But, Gator baseball does have a very loyal and supportive booster group with the Gator Dugout club. Albeit it's a small contingent and skews much older than your desired demographics, but it's a devoted and patient fan base. Well, last night they were finally rewarded for their unwavering support and commitment to Gator baseball. Many are post retirement age, some are even elderly, but many members of the Dugout Club have lived a majority of the 103 years that UF has fielded a baseball team. To finally get to see the Gators dog pile after winning it all in Omaha has got to be extra gratifying to them.

Personally speaking, I'm super happy for my parents, both loyal Gator Dugout club members. My dad is a 2nd generation Gator (I'm a 3rd) and my parents met at UF in the late 60's. Next year they will celebrate 50 years of marriage. They retired about 10 years ago to Gainesville to become full-time Gator sports fans. One of the first things they did after settling in Hogtown was buy box seats baseball season tickets and joined the Dugout Club with their local tailgating friends. They arrive 30 minutes early to every game and most often stay in Section A until the last pitch. They sit through the frequent rains, and the scorching 90+ degree sun during a Sunday afternoon SEC home game. They've taken bus trips to Jacksonville to watch the Gators play fsu, traveled to road games, been to Hoover for SEC tourneys many times, and even went to Omaha last season when it looked like UF should have been the favorites to win it all. With the Dugout Club they are super involved with supporting the team behind the scenes. Dad has been Gator Dugout club President, chaired many committees and worked on the club's newsletter. Mom has spent countless hours planning events, ordering catering, and decorating facilities for the many club banquets and player/coach receptions. They've bought and distributed hundreds of $$'s of snacks for the Gators and opposing teams' players during Gainesville Regional and Super Regional tournaments. And when they can't be at a game in person they are in their recliners cheering the Gators on the SEC Network, watching on Dad's tablet with the ESPN app, or listening by radio with Mick, Jeff Cardozo, and Steve Russell on WRUF.

There are dozens of other loyal Gator baseball fans just like my parents. Many are a little older, but they cheer hard, support with all their might and dollars, and pray that one day they'll wake up one morning as NCAA Baseball Champions. For them today is that day!

Go Gators!