chaparrals prevailed.
Most of you are aware of what transpired over the next quarter-century. LCSC pried hosting duties for the Series away from Lubbock, Texas, and proceeded to notch 16 national titles and become the unquestioned superpower in NAIA baseball.
And Lubbock Christian? The Chaps remained a solid program, but the Series championship proved elusive.
Until Friday night, that is. With a lineup that pounded the ball with piston-like consistency and relief pitchers who finally clamped down on Point Loma Nazarene, LCU grabbed its second crown with an 11-8 victory at Harris Field.
After pitcher Jakob Cunningham completed a 1-2-3 ninth inning, the Chaps’ dugout boiled over, and a pile of celebrating bodies gathered at the middle of the diamond.
The scene brought back memories of ’83 for LCU hitting coach Bob Fannin, who was the Chaps’ first baseman when they beat L-C. That hard-fought title game ended with the Warriors’ Jim O’Dell, the NAIA player of the year, watching a called third strike whistle by from freshman pitcher Rick Dillman.
“And it was the same deal — same deal,” Fannin said. “We took off like that out of the dugout. But all (the Warriors) needed was a base hit or anything. O’Dell had a great Series. I mean, we were thinking, ‘Oh no, here we go.’
“But we got the strikeout just like that, and it was crazy. So this is a lot like that.”
Fannin apparently doesn’t talk much about that previous championship with the current LCU players. But before Friday’s game, he did say a few words.
Recounted shortstop Armando Dominguez: “We had a little pep talk today before the game after (batting practice), and (Fannin) just told us, ‘You know what? This is your last chance, so just go out and compete and have fun. For you seniors, this is your last time getting to play collegiate ball.’ ”
As Friday’s toasty afternoon gave way to a bruise-blue sky with gold and pink streaks, and then to darkness, the Chaps made it clear they were the best team in this tournament. They posted five runs in the first inning, and kept up the pressure, knowing the Sea Lions were capable of rallying.
It was the sort of ruthless performance the Warriors have perfected.
Since ’83, perhaps those associated with LCU’s program have watched L-C’s success and wondered what could have been. What if the Series had stayed in Lubbock and not moved to Lewiston? Maybe the Chaps would have been the ones stacking up championships like firewood.
As a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference, LCU faces some of the best competition in the NAIA every spring. Fannin said three or perhaps four clubs from that league were capable of winning the championship this season.
“But we were the ones fortunate enough to be here at the end,” he said. “A lot of it has to do with who gets the breaks.”
Back in ’83, LCU certainly had luck on its side. But a funny thing happened after that game: Luck went home with the losing team.
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Baney is a Tribune sports writer. He may be reached at mbaney@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2258.
