OMAHA, Nebraska – Steve Pivovar — the longtime Omaha World-Herald sports reporter whose name became synonymous with the Men's College World Series — will be honored as a NCAA-CWS of Omaha, Inc. "All-Star" during the 2026 NCAA Men's College World Series at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. A permanent plaque at the stadium will commemorate his lasting contributions as a media member to the event.
"Our family is greatly honored to accept the MCWS's ALL STAR Award on behalf of Steve. It makes us very proud to know that 10 years after Steve's passing, his love of baseball, his decades of covering college baseball and his passion and support of the MCWS still are remembered and valued," said his wife, Sue Pivovar. "If Steve were here to accept this award, he would be humbled and honored. In looking at the previous recipients, these are men that Steve knew well and had the utmost respect for. He also would find it very meaningful to be the first media recipient."
Pivovar joins past inductees in the All-Star program: the late Rod Dedeaux (USC), the late Augie Garrido (Cal State Fullerton and Texas), Skip Bertman (LSU), Dennis Poppe (longtime NCAA administrator for Division I baseball and the MCWS), John D. Diesing Sr., and John D. Diesing Jr.
The MCWS recognition committee, made up of representatives of the Men's College World Series partner organizations, selects an All-Star to recognize outstanding contributions that enhance the spirit of college baseball at the Division I level.
Known affectionately as "Piv," Pivovar was far more than a reporter — he was the living encyclopedia of the NCAA Men's College World Series. Over the course of a distinguished 45-year career at the Omaha World-Herald, he covered more than 1,700 games, including an extraordinary 500 consecutive Men's College World Series games. His name became synonymous with the "Greatest Show on Dirt."
Whether chronicling the magic of Rosenblatt Stadium or mentoring the next generation of sports journalists, Piv brought humility, humor, and a tireless work ethic to every story he told. Through his words and his presence, he helped define the Men's College World Series experience for fans across the country.
"For so many years, Piv was the storyteller for the College World Series, and even as the media landscape has changed, the respect for him has never wavered," said Jeff Williams, NCAA Associate Director of Media Coordination and Statistics. "Beyond his impact on the event, he was simply a genuinely kind presence — the type of person every reporter wanted to stop by and learn from. His contributions shaped this championship in meaningful ways, and there's no doubt his name belongs alongside those already honored."
Accepting the award on behalf of Steve will be his wife, Sue; daughters Stephanie and Shannon; son Bret; their spouses; and his grandchildren.
Pivovar's name will be added to a bronze plaque inside the stadium located near Gate 1.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Contact Amy Hornocker, CWS of Omaha, Inc., for photo and interview requests.
