Die hard Gamecock fans know this story. But during this latest run to Omaha and the College World Series, I overheard someone asking why every Gamecock player was sticking his hand on top of his helmet whenever they scored a run or delivered a base hit.
That's why I share the story of Reptar.
The Gamecocks were in a bit of a slump in mid-April. It started with a stunning mid-week loss to Division II Francis Marion here in Florence and followed that with a midweek loss to the College of Charleston. Baseball players are a superstitious breed and anything can get attached to ending a streak or turning things around.
3rd baseman LB Dantzler had a dilemma. His neighbor couldn't watch his beta fish, Reptar. Dantzler decided to pack the garnet pet into Tupperware and bring him on the road to Auburn. Reptar spent time in the bullpen with the Gamecocks pitcher and Dantzler belted a home run to start a three game sweep of the Tigers. And just like that, the Gamecocks found a rally fish, new mascot and good luck charm all rolled into one.
Gamecock Central: Fish Story
Gamecock Central: Fish Story II
Reptar's kind of a big deal in the Midlands. He's got his own Twitter account, a hash tag #fearthefish, and a Facebook fan page and even a T-shirt. USC fans should breathe a sigh of relief: Reptar is safe and sound in Omaha, thanks to the USC equipment crew who brought him in the truck along with the Gamecocks equipment. Dantzler bought Reptar for $2, but he's living the life of a college baseball All-American. Not everyone gets to fulfill the dream of being in Omaha in June if you love baseball, but Reptar can cross that off his bucket list, or maybe it's a toilet bowl list in fish talk.
