FAYETTEVILLE — Emotions are always high when a team finishes its season, but they seemed even more heightened following Arkansas' loss to Miami at the College World Series on Monday.
Players fought back tears following their 4-3 walk-off loss. It wasn't so much the losing, but the impending goodbyes that hurt.
"We’ve been together now since last September almost every single day," outfielder Andrew Benintendi said. "We probably know each other more than you should know your teammates. It’s been fun this whole year."
Older players said last fall that they sensed this year's team was closer than some of the past ones. These Razorbacks were less talented collectively than the two teams that preceded them, but advanced further because of a midseason turnaround Arkansas fans won't soon forget.
The Razorbacks stayed together despite a six-game losing streak and below .500 record in March. Arkansas turned things around during the week of spring break and won 29 of its final 42 games.
"I think that’s the reason we’re here; nobody else had faith in us but us," pitcher Zach Jackson said. "It’s a lot easier to go through that when you had guys like this in the locker room, guys you want to be around all the time.
"This is the closest team I’ve ever been a part of. This is a team that I don’t want to leave. It’s something that the guys who are leaving, I hate thinking about that right now. We have fun playing the game."
It's unclear how much of the roster Arkansas will lose this off-season. Benintendi is expected to sign a professional contract after being drafted seventh overall by the Boston Red Sox last week.
Junior pitcher Trey Killian, an eighth round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies, and third baseman Bobby Wernes (Astros, 30th round) are also expected to turn pro. Outfielder Joe Serrano and pitcher Jackson Lowery have exhausted their eligibility.
Outfielder Tyler Spoon said prior to the draft he was unsure of his plans for after the season. Spoon, who graduated last month with his degree in recreation and sports management, was a 35th round draft pick of the Red Sox.
It is rare for drafted players to return to school for their final year of eligibility because they lose negotiating leverage for their professional signing bonuses.
Next year was far from anyone's mind following a gut-wrenching loss to Miami. Players were holding on to a thrilling 2015 season for as long as they could.
"I’m just going to miss all of it," said Lowery, eyes red and voice cracking. "I’m going to miss the jersey, the fans and the number one thing is I’m going to miss my teammates."
He paused to collect himself, but couldn't utter the words remaining in his head. That said it all.