Tiger Park saw Brittany Mack throw countless gems in the circle through her career.
And even after graduating, the park saw her get one more gem Friday night.
Shortly after being honored with a banner – soon to be installed in the Tiger Park concourse – commemorating her LSU career, Mack’s boyfriend of four years, Josh Oakes, stole the show.
After not seeing one another for more than a month, Oakes crept behind his girlfriend, dropped to a knee and asked for her hand in marriage.
Now a bride-to-be, Mack took the circle Saturday at Tiger Park in her fifth professional start for the USSSA Pride of the National Pro Fastpitch League, all the while soaking in the love and affection she’s had trouble leaving behind.
“It was so hard for me to leave,” Mack said. “This was my home for four years, it was great to be back and hear my fans cheering for me again.”
The No. 1 overall pick in the NPF draft on March 7, Mack fired four and two-thirds innings, limiting the Carolina Diamonds to six runs and picking up her second win as a professional, 11-6.
Even with rain dampening the festivities Saturday and Sunday, LSU coach Beth Torina, who also coaches the Pride, called the weekend crucial for softball in the Baton Rouge community.
“I wanted to bring these pro athletes to Baton Rouge just to show people the level of softball that is out there,” Torina said.
A 2011 First Team All-Southeastern Conference selection and NFCA third-team All American, Mack developed a cult following in her four years as a Tiger, easily connecting with fans on and off the field.
“I bleed [the purple and gold],” Mack said. “The people here are so great. What fun is it if there’s no one sitting in the stands cheering for you?”
Staying together as player and coach has added bonuses for both Mack and Torina, easing Mack’s transition to the professional level.
Mack said Torina’s reputation as a drop ball pitcher, like her, and both experiencing the rigor of SEC competition makes their relationship stronger. Torina was a standout pitcher at Florida in the mid ’90s.
“It was fantastic to know someone who’s been there before,” Mack said. “On a personal level, she’s like me. She’ll crack jokes, she’s not afraid to say something to your face if it needs to be said. She’s a tough woman.”
Torina echoed Mack’s sentiments, saying she is enjoying developing her prized draft pick.
“Brittany Mack has just done so much for this University,” Torina said. “I like watching her continue to grow as a player and a pitcher.”
Aside from the innumerable wins and strikeouts she amassed, Mack said she is more proud to be remembered as a role model for young athletes. She pointed to countless parents who have lauded her for the inspiration she provides to their daughters.
“I feel like I’ve left my mark not by my pitching, but who I am as a person,” Mack said. “I don’t want to be that girl who was just remembered just as a great player.”
Contact Chandler Rome at [email protected].