Hooks players relive favorite moments from playing in College World Series

Cody Deason described pitching in the College World Series as special as being drafted to the major leagues.

The Hooks right-hander played in the mecca of college baseball for Arizona during the 2016 season and was even roommates with Hooks catcher Cesar Salazar, who also played a key role in the Wildcats' run to Omaha.

"It was one of the best times in my life and the best experiences I've had up until this point in my baseball career," Deason said. "It's pretty unreal and a sensation you don't get until you play. It's like playing in your first big league game or even the World Series to be honest."

Deason and Salazar helped lead Arizona to the College World Series final before falling to Coastal Carolina.

Even though it wasn't the finish they desired, it didn't come without both players registering moments they'll remember for years to come.

Deason pitched in two games against Coastal Carolina, including scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth innings of Games 2 and 3 of the finals.

Salazar hit a walk-off single in the 11th inning against Mississippi State to send Arizona to the College World Series for the 17th time in program history.

"It's a very fun atmosphere," Salazar said. "The amount of people that go watch the games makes it more special and the bond you make with your team is surreal. It's one of the best experiences I've ever had."

The College World Series continued Wednesday at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.

Oklahoma defeated Texas A&M to advance to the College World Series final and Ole Miss fell to Arkansas — forcing a Game 2 scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday.

Hooks shortstop Grae Kessinger is hoping the Rebels are the last team standing.

Kessinger, who played at Ole Miss from 2017-2019, still remains in contact with his former teammates and coaches.

"It's awesome," said Kessinger, who started 68 games for the Rebels with a team-best .330 average with 18 doubles and seven home runs in 2019. "I'm so happy for that coaching staff and all the guys on that team. I had a chance to play with those guys early in their careers and they work so hard. It's awesome to see what they're doing and I want them to keep going.

"I just called coach (Mike) Clement on Facetime. I worked out with those guys this offseason and they're a great group of guys. I hope they finish it, they deserve it."

Salazar said it's difficult to root for any of the four remaining teams since Arizona isn't playing.

As long as Ole Miss doesn't win, the former Wildcat will be content.

"We don't watch as much as you would think but we will if It's on TV," Salazar said. "If our team is playing we are more involved. Last year when Arizona made it, I was always watching. I just hope Ole Miss doesn't win because they knocked my Wildcats out."

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Deason hasn't kept a bracket, but he has kept up with the remaining teams, especially with Kessinger pulling for Ole Miss.

Even though the Rebels eliminated Arizona last year, Deason still plans to root for Ole Miss.

"I would like Ole Miss to win it," Deason said. "I know Arizona beat them last year in the super regionals, so it's good to see them come back to the College World Series. I hope they take it."

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Rey Castillo is a sports reporter for the Caller-Times and a graduate of Texas A&M-Kingsville. He may be reached at rey.castillo@caller.com or on Twitter @reycastillo361

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Hooks players relive favorite moments from College World Series