From my 2015 series preview of The Indiana State Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches:
Here is the totality of knowledge I possess about Indiana State University: 1) Larry Bird went there. 2) Larry Bird’s unnerving moustache went there. 3) Their uniforms are blue.
From my 2019 series preview of The Indiana State Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches:
Well, now we know a fourth thing: We beat them 7-1 on Tuesday, April 16th [2019] in a game that kick started a 13 game win streak. I think we would all settle for a win streak of similar length following our possible game two match-up this Saturday.
Well, now we know a fifth thing: Postseasons in which The Indiana State Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches are in our Regional seem to go pretty well for the Dores. in 2015, we came but a few runs from winning back to back CWS National Titles. In 2019, we won the whole damned thing. Is seeing The Indiana State Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches in our Regional a positive harbinger of things to come?
I’mma go with yes.
In fact, I’mma paste much of what I wrote in the 2019 preview for good luck (changing only what is no longer pertinent, like everything to do with their 2021 season).
The School: Indiana State University.
Location: Terre Haute, Indiana. The school is right by the Eugene V. Debs Museum. Fun fact: Debs ran for president an astonishing 5 times as the candidate for the Socialist Party of America. Even more fun fact: He was a portrait photographer whose business operated under the name “Glamour Shots by Debs” (citation needed).
Less fun fact: In 1923, the largest Klan rally ever was held in Forest Park, which is 5 miles from Terre Haute. Fuck the state of Indiana is what I’m saying.
The Mascot: The Sycamores Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustache.
Record: 30-19, 14-10 in the Missourah Valley Conference.
How’d they get here? At large bid (they lost the MVC tourney in extra innings to Dallas Baptist). Went 3-2 in the MVC tournament, where both losses were to Dallas Baptist (the MVC Champion and the only other MVC team to get an NCAA Tourney bid). Let’s just say there is a certain team from Louisville that is likely really pissed The Indiana State Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches got a bid and they didn’t. We’re not going to cry over it at Hawkins Field this weekend.
Best win: They split a four game series with THOSE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED back in late February. In fact, the Chuggers had to take The Larry Birds to extras in game four to avoid losing the series. Best to not take them lightly.
Most embarrassing loss: Probably losing a 4 game series against The Southern Illinois Salukis 3-1. Other than that, there’s not a lot of embarrassing losses on their record. They mainly beat the teams they should have beaten and lost to Dallas Baptist.
Most terrifying batter: #1 RS Jr. SS Jordan “The Terre Haute Kid” Schaffer (.360/.424/.512 with 8 2B 1 3B 7 HR 34 RBI and 11-13 stolen bases). The Terre Haute Kid is their leadoff man and best hitter. I’d also watch out for The Larry Birds’ “Max Power,” as #12 RS Sr. C/DH Max Wright has 16 dingers on the year.
Best pitcher: Friday starter #30 RS Sr. LHP Geremy “Double G” Guererro (10-1, 1.93 ERA). The less said about him, the better. If they pitch Double G against Atlanta (likely), and win (it’s possible, as their Ace could stymie Atlanta’s bats), we will (likely) face #7 RS Sr. RHP Zach “Robot Hands” Frey (0-1, 5.51 ERA) or #37 RS Sr. LHP Tyler “The Growler” Grauer (3-2, 5.30 ERA). Whereas pitching was the clear strength of the Fightin’ Larry Bird’s Ridiculous Moustaches 2019 squad, the 2021 squad’s arms are not as formidable. They’re basically a one pitcher staff, and we will likely avoid said Ace. They have a 4.63 team ERA (over a run higher than their 2019 squad).
Best NCAA Tournament result: They made it to Omaha in 1986, where they promptly went 2 and Que. They swept the Mideast Regional 3-0 that year. They didn’t have the Super Regional round back then.
Should Vanderbilt Be Scared? No. Disturbed by blonde moustaches? Yes. Scared? No.