While we are out of the area

You might feel compelled to check out the NCAA Division III World Series at Time Warner Cable Field.

Check out the Prodigal Beat Writer's column on the topic

1. Batting leadoff is Carthage College, the lone state team in this year's bracket. Carthage figures to have plenty of crowd support, but there's always room on the bandwagon for a few more looking to give the "home" team a boost. By the way, Carthage part-time assistant coach Boe Baitinger is an Appleton native. So cheer away.

2. As usual, the tournament is speckled with programs that know what it takes to win the big game. Six of the eight clubs have appeared in the finals, while four — Trinity College, Kean University, Chapman University and the University of St. Thomas — have national championship trophies. Impressive, indeed.

3. Really good teams are propelled by really good players, regardless if we're talking Division I, II or III. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers outfielder Michael Vass, for instance, played in the finals last season with Chapman. Vass was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 35th round of the 2008 June draft. And of course, there's Washington Nationals hurler Jordan Zimmermann, the most outstanding player of the 2007 tourney when he starred at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

4. In the No. 4 spot — again — is Trinity. Should the defending champion Bantams make it back-to-back, they would become only the third repeat winner in finals history and the first since Rowan won championships in 1978 and '79.

5. Speaking of streaks, Chapman is making an impressive fifth consecutive finals appearance, while Kean is on a three-year run.

6. Maybe you're into backing the underdog. Well, both Farmingdale State College and Shenandoah University are making their first tournament appearances.

There are three more reasons to attend the event that starts on FRIDAY and singing...well, imagined singing at the link.

Plus, make sure you check all the links on the sidebar for the team-by-team capsules.