In recent memory, a trip to the College World Series Championship for LSU baseball was always a national championship.
Until last summer.
After a devastating flood in August 2016 left many in Louisiana having to rebuild their homes, LSU coach Paul Mainieri’s wife told him it would be great to win a national championship.
“Last year was the first time that I’ve ever been to the finals of the national championship and not won,” Mainieri said. “It’s only the second time I’ve been there. It’s a pretty distasteful feeling. It’s unlike any feeling I’ve had before in the previous 34 years of coaching. I’d like to tell you I’m over it, but I don’t think I ever will be. To be so close and feel the games were winnable and not be able to finish it and be able to bring the big trophy home along with all the things that go with being the national champion, it hurts.”
Mainieri and the returning players alike are ready to focus on the task at hand, make it back to the CWS Championship and finish the job.
A year ago this time, experience was the name of the game when former Tigers such as Kramer Robertson, Cole Freeman, Greg Deichmann, Michael Papierski, Alex Lange and Jared Poché seemed destined for a deep postseason run.
While those players have moved up to pro ball, the lessons they taught the returning LSU players makes them believe there is no setback.
Sophomore infielder Josh Smith is positioned to replace Robertson at shortstop while carrying on a tradition of exemplary play from that spot. Smith said there are a few noticeable differences he sees after switching from third.
“Definitely the range,” Smith said. “You have to get rid of the ball a lot quicker at shortstop. There’s a lot more responsibility that comes with third, so I think I’m ready for it.”
In the outfield, the Tigers are returning sophomore center fielder Zach Watson and junior left fielder Antoine Duplantis.
Duplantis is expected to make the shift to right after playing left for most of last season, with left field occupied by freshman outfielder Daniel Cabrera. Mainieri has spoken very highly of Cabrera’s talents not only as an outfielder, but as a potential rotational pitcher.
“I think you can put him in the category with the LeMahieus and the Bregmans and the Antoine Duplantis’ that were ready to play as a freshman,” Mainieri said. “I don’t think he will be intimidated by the atmosphere or anything like that. He’s a confident kid.
The pitching staff went through an entire rotation change with two pitchers going pro and sophomore pitcher Eric Walker’s unavailability after undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer.
Junior pitcher Caleb Gilbert and sophomore pitchers Zack Hess and Todd Peterson will be the opening weekend starters against Notre Dame. Peterson spent much of the offseason getting in shape.
“He spent his entire summer and fall getting in better condition,” Mainieri said. “He’s done a lot of work with his throwing arm as far as increasing his strength and flexibility. Honestly, he was throwing outstandingly in fall practice and especially in these early simulated games. He has a chance to be a really good pitcher.”
LSU is returning 15 players from last season’s roster while bringing 17 new players aboard. When there are a number of new players to a roster, finding a vocal leader is crucial the team’s chemistry.
Mainieri said Smith, Hess and redshirt junior infielder Bryce Jordan and senior outfielder Beau Jordan are ones that have stood out to him in preseason.
“Probably the most vocal would be a guy like Hess,” Mainieri said. “But of course, being a starting pitcher, he has to focus on his job. I think the two Jordan boys, sometimes they’re a little bit more vocal, but they don’t do it on a consistent basis.”
“We try to be a little bit more vocal,” Smith said. “Just trying to get guys going when they need to get going. I’m comfortable with everyone on the team and I’m not afraid to tell someone something when they need it.”
LSU currently sits at No. 9 in the USA Today Coaches Preason Poll, and will take on Mainieri’s old team, Notre Dame, for a three game series beginning Friday, Feb. 16.