The NCAA News - News and FeaturesDecember 22, 1997
Baseball committee discusses change of season, bracket expansion
Discussion of the change-of-season proposal and bracket expansion highlighted a recent meeting of the Division I Baseball Committee.
At its November 10-13 meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, the committee reviewed the reaction of the Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet to the change-of-season initiative proposed by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
The committee discussed the latest survey that was sent from the national office and noted that there were several concerns regarding a longer season and the financial effect of this plan. The committee agreed to wait until it could review the results of the survey before focusing in on the specifics of the plan.
The committee also conducted an extensive discussion regarding bracket expansion and endorsed increasing the bracket to 64 teams. The format would consist of 16 four-team regionals, eight two-team super regionals and the College World Series. The committee noted that it believes bracket expansion to 64 teams would generate additional revenue while cutting per diem and travel costs for the regionals.
Other highlights
Division I Baseball Committee
November 10-13/Kansas City, Missouri
Reviewed and approved the umpires who were recommended by the National Umpire Committee to work regionals and the College World Series in 1998. Also, Dave Yeast, national coordinator of umpires, reviewed the rules/mechanics videotape that will be the focus of conference meetings in the next six weeks. Yeast urged the committee to create a system that does not allow conferences and/or coaches to "red line" umpires.
Heard a presentation by William E. Thurston, secretary-rules editor of the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee, regarding new rules and points of emphasis for the 1998 season.
Reviewed regional sponsorship lists and the listing of regional advisory committee members.
Voted to endorse a new procedure regarding the assigning of team hotels at the College World Series.
Met with Dave Keilitz, executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association, who urged all baseball coaches to meet with their athletics directors and ADs to meet with their college presidents in an effort to address the importance of the change-of-season plan.
Reviewed potential projects and plans for renegotiating the current contract to conduct the College World Series in Omaha. The committee appointed Jay Bergman, Tim L. Weiser and John W. Easterbrook to the renegotiation subcommittee.
Received a presentation by members of the Omaha local organizing committee. Among the discussion items were ticket sales, housing, field conditions, plans for stadium renovation and construction, Omaha's 50th anniversary, the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and corporate partner involvement.
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