The “spark plug” to the LSU lineup can be found near the top of the order, and most likely on the basepaths.
Senior second baseman Cole Freeman leads LSU with an on-base percentage of .575, and a batting average of .474. He has reached base in all 17 games this season.
Not only is Freeman leading LSU, he leads the Southeastern Conference in both categories as well.
“I’ve mainly just been sticking to what I did over the summer,” Freeman said. “Just sticking with my approach and not getting away from what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Freeman’s strategy: get on base at all costs.
“If I can get a hit, get hit, or if I can also get a walk,” Freeman said. “It really doesn’t matter to me. Do my job. That’s what I want to do.”
Freeman reached first base six times this season by getting hit by a pitch, but he takes the blame for that.
“Some of it is a little bit of my fault due to how close I stand to the plate for some people,” Freeman said. “It really doesn’t bother me, they can keep on hitting me, as long as I don’t break any of my bones I’m good. I want to get up there and battle and I’m not going to get out of the way.”
The 5-foot-9-inch Freeman isn’t just letting his performance at the plate define his game.
He has also posted a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 through 17 games, and is tied with sophomore outfielder Antoine Duplantis with a team-leading seven stolen bases.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri took note of Freeman’s knack to get on base.
“Cole’s just been a tremendous player for us his whole career here,” Mainieri said. “He’s swinging the bat so well. He’s just a spark plug. He gets on base, and when he gets on base he creates havoc.”
Last week, Freeman’s production was noticed outside of Baton Rouge.
Freeman earned Co-SEC Player of the Week, after batting .500 (8-of-16) in four games with seven runs scored, two doubles, two RBI, and one stolen base. Before LSU’s 13-0 defeat of Louisiana College on March 14th, Freeman went on a 10-game hit streak.
Mainieri knows the senior second baseman’s collegiate career is coming to a close, but he plans to continue watching this season in awe.
“He’s just been an amazing player for us,” Mainieri said. “I wish I had him for two more years, but I’m going to enjoy every moment I’ve got him for this year.”

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LSU senior infielder Cole Freeman (8) walks to second base on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, during the Tigers 13-0 victory over Louisiana College at Alex Box Stadium.