Texas baseball fans have been infatuated by shortstop Adrian Rodriguez for a few years, but during the Longhorns' trip to the College World Series, the whole country took notice of the sophomore infielder.
During the Horns' lone win in Omaha, a dominant 14-2 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Rodriguez made history, hitting for a cycle and tying the most-ever RBIs earned during a single game in Omaha. However, it was his off-field actions that cemented him as a fan favorite and Texas's hero for this year's College World Series.
After the Horns' second loss to Georgia, eliminating them from the postseason, Rodriguez didn't hang his head in defeat. Instead, he made sure to take his time with fans, signing autographs and snapping selfies, giving back to the group that supported him and the entire team all season.
Texas’ MCWS run came to an end against Georgia, but Adrian Rodriguez took time afterward for fans who made the trip to Omaha. pic.twitter.com/bmYtCFDcBn
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) June 17, 2026
Even with a few antics that the opponents didn't love, it's impossible to argue that Rodriguez's choice to give back to the fans instead of wallowing in Texas's defeat isn't one of the more endearing moments of the Horns' time in Omaha.
Not to mention the fact that the Texas shortstop was playing through an ongoing injury and pain in his hand, affecting his at-bats throughout the season. However, he shared that he and assistant coach Troy Tulowitzki had worked on his swing to help avoid unnecessary pain or discomfort.
"I made some swing changes with Tulo, probably [around] the Tennessee series… through the back stretch, dealing with my hand, I’ve gotta get more simple," Rodriguez shared after his historic performance against Alabama.
While the CWS clearly didn't go the way that the Longhorns had hoped, falling short of the National Championship and even the College World Series final, there were a lot of positive takeaways, including Rodriguez's dominance at the plate.
Also read: Luke Harrison's tearful goodbye after CWS shows how much it means to be a Longhorn
After the game, Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle didn't dwell on the mistakes his team made or the shortcomings they had in the win-or-go-home game. Instead, he praised the players he had on his roster this season and looked toward the future.
Jim Schlossnagle is ready for Texas to bounce back from CWS loss and injury
"Everybody's got some physical things they've got to heal from," Schlossnagle said, undoubtedly referring to Rodriguez's injury among the group. "But I think the biggest thing they need to learn from the leadership that they got... I think Anthony [Pack Jr.] needs to use his voice, and A-Rod needs to use his voice, and they need to remember this feeling."
It stings when your team loses, especially when you're close to the ultimate glory. Next season, Schlossnagle expects rising sophomores like pitcher Sam Cozart and outfielder Anthony Pack Jr., as well as rising juniors and seniors like Rodriguez and pitcher Dylan Volantis, to step up to the plate, both literally and metaphorically.
"What it means to be at Texas, what it means to be at Omaha," Schlosnaggle continued. "Now, our season's over, and we didn't accomplish the ultimate thing... which was winning the national title. So, it moves on them. Next fall, they need to use their voice to help us get back here."
This was Schlossnagle's eighth trip to the College World Series, but his first with the Horns. Despite being one of the most highly winning active coaches in college baseball, he has yet to win a National Championship. Maybe the Horns, led by stars like Rodriguez, can change that next season.
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