The College World Series (CWS), also known as the NCAA Men's College World Series (MCWS), is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha, Nebraska, every June. It is the final stage of the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship tournament, which starts with 64 teams and determines the national champion in college baseball. The top eight teams compete in two double-elimination brackets of four, with the bracket winners advancing to a best-of-three championship series.
1947: First College World Series
The inaugural College World Series took place in 1947 at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
1948: College World Series at Hyames Field
The College World Series was held for the second consecutive year at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1948.
1949: College World Series Moves to Lawrence Stadium
The College World Series relocated to Lawrence Stadium in Wichita, Kansas in 1949.
1949: First College World Series Most Outstanding Player Award
The inaugural College World Series Most Outstanding Player award, recognizing the top performer in the finals, was presented in 1949.
1950: College World Series Moves to Omaha
The College World Series found a permanent home in Omaha, Nebraska, starting in 1950 at Rosenblatt Stadium.
1958: First College World Series All-Tournament Team
The first All-Tournament Team, acknowledging the best players throughout the College World Series, was announced in 1958.
June 10, 2008: NCAA and CWS Omaha Announce Contract Extension
On June 10, 2008, the NCAA and CWS Omaha revealed a 25-year contract extension, securing Omaha as the host city for the Men's College World Series until 2035.
2008: Official Name Change to "Men's College World Series"
The official name of the event was changed to "Men's College World Series" no later than 2008, as reflected in the hosting agreement signed that year.
2010: Final College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium
After a successful run, 2010 marked the final College World Series held at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.
2011: College World Series Moves to Charles Schwab Field Omaha
Beginning in 2011, the College World Series shifted to its new venue, Charles Schwab Field Omaha (formerly TD Ameritrade Park Omaha), also in Omaha, Nebraska.
2011: New Contract and Venue for the College World Series
The current contract for the College World Series commenced in 2011, coinciding with the tournament's move to Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
March 13, 2020: 2020 College World Series Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
For the first time in its history, the College World Series was canceled on March 13, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2021: Official Name Change Acknowledged
Despite the official name change to "Men's College World Series" occurring no later than 2008, it wasn't until October 2021 that the NCAA and CWS Omaha consistently used the updated name in their branding and communication.
2035: Contract Extension Secures Omaha as Host City
With the 2008 contract extension, Omaha is set to host the Men's College World Series through 2035.