by Ryan Rogers
LSU Sports Information
This year, the LSU baseball team has many new faces contributing to the team. Juding by the recent early-season success, these players have already paid dividens toward making the team of the past decade into the best team of the new millinnium.
The Tigers have jumped out to a 6-2 start this season and are ranked as high as No. 2 in some polls. After losing key players off last years squad including Trey McClure, Jeff Leaumont, Kurt Ainsworth and Josh Dalton, the Tigers were in need of some fresh talent. The “reload, not rebuild” plight is very much in effect for Skip Bertmans baseball team.
The new players consist of two true freshmen, one redshirt freshmen, three junior college transfers, and three players who have improved and earned playing time for the first time on a talented Tiger baseball team.
Leading the way for these newcomers is true freshmen second baseman Mike Fontenot. Fontenot, a native of Slidell La., and graduate of Salmen High School, was LSUs best hitter in the fall exhibition season. He batted .471 and added five home runs. In high school his senior season he batted an impressive .556 with 13 home runs.
Fontenot earned numerous awards in high school including All-State, All-Metro (N.O.), and St. Tammany parish MVP. The highly touted recruit was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but chose to play for LSU instead.
LSU has had a long tradition of great second basemen with the likes of Todd Walker and Warren Morris two recent stars at the position. Fontenot has some big shoes to fill at one of LSUs most prestigious positions, but head coach Skip Bertman thinks that he ranks with the likes of Walker, Morris and Russ Johnson.
“Everyones been playing so well that I dont feel any pressure right now,” explained Fontenot. Fontenot has displayed the ability to hit both for percentage and power.
“I swinging the bat okay right now, I just need to improve some things and hopefully I can hit the ball hard and see what happens,” explained Fontenot.
He is currently batting .313 for the Tigers.
Another new face is true freshmen Wally Pontiff. Pontiff is a reserve infielder, but he will make numerous starts for the Tigers. Pontiff is from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. In high school he batted .471 with six home runs his senior year. He earned All-State, All-Metro, and was voted New Orleans Outstanding Player in 1998.
Pontiff will be a key player in the future for the Tigers. However, look for him to make an impact as a true freshmen this season. He batted .417 in fall baseball and should improve his swing even more over time. He is currently batting .385 for the Tigers. Pontiff is excited about his roll with the team.
“Right now Im a spot guy, I can DH or even play the outfield, but whatever I can do to help the team Im ready for it,” explained Pontiff.
His versatility will be very valuable for the Tigers, especially if the injury bug strikes again this season (as it already has with David Raymer, who broke his collarbone trying to score against Arizona State and it considering a medical redshirt). Pontiff is very pleased with his decision to come to LSU.
“Out of high school I really didnt know where I wanted to go, but after visiting LSU I couldnt imagine playing anywhere else,” explained Pontiff.
Redshirt freshmen pitcher Bo Pettit has worked his way into the Tigers starting rotation this season. Petit, a Houston native, is getting valuable experience making starts early in the season. His performances will get stronger as the season goes on and hopefully he can be a valuable asset in the Tigers run to make it back to Omaha.
Junior college transfer David Raymer was a big pick up for the Tigers. Although he will miss playing time due to an injury in which he broke his collarbone against Arizona St. he may be counted on late this season if LSU makes its annual run to Omaha. Raymer has a rifle arm in right field. He threw out an Arizona St.s Mel Stocker tagging from third base with a frozen rope as testimony to his throwing strength. Raymer has speed and will be LSUs lead off man. He also hit s well sporting a .465 batting average at Sacramento City College last year. His numbers earned him All-America honors.
Taking Raymers place while he is injured will be a junior college transfer from Maryland, Ray Wright. He is a very talented infielder and was named juco defensive player of the year in 1999. He batted .395 and possesses some power. He hit 10 home runs last year at Okaloosa-Walton JC.
Junior college transfer catcher Ryan Jorgensen will make an impact for the Tigers. Jorgensen is a superb defensive catcher. However, he can hit too. He batted .390 last season at San Jacinto JC and matched that average this fall. Jorgensen will earn many starts when starting catcher Brad Cresse moves into the DH spot.
Three other players have stepped it up for the Tigers this year. Sophomore pitcher Billy Brian is a starter in the Tigers rotation. The Covington native is known for throwing heat. Brian should be one of LSUs best pitchers this season. Weylin Guidry has improved as a pitcher nicely for the Tigers. After struggling last year, the Hahnville High School product has become a top reliever in LSUs bullpen. He closed out both victories against Arizona St. for the Tigers. His arrival was greatly needed on the Tigers pitching staff.
Another improved player is Johnnie Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux, a junior, is finally getting a chance to show what he can do. He was a star at Barbe High School in Lake Charles, but sat out last year with an injured elbow in which he had surgery on. Look for Thibodeaux to help the team this season with his all-around abilities.