OMAHA — One of the lasting daily traditions at the College World Series began about 40 minutes before Louisiana State faced Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday afternoon. And hundreds of fans crowded around the railing at TD Ameritrade Park under sunny skies to see it.
It was time for pregame infield practice.
The first-year L.S.U. assistant coach Andy Cannizaro, a former Yankees infielder and scout, walked out of the dugout with a long slim bat known as a fungo. All Tigers infielders and outfielders, backups included, sprinted to their places.
The right-handed-hitting Cannizaro stood in front of home plate, tossed a ball up with his right hand and stroked sinking line drives to the outfielders.