History of College World Series in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 8, 2025

The College World Series (CWS), officially the NCAA Men's College World Series (MCWS), is a baseball tournament held annually in Omaha, Nebraska, in June. It represents the final stage of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, which starts with 64 teams competing for the national championship. The CWS involves the final eight teams, divided into two four-team, double-elimination brackets. The winners of each bracket then compete in a best-of-three championship series to determine the NCAA Division I college baseball champion.

1947: First College World Series

In 1947, the inaugural College World Series was held at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

1948: College World Series at Hyames Field

In 1948, the College World Series was held at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the second time.

1949: First Most Outstanding Player Award

In 1949, the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award was first presented to the best player at the College World Series finals.

1949: College World Series moves to Wichita

In 1949, the College World Series was moved to Lawrence Stadium in Wichita, Kansas.

1950: College World Series moves to Omaha

Since 1950, the College World Series has been held in Omaha, Nebraska, at Rosenblatt Stadium.

1958: First All-Tournament Team Announced

Since 1958, an All-Tournament Team, consisting of the best players of the tournament, has been announced for each College World Series.

June 10, 2008: Contract Extension Through 2035

On June 10, 2008, the NCAA and CWS Omaha announced a new 25-year contract extension, ensuring the MCWS would remain in Omaha through 2035.

2008: Official Name Changed to "Men's College World Series"

In 2008, the official name of the event was changed to "Men's College World Series" as per the hosting agreement between the NCAA and the city of Omaha.

2010: Last College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium

In 2010, the College World Series was held for the last time at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.

2011: College World Series moves to Charles Schwab Field Omaha

In 2011, the College World Series was moved to Charles Schwab Field Omaha (formerly TD Ameritrade Park Omaha) in Omaha, Nebraska.

2011: Contract Begins and Tournament Venue Change

In 2011, the binding contract between the NCAA and Omaha began, the same year the tournament moved from Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium to Charles Schwab Field Omaha.