Before Virginia and Vanderbilt square off on the field for the national title, the teams’ coaches and select players gathered at TD Ameritrade Park on Sunday for CWS Finals Media Day.
The coaches meet
Virginia coach Brian O’Conner and Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin pose with the national championship trophy. Both have led their teams to the CWS Finals for the first time.
Answering the questions
Virginia outfielder Derek Fisher speaks amid the backdrop of TD Ameritrade Park. Fisher was one of three first-round MLB draft picks from Virginia, joining Nick Howard and Mike Papi.
Never text and interview
Virginia closer Nick Howard checks his phone during a break. Howard has 20 saves on the season.
Stepping into focus
Virginia first baseman Mike Papi is seen through the viewfinder during his interview session. Papi leads the Cavaliers with 11 home runs and 56 RBI.
Light, camera, action!
Virginia pitcher Nathan Kirby gets mic’d up for an interview. Kirby has a 1.70 ERA in a team-leading 111 innings pitched.
The local kid returns to Omaha
Virginia coach Brian O’Connor is certainly no stranger to Omaha. From nearby Council Bluffs, Iowa, O’Connor pitched on hometown team Creighton’s 1991 CWS team.
The Wahoo Pinch
Virginia pitcher Nathan Kirby has a playful moment with teammate Mike Papi. Kirby will start Game 1 of the championship series.
Waiting for the questions
Vanderbilt pitcher Walker Buehler hangs out while waiting his turn to be interviewed. Buehler is the Commodores’ top winner on the season with 12.
The coach and his men
Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin, shortstop Vince Conde and second baseman Dansby Swanson answer questions at the news conference. Conde and Swanson have received national recognition for their stellar play this season.
Questions for Carson
Vanderbilt pitcher Carson Fulmer answers questions during a private session. Fulmer has a 2.00 ERA and hitters are batting just .197 against him.
The backstop
Vanderbilt catcher Jason Delay gives a scouting report on his pitchers. They’re all pretty good, he says.
