After five national championships in 10 years, the LSU baseball team is in a five-year drought.
The team has had two appearances in Omaha during that span, but no championships since 2000. The Tigers accomplished something they had not done in ten years last season, losing at home in the NCAA Regionals. Four months later, it’s a new season as fall baseball practice got underway Monday.
“It’s a fresh start,” senior Will Harris said. “We know we didn’t meet expectations last year. For now, we all have a good attitude and we’re excited about being out there and playing.”
The two-week fall baseball practice session was pushed back because of Hurricane Katrina. Practices typically start closer to the end of September.
The 2005-2006 team enters practice with 16 returning letterman, including Harris and senior catcher Matt Liuzza.
According to Liuzza, breaking in the new players is one of the goals of fall practice.
“There’s a blend of new guys and old guys,” Liuzza said. “Without many returning starters, we have to step up so we don’t end our season like we did last year.”
LSU is without All-American outfielder Ryan Patterson, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Toronto Blue Jays in last June’s Major League Baseball Draft. Patterson completed his senior season batting .369 with 20 home runs.
Three other players – outfielder Nick Stavinoha, infielder Clay Harris and pitcher Greg Smith – were also lost to the draft.
Despite losing four players, along with graduating pitchers Lane Mestepey and Jason Determann, Harris said this fall will involve getting back to the basics.
“There’s not many veterans,” Harris said. “It’s just getting started for some people, and for others, it’s just their second year. We’re starting with the basics and getting a good understanding of the game.”
Notable returners include third baseman Chris Jackson, outfielder Bruce Sprowl and designated hitter Jordan Mayer. Jackson finished last season batting .305, while Mayer batted .313 as a freshman. Sophomore Michael Hollander, who appeared in 44 games as a freshman, is also returning.
Harris said returning many players could prove to be an advantage because many of the new
players were not around for LSU’s disappointing regional loss to Rice last season.
“We’re real upbeat,” Harris said. “We lost a lot of guys from that team, so a lot of new guys just don’t know about it.”
On the mound, LSU returns junior pitcher Clay Dirks, Edgar Ramirez and sophomore Michael Bonura. Bonura sat out the majority of last season because of Tommy John surgery.
Dirks finished last season with a 10-4 record and a 3.24 ERA with three complete games.
Senior Justin Meier is the most seasoned veteran pitcher returning, having posted 237.1 career innings with 48 appearances. Meier finished the 2005 season with a 4.79 ERA.
The pitching staff will also feature some new faces, including Notre Dame transfer Derik Olvey. Olvey made 16 appearances for the Fighting Irish last season, going 2-2 with a 5.59 ERA.
Joining Olvey is freshman pitcher Louis Coleman, a 28th round selection of the Atlanta Braves.
Contact Jeff Sentell at [email protected]