Softball freshman Kristin Hobbs is the epitome of a utility player.
From the moment she walked onto the LSU campus in the fall of 2003, Hobbs has played at or practiced at four different positions.
“I originally came in as a catcher,” Hobbs said. “I practiced in the outfield in the fall. When we needed a fill at first base, I played there a little bit in the fall. And then when [Julie] Wiese got hurt, I played at third. And other than that, catching is where I am at. I came in saying whenever they need me to do, whatever, I’ll be there.”
Hobbs’ utility persona has extended beyond the playing field. Prior to Sunday’s doubleheader against Florida, Hobbs sang the National Anthem.
“I was terrified,” Hobbs said about her feelings before singing the anthem. “Singing karaoke in the car and joking around is a lot different than putting the spotlight on you. But hey it was senior day and I had been playing it for awhile, I was like ‘just do it’ even though I was terribly nervous and I hope I did not sound terribly bad.”
Coach Yvette Girouard said the performance by Hobbs came as a surprise to her.
“I did not even know it,” Girouard said. “I turned when they gave her the mic, and I was like ‘what’s that about.’ But she did a great job. My hats off to her because first of all it is such a tough song to sing, and then to do it in front of your teammates is even more outstanding.”
While Hobbs has played several different positions for the No. 3-ranked Tigers, catcher has been the position that she has seen the most action.
Hobbs has started 18 games at catcher as the primary backup for starting catcher Leigh Ann Danos.
“She has given us some great innings, and she had some great games in the Leadoff Classic,” Girouard said. “She caught the majority of that tournament while Danos kind of came back from her mono. It’s awesome because she is getting some great experience behind the plate and catching a truly outstanding pitcher in [Kristin] Schmidt. She is learning how to catch the different pitchers.”
In the NFCA Leadoff Classic earlier this season, Hobbs played in all five games. Her biggest contribution came in the semifinal game against No. 6 Georgia when her sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning tied the score and sent the game into extra innings. The Tigers eventually went on to win the game and the tournament.
The ability to work with Danos, a junior, has been a pleasant sight for Hobbs.
“Working with Leigh Ann catching whenever she needs a break or a certain situation for a game when they need another catcher, that is my role,” Hobbs said. “I love it. Just being able to come in and step up on this team with the rotation we have now is amazing, especially as a freshman.”
On the season, Hobbs is hitting .222 in 54 plate appearances with three doubles, one home run and five RBIs. Defensively, Hobbs has thrown out 6-of-20 attempted base stealers while maintaining a fielding percentage of .988.
But she said it is the ability to play multiple positions that makes her so valuable to the team.
“If something happens or we are in a clutch situation and [Coach Girouard] needs something different at any position, I am glad that she can turn around and look back and know that I can play.”
Fellow freshman and pitcher Emily Turner said Hobbs has made tremendous progress behind the plate since joining the Tigers
“She works so hard,” Turner said. “She does everything she possibly can to get better and get some playing time in.”
The difference in Danos and Hobbs is miniscule, according to Turner.
“Both complement each other,” Turner said. “What one lacks the other one has. I trust both of them behind the plate.”