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From June 1 when the Louisville baseball team beat Miami, 13-7, in the first round of NCAA play, to June 20 when the Cards returned from the College World Series as one of the nation's top six teams, U of L has generated newfound interest and energy for the Cardinal program. Coach Dan McDonnell (pictured left) and these Cards didn't win the national title, but they did change the way this town looks at their program - forever.

Football star Tino Sunseri had plenty of options, but in the /files/storyimages/he chose Louisville. His father, Sal, an NFL assistant coach, believes it’s a perfect match.  

Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center to Host the First US Event This Season, Featuring More than $100,000 in Cash and Travel Prizes

What began as a small gathering of fans in a bowling alley in Louisville in 2002, has grown into an international phenomenon.

When Louisville’s romantic venture to the College World Series resumes with a game against North Carolina on Tuesday (2 p.m., ESPN2), the Cards will be looking for a victory that would likely make them the darlings of the local Omaha fans and set up two must-win contests against Rice on Wednesday and Thursday. Colby Wark (Jr., Terrebonne, Ore.), pictured left, is expected to take the mound for the Cards (47-23).

Despite great play by center fielder Boomer Whiting (left), Louisville baseball frittered away an opportunity to post its first-ever win at the College World Series. Now, the Cards are preparing to bounce back in Sunday's game (against the loser of Friday night's Mississippi State vs. North Carolina game) at Rosenblatt Stadium (2 p.m., ESPN2)

Limelight-hogging developmental phases like teething and puberty make it easy to forget that people continue to move through different stages until the final curtain.