BC baseball riding the ‘Frate Train’ amid historic tournament run
"Pete Frates has been with us every step of the way."
Having made program history, Boston College baseball has kept in touch with one of the most cherished parts of its past. Throughout the Eagle’s successful run through the Oxford Regional championship this past weekend (where BC topped both Tulane and Utah to advance to the Super Regional round next weekend), the connection to former outfielder Pete Frates has never been stronger.
Frates, 31, is a former BC player who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2012. He’s best known for his extensive work in raising money and awareness about ALS (especially with the “Ice Bucket Challenge“).
Following the BC win, Frates was jubilant:
Speechless…not cuz of stupid #als. https://t.co/g0m9XEaf4Q
— Pete Frates (@PeteFrates3) June 6, 2016
And, as he has been all season, Frates was part of it. He’s already tied to the current season. Earlier in 2016, BC retired Frates’ number three jersey.
Even before the game on Sunday, BC ballplayers were checking in with him over FaceTime:
FaceTiming with @PeteFrates3 on the way to the stadium. We love you Pete! pic.twitter.com/2ywyaKs0Or
— Boston College Baseball (@BCBirdBall) June 4, 2016
And at the exact moment of victory, Frates was stunned:
holy shit.
— Pete Frates (@PeteFrates3) June 6, 2016
This year’s Eagles team has been a very likable story, accumulating fans and appreciation even from other schools. A photographer for Ole Miss put a poignant caption on a series of celebratory pictures:
ALS Ice Bucket Challege. #NCAABaseball version! #RoadToOmaha @PeteFrates3 @BCBirdBall
@akehillt pic.twitter.com/245mEGmrro
— OleMissPix (@OleMissPix) June 6, 2016
Prior to the tournament, BC was far from a guarantee to even make it. In the end, it came down to the television selection show, where the team exploded with joy upon hearing the news:
The Birds are dancing! This is the reaction when you hear your name called for the NCAA Tournament! #RoadToOmahahttps://t.co/roYRhG57It
— Boston College Baseball (@BCBirdBall) May 30, 2016
And shortly afterward, players checked in to celebrate with Frates:
https://www.facebook.com/TeamFratetrain/videos/1007150726005969/
This is the first time in school history that the Eagles (35-20) have ever advanced to the Super Regional round of 16. The team now faces ACC rival Miami.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that this was the farthest that Boston College baseball has ever advanced. The Eagles have reached the College World Series before, such as in 1967.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com