The anniversary sale at Denicola’s Furniture Concepts off the Millerville Road exit of Interstate 12 turned into a day of past LSU athletes showing up to sign autographs and playfully bicker about their playing days and other topics.
Athletes from as far back as Doug Thompson, who graduated in 1997, to as recent as Clay Harris, who graduated in 2004, made appearances at the furniture’s anniversary sale to sign autographs for fans and reunite with old teammates.
The store has transformed since its opening from a traditional furniture store to a store that is filled with LSU-designed purple-and-gold furniture, paintings and memorabilia.
In 1988, owner Dennis Denicola was offered a marshal job for the football team that gave him the opportunity to interact with student athletes and future prospects.
“The first three years, they put me in the student section – which wasn’t too fun,” Denicola said. “Then, they moved me to the Lawton Room where the high school recruits come in. I got to meet the players one-on-one, and they got to know me.”
Denicola celebrated his sixth anniversary of the store Sunday, but his relationship with LSU players began decades before.
Former LSU pitcher Thompson said his relationship with Denicola has remained solid long after Thompson earned the Tigers’ win in the 1997 College World Series championship game against Alabama.
“Doug was actually dating a cheerleader, and the cheerleaders for both teams came into the Lawton Room to eat,” Denicola said. “He was waiting on his girlfriend, and we got to talking. When we had our grand opening, Doug wanted to get the word out so he invited players to it.”
Since the opening six years ago, former baseball, football and basketball players have returned each year.
The only setback to the anniversary reunion is that present players cannot participate. Baseball standouts from the 2004 season could not take part until this year because of concern about violating NCAA regulations.
Outfielder Ryan Patterson and second baseman Harris were able to attend because the anniversary event took place in the middle of the minor league offseason. While Harris is from the area, Patterson traveled from his parents’ home in Tampa, Fla., for the football game and to spend time with the Denicola family.
“[Denicola] works at the field for football and baseball,” Patterson said. “He was always there to help us out if we needed anything.”
Other than Thompson, Denicola said he developed the closest relationship with Patterson at LSU.
“These guys come up in Hummers now, and they don’t have to do this,” Denicola said. “It says a lot that I have a friendship with these guys. They are not just out for the money like most people think they are. They are really genuine guys.”
Contact Tabby Soignier at [email protected]