The last time Drew Maggi played in Rosenblatt Stadium he wore the maroon and gold of ASU.

When he steps onto the Rosenblatt field Wednesday, Maggi will be wearing the red, white and blue of the USA.

He was proud to represent Arizona State University when the Sun Devils played in the College World Series last month. He’s even prouder to have a chance to represent his country as a member of USA Baseball’s national collegiate team.

“You grow up watching USA baseball play all around the world but I don’t know if you ever really think about playing for the team,’’ Maggi said. “When you do get the chance, it’s really exciting.

“Getting selected to the USA team means you’re one of the top players in the country. It’s quite an honor.’’

Maggi is one of nine players who participated in this year’s CWS who will return to Rosenblatt on Wednesday to play the Japanese Collegiate All-Stars in a 7 p.m. game. Three other USA players were members of teams that played in the 2009 CWS.

“To get another chance to play at Rosenblatt is something we’re all looking forward to,’’ Maggi said. “It’s a place that you feel the tradition the minute you walk into the place. It’s unbelievable how Omaha loves baseball, and you feel that when you play there.

“I already have a lot of memories of having played there the past two years. It means a lot to get a chance to play another game there.’’

This year’s trip to the CWS wasn’t as memorable for Maggi as the Sun Devils’ 2009 visit. They went 2-2 in 2009, making it to the bracket championship game before Texas ended their season with a ninth-inning rally that produced a 4-3 win.

This season, Arizona State came to Omaha as the No. 1 national seed and a prime candidate to win a national title. Losses to Clemson and South Carolina derailed those hopes and sent the Sun Devils home wondering what had happened.

“We really thought we had a chance to win a championship when we got to Omaha this year,’’ Maggi said. “We had played so well during the season but we were never able to put anything together in Omaha.

“It’s definitely rough to go two-and-out. It still bothers me a great deal. We had a team that had a lot of success but things just didn’t work out for us in Omaha.’’

Maggi finished his sophomore season with a .326 batting average, five homers and 41 RBIs. He also stole a team-leading 36 bases while committing just nine errors at shortstop for a .963 fielding percentage.

That earned him an invitation to try out for the USA team at the National Training Center in Cary, N.C. He said he performed well during the trials, and learned July 11 that he was one of the 22 players to make the team.

“I had a good week,’’ Maggi said, “and the coaches liked what they saw.’’

Maggi said he wasn’t surprised to see his name on the final roster.

“I always think that I’m the best,’’ he said. “You can’t doubt your ability if you’re going to have any chance to make the team. You have to put it all out there, and that’s what I did.

“I think I bring a toughness and an attitude that the coaches liked. I’m all about winning. That’s the only thing that matters to me.’’

The USA team ran its record to 6-0 with Sunday’s 5-3 victory over Korea. Maggi, who has started all six games at second base, has struggled offensively, getting just one hit in 20 at-bats.

The USA team will travel to Kansas City on Monday, where it will practice at Kauffman Stadium. The Japanese All-Stars are scheduled to practice Monday morning at 9:30 at Fricke Field in Papillion before traveling to play in the evening at Clarinda, Iowa.

Contact the writer:

679-2298, steve.pivovar@owh.com