Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a four-part series with former LSU players in professional sports. This exclusive in-person interview was conducted seven hours before Nick Rumbelow was called up to play for the New York Yankees.
Allentown, Penn. – Every baseball player dreams of getting the call and a chance to play in the majors.
For former LSU pitcher Nick Rumbelow, that call came Sunday just two years after Rumbelow was selected in the seventh round by the New York Yankees in the 2013 MLB Draft.
Throughout his LSU career and quick ascent through the minor leagues, Rumbelow’s determination has translated into success and constant development on the mound.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in pro ball,” Rumbelow said. “This is what I want to do. I went to LSU to play baseball, and for me to have the opportunity to still play is something I really cherish.”
Rumbelow’s journey to the majors began with his commitment to LSU immediately following the Tigers’ run to the 2009 National Championship, which included a two-game sweep of his second-choice, Rice, in the Baton Rouge Super Regional.
He became a key part of the Tigers’ rotation after his freshman season, tallying 57 and 1/3 innings in 60 appearances. Despite his increased workload, Rumbelow shined by notching 70 strikeouts to only 29 walks.
In Game 2 of the 2013 Baton Rouge Super Regional against Oklahoma, Rumbelow helped clinch the Tigers’ first trip to the College World Series since 2009.
“The Oklahoma Super Regional was a special time, especially clinching that last game to go to Omaha,” Rumbelow said. “That was one of those times as a team, we got to celebrate our hard work a little bit.”
After focusing on his team’s success in college, Rumbelow’s attention turned to his own improvement as he began his pro-career in 2013 and proceeded to scale the Minor League ranks in 2014.
He was called up through three levels of the Minors in 2014 before landing with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
In his travelman 2014 campaign, Rumbelow posted a 2.62 ERA in 58 and 1/3 innings pitched while recording 81 strikeouts to only 18 walks. The Bullard, Texas, native showcased his efficiency by averaging only 2.17 pitches per plate appearance and 8.8 pitches per inning.
Rumbelow said his success stems from the routine of playing every day and getting ample innings that allows him to settle into a particular role.
“The opportunity to play every day,” Rumbelow said, “that’s the better thing than in college. … It’s basically you waking up, you coming to the field and you playing baseball.”
Along with the routine in the minors, Rumbelow has developed his game since he left LSU by adding another pitch to his arsenal — fastball.
“Since I’ve been in pro ball, I’m throwing three pitches now: fastball, changeup and curveball,” Rumbelow said. “When I was in college, they used me mainly as a curveball guy. I’ve developed my fastball a little bit more. I’ve been able to locate that.”
Although Rumbelow will be donning the pinstripes instead of purple and gold,the lessons he learned during his seasons under LSU coach Paul Mainieri will not be forgotten.
“Paul Mainieri is one of the best coaches in the country,” Rumbelow said. “He’s well respected throughout the game. To learn under him for a couple of years was really good. I really appreciated my time there and the opportunity to play for LSU.”
You can reach Morgan Prewitt on Twitter @kmprewitt_TDR.