The early bird gets the worm. Well, gummy worm, in this case.
The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles aren't quite early. In fact, they're playing quite late. Later than anyone in the college baseball world would have expected out of the Stillwater Regional's No. 4 seed. Oral Roberts became only the third No. 4 regional seed to reach the College World Series under the format dating back to 1999.
And as Oral Roberts has continued its surprising run, its traditions are getting noticed by baseball fans. Including one where the players eat gummy worms every time they reach base.
Here is your gummy! 🪱#MCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @ORUBaseball pic.twitter.com/KMzvoaFSd0
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 16, 2023
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The longer Oral R stays in, the more the team will need Oral-B as the gummy tradition continues. But what is the story behind this Haribo habit? Here's what you need to know.
Oral Roberts gummy worms, explained
Eagles might prefer worms, but these Golden Eagles are actually enjoying Twin Snakes, a Haribo gummy product. And they have since the 2021 season.
MLB.com reported that every time an Oral Roberts player reaches base, first base coach Jimmy Turk gives them a Twin Snake, a two-sided gummy that features a sour side and a sweet side. Per the report, they've tried both gummy worms and Twin Snakes, but the amphisbaena has been the popular choice.
Infielder Jake McMurray explained that back in 2021, on a trip from Minneapolis to Fargo, the team began singing sea shanties to stay busy on the bus. They decided by the end of it, they all wanted to be pirates, which meant getting treasure.
"Then Jimmy [Turk] thought everybody should get a little bit of treasure when we get a hit and then it's just evolved from that and now everybody's excited to get a little Twin Snake when we get to first base," McMurray said.
You asked, we answered! Get the inside scoop on the origin of the twin snakes. 🐍 #ORUBase | #MCWS pic.twitter.com/KgoiA6cPDp
— ORU Baseball (@ORUBaseball) June 13, 2023
Turk said: "It's just evolved into something to keep our guys loose and have fun, man. This game's tough and they work hard so it was like let's do something fun that guys can enjoy so we started giving out Twin Snakes for hits and it's kind of taken off and it's something we've been doing for three years and guys really enjoy it."
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Before the start of Friday's contest against TCU, Oral Roberts players had racked up plenty of Twin Snakes. The team has combined for 721 hits so far through 2023, fourth most among Division I teams. Each bag carries about 18 pieces, according to Amazon, which would mean the team is on its 41st bag against the Horned Frogs.
But Haribo is making sure to do its part to keep the Oral Roberts' treasure trove of gummies stocked up.
"Congratulations on an amazing season (so far!) and good luck in Omaha this weekend! We can't wait to see your success — fueled by Twin Snakes," Haribo wrote in a gift message to the team.
A gift from our friends at Haribo 🙏 🥹#ORUBase | #Haribo pic.twitter.com/POCzQnXLTH
— ORU Baseball (@ORUBaseball) June 15, 2023
