University of North Carolina Athletics
Scott Forbes
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
GoHeels Exclusive: Father's Day In Omaha
June 17, 2018 | Baseball, Featured Writers
By Pat James, GoHeels.com
OMAHA, Neb. — From 2006-13, the June pilgrimage from Chapel Hill to Omaha became almost commonplace for Scott Forbes and his family.
The North Carolina baseball team made six College World Series appearances in that span. And along with his wife, Mandy, Forbes' father, Harvey, and his oldest daughter, Hannah, accompanied him on each trip. His youngest daughter, Ally, also started coming after she was born in 2008.
So over the last four years, when the Tar Heels failed to reach the College World Series, each member of the Forbes family eagerly waited to return. Apparently some more than others.
"Hannah, she's been six times," said Forbes earlier this week, "so she thinks we should come every year. She's like, 'Why are we not going to Omaha?'"
But this year, Hannah didn't need to ask that question.
After UNC clinched a spot in the College World Series with a pair of victories over Stetson last weekend, Mandy, Hannah and Ally joined Forbes on Wednesday's team flight to Omaha. On Thursday, Harvey arrived, along with his wife, Joan; their granddaughter, Kirby; and his brother, Esley.
Trips to the Drover, the merchandise tents and Friday's opening ceremonies, among several other destinations, have come since then. They also soaked in Carolina's 8-6 win over Oregon State on Saturday. And on Sunday, in a city that's become almost synonymous with the holiday, they celebrated Father's Day.
When the Tar Heels last played here in 2013, Hannah was 8. Ally was only 4. So for them and Forbes, this year's trip is somewhat different than previous ones. It's also just as special.
"Hannah is older, and she remembers them a little more," Forbes said. "But Ally, I don't know if she remembers them at all. So it's kind of neat to see their excitement."
According to Harvey, each trip is more enjoyable.
This year, he was able to bring Kirby, his oldest granddaughter, for the first time. His grandsons, Carter and Keaton, have come on other trips. They've served as bat boys.
In many ways, for both Forbes and Harvey, there's not a better place to spend Father's Day.
"My dad loves baseball, he just loves the game," Forbes said. "Growing up, I watched the game, but we were country folks, and we didn't ever think we'd ever be in Omaha, much less be in the dugout."
"It's really unreal," Harvey said. "You watch your children grow up, and I had two boys (Forbes and his brother, Stewart). And they're both doing great. It's just really special."
Happy Father's Day from the Diamond Heels.
OMAHA, Neb. — From 2006-13, the June pilgrimage from Chapel Hill to Omaha became almost commonplace for Scott Forbes and his family.
The North Carolina baseball team made six College World Series appearances in that span. And along with his wife, Mandy, Forbes' father, Harvey, and his oldest daughter, Hannah, accompanied him on each trip. His youngest daughter, Ally, also started coming after she was born in 2008.
So over the last four years, when the Tar Heels failed to reach the College World Series, each member of the Forbes family eagerly waited to return. Apparently some more than others.
"Hannah, she's been six times," said Forbes earlier this week, "so she thinks we should come every year. She's like, 'Why are we not going to Omaha?'"
But this year, Hannah didn't need to ask that question.
After UNC clinched a spot in the College World Series with a pair of victories over Stetson last weekend, Mandy, Hannah and Ally joined Forbes on Wednesday's team flight to Omaha. On Thursday, Harvey arrived, along with his wife, Joan; their granddaughter, Kirby; and his brother, Esley.
Trips to the Drover, the merchandise tents and Friday's opening ceremonies, among several other destinations, have come since then. They also soaked in Carolina's 8-6 win over Oregon State on Saturday. And on Sunday, in a city that's become almost synonymous with the holiday, they celebrated Father's Day.
When the Tar Heels last played here in 2013, Hannah was 8. Ally was only 4. So for them and Forbes, this year's trip is somewhat different than previous ones. It's also just as special.
"Hannah is older, and she remembers them a little more," Forbes said. "But Ally, I don't know if she remembers them at all. So it's kind of neat to see their excitement."
According to Harvey, each trip is more enjoyable.
This year, he was able to bring Kirby, his oldest granddaughter, for the first time. His grandsons, Carter and Keaton, have come on other trips. They've served as bat boys.
In many ways, for both Forbes and Harvey, there's not a better place to spend Father's Day.
"My dad loves baseball, he just loves the game," Forbes said. "Growing up, I watched the game, but we were country folks, and we didn't ever think we'd ever be in Omaha, much less be in the dugout."
"It's really unreal," Harvey said. "You watch your children grow up, and I had two boys (Forbes and his brother, Stewart). And they're both doing great. It's just really special."
Happy Father's Day from the Diamond Heels.
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