COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
As Michael Roth put it, hundreds of Gamecock fans took a "massive lunch break" on Tuesday to welcome the team back to Columbia after watching them lose to Arizona in the College World Series finals Monday night.
As soon as the team landed in Columbia, they boarded buses and headed directly back to Carolina Stadium where a sea of people wearing garnet and black was waiting.
The scene, similar to when they left almost two weeks ago, was that of enthusiasm and pride. One fan's sign read "We are so proud of you guys. 100% class!"
Coach Ray Tanner told the crowd that he was proud of the team. "We're not disappointed in them," said Tanner.
For the third straight year, the baseball Gamecocks found themselves in the finals of the College World Series. In 2010 and 2011, the Gamecocks left Omaha champions. In 2012, however, they came up short to Arizona.
Judging by the mood of the fans and the words of Ray Tanner, the team's loss to the Wildcats doesn't diminish its accomplishments in 2012.
"We are the Gamecocks and these guys will fight to the bitter end," said Tanner. "We've got a pretty good team, we've got a pretty good facility, but we've got the best fans in the country."
Several players addressed the crowd and also expressed gratitude to the fans.
"I can't say enough for how much love and support you have shown me personally," said Michael Roth. "We really do appreciate you guys."
Roth, who was selected in the 9th round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, told the crowd that he'd forever be a Gamecock. "Once a Gamecock, always a Gamecock," he said.
Roth will likely be remembered for a while in Omaha. He finished his career with 8 wins in 12 postseason starts. He never game up more than three earned runs in those games.
"We have the best fans in the world," said Evan Marzilli, who is on his way to the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system. "We'll never get that feeling again, not even in the majors."
Christian Walker, who tied the College World Series record for most hits, also thanked the fans. "We appreciate everything you guys do," said Walker. "These last three years have just been great." Walker was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 4th round.
Matt Price will join Walker in the Orioles organization. He also holds a College World Series record. His five wins make him the winningest pitcher of all time.
He said that he's disappointed with how the series ended, but told the fans that after digesting Monday's loss he spoke to the returning Gamecocks.
"The next thing I did was talk to some of the young guys," said Price, "and kind of set them in the right path so they could be there next year, in the finals."
Tanner told the crowd the team would begin working toward that goal immediately. "We've had a great run here and we're not done," said Tanner. "Tomorrow we begin our quest to do it again."
The Gamecocks finished the season 49-20.
Oh, and one more thing: only 65 more days until the beginning of football season.
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
Hundreds of fans welcome the Gamecocks home from the College World Series.
