“It was going so quickly. We had to create pop-up online store to get hats, shirts, and stuff out to people.” Murray State’s appearance in the College World Series elevated its social media profile. Meltwater, an online and social media analytics company, measured the impact of the Racer brand and found the Racers generated 44.3 billion reach across news, print, broadcast, and some social media platforms. The total media reach came out to more than 17,100 mentions. That amounted to $406 million in Advertising Value Equivalency, or the monetary value of what it would cost if the university had taken out advertising in various markets across platforms. “And to put this in perspective, you went, and you went and competed for a national championship on that national championship stage at Omaha,” Yantko said. “And that’s where the benefit to the institution comes through athletics, right? We’re going to draw more eyeballs to the great things happening on our campus and in our community. We say it all the time. We’re not the most important thing that happens, but we are, no doubt, the most visible.” All the media exposure and social media mentions paled in comparison to the dedication of the fans, some of whom were former players. They had waited decades for a chance to see their team in the Greatest Show on Dirt. Jimmy Cravens, who played second base and third base for legendary coach Johnny Reagan from 1991-93, traveled to Omaha from Jackson, Tennessee. He donned a navy blue shirt with Breds Baseball on the front and “Tradition Never Graduates” on the back. “It’s a dream come true for a school like Murray to make it to the big show,” he said. In section 202, high above the first baseline, former players cheered on the Racers during the first game against UCLA. Patrick Zize of Louisville, who played catcher from 1987-92, was part of a group of 30 former players who traveled to Omaha. After Settles the “It’s incredible,” Zize said. “The College World Series has always been on my bucket list, but I didn’t think Murray playing in it would be on my bucket list.” Zize played under legendary coach Johnny Reagan. “Coach Reagan meant a lot to us, and that’s why we’re all here,” he said. We still get together and still hang out.” Jeff Moore of Santa Fe, Texas, played pitcher from 1988-89. As the Racers played, he reminisced about his playing years with Zize as his catcher. But beyond the memories, he’s happy to be part of forming new memories for a new generation. Moore credited Skirka with embracing the former players and wrapping them into this generation. “We are still a part of the family,” Moore said. “When we all played, this was the goal. This was the championship trophy. I’ve had numerous invitations to come here, but like Dan said…until we earned it, I wasn’t coming. Collectively, as a baseball family, we’ve earned it.” It’s a dream come true for a school like Murray to make it to the big show. 12 AUGUST 2025 | INTHEVUE.COM
