TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — 23 times the Florida State baseball team has made the trip to Omaha for the College World Series. Three times they've come back national runner-up.
That's the black cloud over this program, so much success, but no national title and this year's team is looking to change that in Mike Martin's final season.
"You know, I want it really, really bad. But at the same time, it's so difficult. It's a game in which you've got to bear down every single minute and hopefully get a couple of breaks. You have to have luck," said Martin.
That was Florida State head baseball coach Mike Martin before the season started. Four months later, and Omaha is now this team's destination.
"Already counting the hours until we get to the steakhouse we like so much out there," said Martin.
Steak is nice, but what this program really wants is a national title. The Seminoles have never won the College World Series, but with this storybook season still going, this team is determined to change that.
"It's exactly where we're all supposed to be. It's where the Noles play. It's exciting to get back," said FSU baseball player Drew Mendoza.
Where they're supposed to be, for the 23rd time, 17 of those under the coach that embodies Florida State. 40 years of 40 win seasons, the most wins in the history college baseball, a place that is the perfect setting for the end of his career.
"When you can qualify for the College World Series, it's a memory, I'm very, very excited for our guys. It's really the heartland of America. Omaha, Nebraska is a special place," said Martin.
Florida State's journey to a National Championship begins Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time when they face Arkansas, last year's national runner-up.
