I went to their first game of the 1996 CWS vs. Clemson. Got a bunch of the Canes autographs. Not sure if I got Cora's or not. But I remember being a fan of his after that CWS, so either he signed something or had a great game or maybe it was just the image of him face first on the ground dejected after Warren Morris' home run.
Still the most crushing loss in CWS history. Pat Burrell and Alex Cora were 'Canes standouts but you also had Matt LeCroy (Clemson), J.D.. Drew (FSU) and Braden Looper (Wichita St).
Burrell was named Series MVP despite playing for runner-up team. He was a helluva college hitter. Too many holes as a major leaguer although he did manage to hit almost 300 HRs, 1000 RBI and exceed 30 homers in three seasons.