By Brad Hallier
The Hutchinson Monarchs clinched a spot in this year’s NBC World Series at Wichita State by winning last year’s championship. It was the franchise’s first title, and regardless of how this year went the Monarchs were guaranteed a chance to repeat.
The Monarchs still won the Jayhawk Collegiate League, and enter the NBC World Series with a sparkling 27-7 record. That came after a 4-3 start.
Here are five things to know about the Monarchs playing in the NBC World Series.
The Monarchs will play the series opener
As the reigning champion, the Monarchs have earned the right to play as many featured games as possible. While the Monarchs have played the featured game plenty of times, the primetime 6 p.m. game is usually reserved for NBC bluebloods such as the Seattle Studs, Santa Barbara Foresters, Liberal BeeJays and Hays Larks. (Yes, every other feature game during pool play will include one of those four teams).
This year, the Monarchs will open the World Series at 6 p.m. Thursday against Top Prospect Academy Texas.
The Monarchs didn’t get an easy draw
Although the top three teams in each four-team pool advance to bracket play, the Monarchs didn’t get many favors by being drawn in Pool A. After playing TPA, the Monarchs will play Tulsa Sandlot and the Seattle Studs.
Texas has a good reputation, and the Studs are an annual contender.
Baseball Round the Clock is back
The NBC World Series has a great history, but as summer collegiate baseball continues to fragment, it makes it tougher to tap into the history. Especially when the Alaska league and MINK League no longer send teams to Wichita.
Still, the NBC is trying to bring back some old traditions, and Baseball ‘Round The Clock is one of those. Starting at noon Saturday, the NBC will play 11 straight games without a break. That includes the Monarchs playing at midnight Saturday.
Make sure that coffee pot is full.
Tickets are for the entire day
If you travel to watch the Monarchs, your ticket is good for the entire day and every game. Tickets start at $12, and there is a 50% discount on weekdays and 25% on weekends for seniors, students and military personnel. Most days have special promotions. Check out the NBC’s website for details.
Wichita State continues to be the home for the NBC
While Hobart-Detter Field enjoyed a couple summers helping host the NBC World Series, Wichita State’s Eck Stadium appears to be the full-time for the foreseeable future.
However, should Hobart-Detter Field get renovated – better seating, better pressbox, expanded concessions and restrooms – there’s no reason to think Hobart-Detter could potentially host games again, especially with artificial turf being installed soon.
