College World Series Has Familiar Feel for Arkansas’ Stillwell

OMAHA — It wasn’t exactly a case of deja vu, but Rod Stillwell did experience some strange feelings of having been there before during the College World Series.

Stillwell, the starting shortstop at Arkansas the past two seasons, was literally following in his father’s footsteps when he trotted onto the field at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Ron Stillwell played shortstop for USC in 1960 when the Trojans were runners-up to Minnesota and in 1961 when USC won the national championship by defeating Oklahoma State.

Arkansas was eliminated from the eight-team, double-elimination tournament Tuesday when the Razorbacks lost to Wichita State, 8-4, ending a memorable experience for the Stillwells--both father and son.

“I always talked to my dad about playing in Rosenblatt Stadium,” said Rod, who was three for 10 in the World Series. “The first time out there, I wasn’t nervous or anything but it was kind of a strange feeling that I never had before--like maybe my dad was right there with me because he had played on the same field.”

Ron Stillwell, who resigned last month as baseball coach at Moorpark College after five seasons, was in attendance at Rosenblatt Stadium on Friday and Sunday, rooting for Arkansas.

“For anybody involved with college baseball this is the highlight and you never forget it,” said Ron, who has another son, Kurt, playing shortstop for the Kansas City Royals. “I remember a crucial error I made in one game, four hits I had in another, and a home run that I hit.

“Sitting here watching Rod play brings back a lot of memories. I know how he feels, the preparation for the game, what’s going through his mind and a little bit of the jitters.

“Overall just remembering the event is tremendous and to get to come back and watch one of your sons is exciting. I wouldn’t have have missed this for anything.”

Rod Stillwell’s circuitous route to Omaha began at Oral Roberts University, where he enrolled after graduating from Thousand Oaks High.

Stillwell played one season at Oral Roberts, then transferred to Moorpark for his sophomore season when Oral Roberts Coach Larry Cochell left to become coach at Northwestern.

Last season, Stillwell transferred to Arkansas and batted .281. This season, he batted .353 and helped key the Razorbacks’ drive to a share of their first Southwest Conference title and the championship of the NCAA Northeast Regional in Waterbury, Conn.

“It’s a great program and I’ve had two very fun years,” Rod said. “I just wish we could have gone further here.” Stillwell will return to Fayetteville, Ark., today before leaving for a short visit with Kurt.

Like his father, who played for the Washington Senators, and his older brother, Rod is hoping for an opportunity to play professional baseball.

“I’d love to go anywhere, but it would be a lot of fun to be in the Kansas City organization,” Rod said. “I just want to get a chance. You can’t be picky.”