2025 College World Series Takeaways

Watching college baseball offers a refreshing contrast to the Major League experience. While the fundamentals remain the same, the energy, pace and atmosphere feel completely different and in many ways, invigorating.

One of the first things that stands out is the aggressive approach college hitters bring to the plate. There’s a noticeable urgency in their swings, as many look to attack early in the count and jump on anything in the strike zone. This leads to fast-paced at-bats and a style of offense that keeps the action moving. You rarely see long pauses or prolonged takes, these hitters are ready to go and it adds a sense of excitement from pitch to pitch.

That tempo extends to the mound as well. College pitchers tend to work quickly, delivering pitch after pitch with minimal downtime. The result is a game that flows naturally, keeping fans engaged without the lulls often associated with pro-level pacing. It feels organic, not rushed, just the product of players eager to compete and keep the momentum going.

There’s also something to be said about the hustle on display. College players sprint on and off the field, lay out for balls and play with visible passion. It’s not uncommon to see teammates celebrating a routine double play like it’s a walk-off. That kind of energy is contagious. It elevates the atmosphere, drawing fans into every inning and play.

And truthfully, this style of play hits close to home for me. I was that hard-nosed kid—the one who hustled on and off the field without being told. I didn’t just jog to first after drawing a walk; I sprinted like it was a line drive into the gap. That mindset wasn’t about show, it was about respect for the game, for my teammates and for every opportunity I had to compete. Watching college baseball brings that same feeling back. It reminds me of those early years, where effort was everything and hustle was non-negotiable.

What also makes the college game stand out is the creativity in strategy. Coaches aren’t afraid to mix things up, bunting in unexpected situations, calling hit-and-runs, or taking risks on the bases. There’s a level of unpredictability that keeps the game dynamic and fun to watch. Every move has a layer of development behind it, as players are still learning how to execute under pressure and adapt to game situations.

That developmental element is another key difference. College baseball is filled with athletes who are still raw, still evolving. You see flashes of brilliance alongside occasional miscues, but that’s part of the charm. These are future professionals learning to refine their craft and watching that process unfold is both inspiring and engaging.

In the end, college baseball delivers a passionate, high-energy version of the game that feels alive with possibility. It may not have the polish of the big leagues, but it brings a level of urgency and authenticity that’s hard to replicate. If you love baseball, watching it at the college level offers a fresh, compelling view of the sport, one that reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place. For me, it brings me back to those days of sprinting to first base after a walk, playing every inning like it mattered, because it always did.