By Heather Gripp
 | Pepperdine ace Barry Enright has shaved the Ricky Vaughn zig-zag pattern on the back of his head. Christian Petersen/Getty Images |
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6. The masters on the mound
There's nothing like watching a well-pitched game, and there are plenty of candidates capable of shutting down the tournament's best hitters. Cal State Fullerton (43-13), with a 2.66 staff ERA, boasts the only rotation in the country in which all three starters -- Wes Roemer, Lauren Gagnier and Dustin Miller -- have at least 11 wins and sub-3.00 ERAs. North Carolina (45-13) has another top staff with three aces in Andrew Miller, Robert Woodard and Daniel Bard, not to mention reliever Jonathan Hovis, who led the ACC with a 1.72 ERA.
7. Colorful characters
Baseball is filled with superstitions and interesting personalities, and college boys can be among the most colorful. Pepperdine's sophomore right-hander Barry Enright, last year's West Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, recently had a zig-zag pattern shaved on the back of his head to be like Charlie Sheen's Wild Thing character from the movie Major League.
8. Star sightings
Even celebrities are into showing their school spirit at this time of year. Among those spotted at last year's tournament was Cal State Fullerton alum and noted baseball fan Kevin Costner, who also turned into the Titans' most famous cheerleader when his alma mater was on the brink of elimination. The actor left his seat to stand in front of the crowd, shouting at them to rally behind the Titans, but his words of encouragement were not enough to prevent a season-ending loss to Arizona State.
9. Baseball at the beach
Pepperdine is hosting a regional for the first time, meaning the four teams in the Malibu regional will be playing just across the Pacific Coast Highway from the beach. Pepperdine's quaint Eddy D. Field Stadium provides fans with one of the most picturesque settings in baseball. Beyond the outfield surrounded by palm trees is a clear view of the Pacific Ocean. With all day games, there will be plenty of time for soaking up the sun.
10. There's no place like Omaha
Unlike the pros and other college sports, college baseball's Division I championship has been held in the same place since 1964. While few outside the community are likely to consider Omaha, Neb., a popular destination, there's nowhere else a college baseball player would rather be in late June. Even those who go on to successful pro careers reminisce fondly about their time at Rosenblatt Stadium.
The winners of the eight Super Regionals advance to Omaha and the College World Series, which begins June 16.
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