Catholic High School senior shortstop Jack Ruckert looks to end his remarkable high school career with an exclamation point, looking to secure the Catholic Bears’ seventh state championship and potentially back-to-back national championships.
Considered to be the second-highest rated baseball prospect in the state of Louisiana, Ruckert, who has grown up in the Baton Rouge area since his elementary school days, acknowledges the heightened responsibility that comes with joining such a prestigious baseball program.
“It’s a huge privilege… it’s means so much to me being from Baton Rouge [and] living here, I know how much it means to all [of] the fans, this city, and this state,” Ruckert said. “You know, coach [Jay] Johnson just talks about getting players that can win in Omaha. That’s the goal, and I’m going to give everything for this city and state because they deserve it.”
When taking a closer look into the foundations of previous LSU Baseball recruiting classes and its significant rise in becoming one of the more prominent programs across the nation, eight of the last ten classes have ranked amongst the top in all of college baseball.
More specifically, the LSU Tigers boast the No.1-rated baseball recruiting class for the first time since 2022. With this in mind, Ruckert cherishes the opportunity to represent his hometown university and be part of such a unique and talented group of incoming prospects.
“Yeah, it’s a great class… the players that coach [Josh] Jordan and [Jay] Johnson have put together for this class are remarkable, and it’s great to be surrounded by great players,” Ruckert said. “I can’t wait to see all [of] them. I already talk to them a good amount just about LSU [and] what to expect…. it’s going to be one of the best classes in recent memory.”
In terms of the program’s approach to recruiting in-state talent, the process has experienced substantial adjustments to become more selective and closely monitored.
Examining the demographics of the last three recruiting classes that ranked inside the top three nationally, approximately 20% of these prospects came from high schools throughout Louisiana.
Through placing an emphasis on securing commitments from perennial in-state talent, LSU Baseball Head Coach Jay Johnson possesses immense pride in welcoming homegrown talent and firmly believes that these contributors play a pivotal role in representing the next generation of LSU Baseball.
“There [are] a lot of really good players in the state of Louisiana. I think our roster reflects that,” Head Coach Jay Johnson said. “It’s been one of the best things about coming here… it made a little more sense to me why LSU had been so good historically because of the number of really good players in the state of Louisiana… and we certainly have a lot on our team.”
Coincidentally enough, there are several instances of former standout Catholic Bears Baseball players continuing their professional journey wearing the purple and gold uniform. Furthermore, these former players happened to be drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB) and have carved out respectable careers (so far).
Josh Smith, who is currently an everyday, utility starting infielder for the Texas Rangers, attended both Catholic High School and Louisiana State University. Coming off his third (and best) season with a .258 batting average, blasting 13 home runs, and notching 30 doubles, Smith also received a 2023 World Series ring after the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
Additionally, both Aaron and Austin Nola followed in similar footsteps.
Since attending both Catholic High School and LSU, Aaron Nola has become one of the most successful starter pitchers in the entire MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies. Additionally, his brother, Austin Nola, has consistently started as a catcher for several organizations.
For Ruckert, one goal in particular motivates him to continue sharpening his craft.
“My goal is to be a big-leaguer… that’s what I think about a lot, but it’s one day at a time,” Ruckert said. “There have been great [Catholic] alumni that went to play in the big leagues… they mean so much to the school. Seeing how proud the school is of them… I’m going to try to make it and be the next alumni to make it.”
Approaching his last regular-season game at Grizzly Field against Westlake High School, various emotions were experienced by the senior shortstop toward this special occasion.
“You know, it’s bittersweet. I’m so thankful for these past years, it’s just been amazing,” Ruckert said. “Words cannot describe the memories and friendships that I’ve made.”
Leading off the first inning, senior outfielder Noah Lewis, who is committed to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, annihilated a baseball that cleared the left-center outfield wall with ease and proudly rounded the bases as the crowd erupted in applause.
Waiting for him at home plate, Jack Ruckert offered his congratulations, and Lewis was then offered the opportunity to rock the Bears’ home run chain entering the dugout by his teammates.
“In 20 years, [me and my teammates] will get back together and talk about all the great memories we had.”
Growing up in the Baton Rouge area, Ruckert has become quite familiar with just how passionate LSU Baseball’s fan base is toward the program’s success and remains eager to make a favorable, long-lasting first impression.
“It’s the best fans in college baseball. I cannot wait to go out there, for the first time, at Alex Box [Stadium], and see all of them,” Ruckert said. “They’re definitely the most passionate… it’s amazing that they support the team that greatly.”
However, Ruckert wants the purple and gold faithful to understand his endearing loyalty for this program.
“My message to them is… I’m just going to give everything that I have for this state and for this city because they deserve it,” Ruckert said. “They’re great people who care a lot about LSU Baseball.”
Winning the regular season finale in dominating fashion by a final score of 12-2, the Catholic Bears finish their season with a 29-5 record.
Now, the Bears shift their focus to securing the program’s seventh state championship and look to embark on a highly anticipated journey to notch back-to-back national titles.
The Catholic Bears enter the playoffs as the No.1 seed and have a first-round bye.
