On a typical weekend, Ray Fisher Stadium is maybe half full for a Michigan baseball series. Of that crowd, the majority of the fans are either parents, relatives or fellow Michigan athletes.
But the masses turned out for the season finale - a Big Ten-clinching performance by the Wolverines.
"This is the first time we've had a crowd like this since I've been here," Michigan captain Kirk Beermann said. "It was great to have a band up there and everybody cheering."
The band played an instrumental part in motivating the crowd and creating a circus-like atmosphere. The ruckus might have even excited Michigan starting pitcher J.J. Putz a little too much.
"I think I was too sky-high right away, the adrenaline was going too much," Putz said. "I got caught up in it all."
Amongst the crowd were several Michigan dignitaries, including former football coach/athletic director Bo Schembechler and former baseball coach Bill Freehan.
"I've seen them play five, six or seven times this year and it's nice to have the sun and a nice baseball day," Freehan said. "I've had times I froze my tail end off. It's special coming back and watching some of the kids you helped recruit."
Tomorrow, Michigan hosts the Big Ten playoffs, and the fan support should play a role in those games as well.
"(Being at home) is a big factor," Michigan pitcher Matt Herr said. "You're not sleeping in your bed. Here you're in your own bed, and you're getting meals from Cottage Inn.
"There's no place we'd rather be than Ray L. Fisher (Stadium)."
The Besco Show: Derek Besco received the Big Ten player of the week award for his offensive prowess over the weekend.
The Michigan leftfielder went 7-for-13 with a double, two home runs and seven RBI for the series.
SARA STILLMAN/Daily
Michigan pitcher Bryan Cranson and the rest of the Wolverines won the conference title with the help of surprisingly large crowds.