Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a four-part series with former LSU players in professional sports. Since this story was published, Aaron Nola made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on July 21, 2015.
Allentown, Penn. — There are no and’s, if’s or but’s about former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola.
From the moment he first stepped onto the mound at Alex Box Stadium in 2012, Nola had something different — a presence and a promise of greatness to come.
During his three seasons as a Tiger, Nola didn’t disappoint.
He dominated by becoming the first player to be named Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year twice and earning the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year title in 2014.
Just one year after being drafted seventh overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2014 MLB Draft, Nola has settled into the rhythm of the minor league as he prepares to the make the leap into the majors.
“I’m blessed to get the opportunity to come out every day and play and enjoy the days that I have in baseball,” Nola said. “It’s been really fun for me. It’s a job. It’s something to go out there and do everyday. It’s something I try to take advantage of every single day.”
The first adjustment Nola faced was the crowd in the minor leagues, or more accurately the lack thereof.
An average of 10,880 fans packed the Box for each LSU home game during Nola’s last season, creating an electric atmosphere.
“It’s pretty special when you get to step into that ballpark,” Nola said. “The fans are so close to you, so on top of you on the field. They’re so passionate and so into the game.”
Looking back on his time at LSU, Nola said the fans made the experience of playing at Alex Box special for the Tigers by bringing out the best in each of them.
After three years of playing for more than 9,000 fans per game, Nola had to adapt to the sight of far more empty seats than filled ones in his debut for the Phillies’ Advanced Single A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers.
“It was different at first,” Nola said. “We attract a lot of fans over at Alex Box. Going to the Florida State League, we don’t get many fans, but the fields are really nice.”
Although the attendance was a shock at first, as Nola scaled the minor-league ladder fans kept pouring in to watch the Baton Rouge native.
After just seven appearances with the Threshers, Nola was called up to the Phillies’ Double A affiliate, the Reading Fightin Phils. In his five starts for Reading in 2014, Nola posted a perfect 2-0 record while earning a 2.63 ERA in 24 innings pitched.
“It was going by quick last year, but it’s settled down this year,” Nola said. “I started out a new season, my first full season. It’s gone smoothly. It’s gone really well. I’ve met some good guys along the way, and it’s been pretty fun.”
Nola’s increased comfort level signaled a return of his trademark dominance on the mound in 2015.
Despite allowing five walks in five starts in 2014, Nola gave away only nine free passes in 12 starts in 2015 while notching 59 strikeouts and recording a 1.88 ERA in 76 and 2/3 innings with the Fightin’ Phils.
Nola credits his success to his work on his changeup in the offseason and increased time spent in the film room.
“Studying the hitters and learning that part of the game with my catcher I’ve improved since last year,” Nola said. “I’ve improved on [my changeup] more. I’ve worked on it a lot this offseason. I feel like those are the two biggest things that have improved on since last year.”
On June 14, Nola’s work paid off when he was called up to the Phillies’ Triple A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
In his IronPigs’ debut on June 18, Nola threw five scoreless innings while tallying seven strikeouts and giving up only one walk against the Buffalo Bisons, a Triple A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
As Nola adjusts to the next stage in his journey to the majors, one thing is certain – this Baton Rouge native will never forget his Alex Box roots.
“It was amazing,” Nola said. “It was a good three years over there. Anybody you ask will say they love playing over there.”
You can reach Morgan Prewitt on Twitter @kmprewitt_TDR.
LSU junior pitcher Aaron Nola (10) pitches the ball Saturday, May 31, 2014 during the Tigers' 5-1 victory against Houston in Alex Box Stadium.
