At some point, East Carolina could find itself classified among the elite programs in college baseball. That would be quite a distinction in a sport where parity has all but eliminated the notion of dynasties.

But at this stage, the Pirates are still a few steps from earning that label.

The list of dominant baseball programs has grown few and far between. Stanford, Texas, LSU, and Cal-State Fullerton certainly qualify, but few others boast résumés that are worthy of inclusion in that exclusive club.

The binding theme within that group is the annual pilgrimage each is expected to make to the College World Series. If the year does not culminate with an Omaha appearance, any achievements along the way are overshadowed by the disappointment of the season's premature end.

By that standard, East Carolina still lacks the jewels to consider itself royalty.

“The first thing you’ve got to do in order to go is believe you can go,” Pirates coach Randy Mazey said in 2003. “These guys really believe they can.

"Myself and Coach Osborne are the only two people in this program who have ever set foot in Rosenblatt Stadium. We know what it’s like to be there. We know what it’s like to walk on that field and play in front of those people.”

Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium, the annual site of the College World Series, recently reinforced its status as the Mecca of college baseball by locking in its rights to host the CWS through at least 2010.

For East Carolina to gain mention among the genuine juggernauts of the sport, it must advance its program to the point that a pilgrimage to Rosenblatt is a yearly expectation.

Easier said than done.

Perhaps more than any program over the last four years, the Pirates have mixed the most potent formula for heartbreak. In 2001 and 2004, ECU had the ingredients for an Omaha run, but got derailed in the Super Regionals by equally talented and determined opponents.

If nothing else, consider that part of the natural progression the Pirates must make en route to joining the elite. Regardless of the sport, any major program experiences its share of growing pains before achieving powerhouse status.

Duke followed that very blueprint on its way to the top of the hardwood heap. It took Mike Krzyzewski a few years to land the Devils in a Final Four and several tries before a national title was secured.

Eventually, though, the Final Four and All-American banners gave Cameron Indoor Stadium the aura Devils fans had been desperately seeking.

East Carolina has laid the foundation to produce the same.

If consistent success is the minimum standard by which a power program is defined, the Pirates are well beyond the starting line. With six straight NCAA Tournament berths, including two Super Regional appearances, ECU is entrenched in the steadiest stretch in its history.

The product of that success has led to the maiden voyage of Clark-LeClair Stadium this season, which is another necessary benchmark for anointment into the baseball aristocracy. Generally speaking, programs that visit Rosenblatt Stadium also have plush palaces they call home.

"I really believe the pinnacle of this program is going to come two to three years after that stadium is built, after we’ve had a couple of years to recruit to the new stadium," Mazey said when ECU's baseball castle was still but a concept. "We’re going to be able to attract the best players in the nation once that happens.”

Ultimately that will be the key to taking the next step. No team sport relies more on individual play, which magnifies the necessity to lure blue chip talent.

As long as Mazey is at the helm, there's no reason to believe that won't happen. The Pirates coach already has inked a Top 30 class — and ECU hasn't so much as taken batting practice at "The Keith."

About the only potential concern looming over the program is the distinct possibility that other schools will court its head coach. In only two seasons, Mazey has quickly become one of the hottest names in the business, with 86 wins in Greenville already to his credit.

Stability at head coach is vital to sustaining excellence, meaning any turnover at that position could slow the Pirates' climb.

And at this point, the Pirates are nearing the mountain's peak. They have an established winning tradition, a state-of-the-art facility, and a high-profile coach.

All that's left is a trip or two to Omaha. Once that becomes par for the course, East Carolina will join the sport's ruling class.