The LSU Baseball team officially kicked off the 2014 season Friday afternoon with their media day in Alex Box Stadium.

            After last season’s disappointing finish in the College World Series, Head Coach Paul Mainieri says the team has moved on and is ready to fill the void in the lineup and the bullpen left by graduating seniors.

            “A lot of big shoes to fill,” Mainieri said. “But around here people don’t want to hear excuses, they just want you to reload and see that you’re ready to go. Fortunately for us we have a good foundation of players returning.”

            Alex Bregman will lead the Tigers at shortstop this season. The veterans on the team are using their experiences from Omaha last season to mentor the younger players, Bregman said.

            “I think all the older guys that were on the traveling roster in Omaha definitely shared their experiences with the guys on the team,” Bregman said. “I think it’s helped, I think those guys are hungry.”

            With the sounds of baseball finally back in Baton Rouge, the LSU Tigers and their faithful fans are readily anticipating the Valentine’s Day home opener vs. the UNO Privateers.