Take Me Out to the 'Berm Game'

UF Student-Journalist Kyle Curtis joins the record crowds to watch -- and celebrate.

History was in the making as I joined the passionate fans at Condron Family Ballpark for two remarkable nights, eagerly awaiting the rematch between the Florida Gators and the South Carolina Gamecocks in a crucial Super Regional best of three. Little did we know that these two unforgettable nights would be filled with such dramatic moments, incredible plays and unwavering fan support. The atmosphere was electric. Both nights. Me and all the kids with our gloves were there, hoping to snag a foul ball souvenir.

Leading up to both games, I was feeling confident, knowing Florida’s impressive track record at home thus far. Nonetheless, also knowing it was the NCAA Tournament, I was well aware anything is possible, recalling that South Carolina had swept the Gators earlier in the season in Columbia.

The Rainy Delay

A steady downpour set the stage for testing the fans' dedication. Yet, we remained resolute, using the back-to-back 2 1/2 hour delays to go fetch a barbecue sandwich ($10) and even watching highlights from Florida’s last time in the Super Regionals, 2018.

The rain may have dampened our clothes, but it could not dampen our spirits. We knew that once the first pitch was thrown -- if indeed it was -- the Gator faithful would show up. And did they ever, breaking the state record for the most fans the second straight night: Adding the 8,851 paid to the 8,439 from Friday and a grand total of 17,290.

A Beautiful Night Emerges

As if the weather itself bowed to the anticipation, the rain subsided, revealing a stunning multi-colored evening sky. The stadium lights illuminated the field, and a cool breeze swept through the stands. It was as if the elements conspired to provide the perfect backdrop. The record-breaking attendance spoke volumes about the unwavering support of the Gators' faithful. Is UF becoming a baseball school?

Sitting on the Berm

With a prime spot on the berm for $10, I settled in to soak up the atmosphere. The berm offered a unique experience, with fans sprinkled throughout but pretty much jammed in on the grassy slope, with differently designed Gator blankets and towels used to soak up the dampened grass. The cheers and chants echoed throughout the stadium, creating an electric energy that fueled the Gators from the start. It was an extraordinary feeling to be part of such a passionate and united group stadium.

The left field berm during Saturday night's Super Regional game. UAA Photo.

The Game Begins

With the crack of the bat Friday, the game was underway. South Carolina's Will McGillis wasted no time, launching a powerful home run over the left field fence on the second pitch of the game, igniting the visiting team's fans. However, the Gators swiftly responded as Josh Rivera sent a colossal 453-foot blast over the left field berm, tying the game at two and electrifying Gator fans. The sheer power and emotion from Rivera lit up the home crowd.

Wyatt Langford's Heartwarming Gesture

In between innings, an endearing moment unfolded before my eyes. Wyatt Langford, a player known not only for his skills but also for his kind heart, made his way towards a young kid sitting on the berm. With a smile on his face, he began playing catch, creating a lasting memory for the lucky child. The future top-5 draft pick never fails to put others first through his selflessness, warranting a roar from the leftfield stands for the kid from Trenton.

Home Runs Overhead

The excitement continued to build as the game progressed. Two more home runs sailed over my head Friday, one in favor of the Gators, while the other put a run on the board for the Gamecocks. In a back-and-forth game, fans never really had a time to even go grab a hot dog from the concession stand. Florida's bats and gloves did just enough to keep the Gators around long enough until they were finally able to capture the lead.

A Thrilling Finish

BT Riopelle’s family had a section behind the plate of around 12 people when he came up to the plate in a tied ball game in the sixth inning. Knowing that this is one of the final times they will see their Gator family member play the game (BT says he won't play pro ball) he has played since a toddler, his family erupted at any moment it could. Holding posters of his face pinned all over their clothing, they burst into hugs and screams as they watched BT put the Gators ahead with a moonshot to center field, followed by the opposing pitcher’s sad eyes. A lead the Gators would not give up for the rest of the night.

Rather than watching Riopelle round the bases and celebrate with his teammates, or even celebrate with fans around me, I found myself enthralled watching the Riopelle family celebrate gloriously The game reached a pivotal moment in the seventh inning when Cade Fisher took the mound in relief for the Gators. Fisher shut down the Gamecocks, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing only one hit. The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as each out brought the Gators one step closer to victory.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Gators added a crucial insurance run. Tyler Shelnut stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch RBI base hit to left field, extending the Gators' lead to 5-3. The eruption of cheers from the crowd was deafening as we recognized the significance of that run.

As the ninth inning arrived, the tension in the air was oppressive. Brandon Neely, the Gators' closer, took the mound, determined to secure the win. Neely carved through the first two batters, striking them out in quick succession. However, the Gamecocks' Will McGillis, having already hit a home run earlier in the game, stepped up to the plate once again. In a moment of short fear, McGillis sent a solo home run over the fence, narrowing the Gators' lead to 5-4.

With one out left, the crowd held its breath as Braylen Wimmer approached the plate. The tension was unbearable, but Neely summoned all his strength and induced a groundout to third base. The stadium erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause as the Gators secured the final out, sealing their 5-4 victory.

The game had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the early setbacks to the clutch hits and stellar pitching performances. It was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Florida Gators and our fan base.

Throughout the game, I embraced the full baseball experience. Between innings, I made my way to the concession stand, where the scent of hot dogs and popcorn filled the air. As the seventh inning stretch arrived, the familiar tune of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" filled the stadium, and I joined in singing along with the crowd, feeling a bonding sense of camaraderie.

In the midst of the game's intense moments, I also took the time to enjoy the small details—the crackling sound of peanuts being shelled, the laughter and chatter of fellow fans and the feeling of unity as we cheered on our team. Sometimes nervous chatter.

Saturday - Game 2

The excitement from Friday night carried into Saturday's 3 p.m. first pitch at Condron Park, where the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation of the Gators securing a spot in Omaha.

Just like the previous night, Mother Nature decided to join in. As the jumbo tron announced yet another weather delay, sighs could be heard throughout the stadium. After a delay of 2 ½ hours, with many fans heading to local bars and restaurants, Hurston Waldrep took the stage and delivered a pitching gem.

Standing in the same spot over the left field wall as the night before, with the berm completely packed, I had a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful college ballparks in America.

The sun quickly set over home plate, casting its warm rays on me in left field, until it disappeared under the clouds. Regardless of sunlight, Hurston Waldrep displayed his mastery for eight innings, showcasing his skill. Equally as bright as the sun.

Word of Waldrep's impressive strikeout count, reaching a total of 13, began to spread throughout the berm. It was a different feeling compared to the home run derby of the previous night, yet the supercharged atmosphere remained unchanged, even without any home runs from the Gators.

As Brandon Neely sealed the victory for the Gators with the final pitch Saturday, I couldn't help but jump up and down in celebration with 8,000 of my closest friends. The team celebrated by dog-piling on the pitcher's mound, and fans exchanged hugs and high-fives, knowing that the Gators had secured their ticket to Omaha. Kevin O'Sullivan's eighth trip to Omaha and Florida's 13th.

For me, a student journalist and huge Gator baseball fan, my "Take Me Out To Berm Game" proved to be a memorable experience. Even if I never did catch a foul ball.

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