There’s officially less than thirty days to go until college baseball’s opening weekend. With Feb. 16 quickly approaching, LSU’s baseball festivities have officially begun. 
LSU baseball’s annual First Pitch Banquet brings together fans that support the team with the players they love to watch. Boosters are given the opportunity to support the program. 
The event is coordinated by LSU’s Tiger Athletic Foundation and the LSU Baseball Coaches Committee. 
The banquet was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where tables filled with LSU baseball memorabilia lined what is typically a meeting room.
Over 1,000 people filled the hotel’s premier ballroom, which was filled with tables decked out in purple and gold decor. 
All 44 players were introduced, showcasing a roster full of talent and a couple of new faces.
Fans there and those at home were given the opportunity to support their reigning national champions. Both a silent auction and a live auction took place throughout the night. 
The event on Sunday night ultimately raised an estimated $250,000 for the program.
LSU baseball alumni Mikie Mahtook, Jared Mitchell and Kevin Gausman later took the stage. As guests enjoyed their meal, they listened to the three players talk about what their lives have been like since graduating, and what playing in Baton Rouge meant to their development, both as people, and as players. 
Third baseman Tommy White, pitcher Thatcher Hurd, catcher Alex Milazzo and catcher Hayden Travinski talked to the audience as well, giving an insight look into what the team is bringing to the 2024 season. 
“We’re looking forward to being the ‘hunted’ this season,” Travinski said. 
Head coach Jay Johnson closed out the night, reminiscing on the past season, and expressing excitement for what’s to come. 
Johnson went on to explain that in the 2024 season, their goal is not to defend their title, but to take advantage of the opportunity to win the title again.  
“We’re attacking this opportunity in 2024,” Johnson said. “And to do that, that has to be set by your key players, and these guys have done a tremendous job.”
Johnson’s thoughts on the upcoming season sent an energy throughout the ballroom. The support from those at the event was more than evident, and sure to be present in tenfold come game time.
“We have the best fans in college baseball,” Johnson said. “We can’t wait to compete in Alex Box Stadium in less than four weeks in front of the greatest fans in the nation.”