Senior catcher Hayden Travinski is the new recipient of LSU’s famous No. 8 jersey for the 2023 season. Carrying rich history, the purple and gold No. 8 jersey symbolizes respect, trust and leadership for the Tigers.
Every year, the jersey is given to an upperclassman on the team who exhibits strong leadership qualities and represents the mindset of the program. This year, that player is Travinski.
Returning for his last season of eligibility for the Tigers, Travinski is more than honored to be given the opportunity to lead the team in their conquest for back-to-back championships.
“It means a whole lot to me, just knowing the tradition behind it,” Travinski said. “In relation to the program it’s very special. I’m honored to wear it, I’m very honored coach [Jay Johnson] even considered me for it.”
The importance of the No. 8 shirt comes from a long line of LSU leaders in the past decade. The tradition started with outfielder Mikie Mahtook in 2009.
Mahtook wore the No. 8 shirt from 2009 until he was picked in the first round of the MLB Draft in 2011. Decorated as one of the greatest baseball players in LSU’s history, Mahtook led the Tigers to the 2009 National Championship and cemented himself as the founding father of the No. 8 jersey.
First baseman and outfielder Mason Katz was handed the reins of the No. 8 jersey following Mahtook’s departure, wearing the shirt for two years from 2012 to 2013.
The New Orleans native became an All-American in his final season in 2013, as well as one of LSU’s best hitters with a .341 career batting average.
In 2014, the jersey was passed down to fan favorite shortstop Alex Bregman, who wore the shirt for two years. Drafted second overall in 2015, Bregman was arguably the greatest college baseball player of all time.
As a three-year starter, Bregman accumulated one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in college history, winning 2013 National Freshman of the Year, 2013 National Shortstop of the Year, two-time First Team All-American and being named a 2015 Golden Spikes Finalist.
In 2016, outfielder Jake Fraley followed Bregman as the next recipient of the No. 8 jersey, wearing it for his final year in Baton Rouge. Winner of the 2016 Skip Bertman award, which goes to the player who embodies the spirit of the team, Fraley made his mark at LSU before being drafted in the second round in 2016.
Following Farley, Louisiana native Cole Freeman was given the No. 8 jersey in 2017. The second baseman was a NJCAA All-American before transferring to LSU and making his mark as a leader for two years with the purple and gold.
Outfielder Antoine Duplantis wore the No. 8 jersey for two years following Freeman. The Lafayette native became LSU’s all time hits leader during his four years with the Tigers, including winning the 2019 Skip Bertman Award.
In 2020, outfielder Daniel Cabrera received the jersey for what became the shortened COVID-19 season. Cabrera was named a 2018 Freshman All-American and was drafted in the second round in 2020 following his impressive career with the Tigers.
Pitcher Matthew Beck was given the No. 8 jersey following Cabrera, becoming the first and only pitcher to be given the honor since the tradition started. Beck earned a handful of community service awards while in Baton Rouge, providing am off-field example on what it means to wear the No. 8 jersey.
Suffering a season ending injury in his final year in 2021, Beck handed off the jersey to second baseman Gavin Dugas for the 2022 season.
Dugas quickly became a fan favorite for the purple and gold, serving the Tigers for five years. Wearing the No. 8 jersey for two seasons, Dugas capped his collegiate career by leading LSU to the 2023 National Championship.
An intricate member of the 2023 champions, Travinski has a big jersey to fill with the departure of Dugas. For the 2024 season, Travinski will lead the Tigers with the help of his co-captain and fellow catcher Alex Milazzo, but the pressure is on for LSU as they chase another national championship.
