by Chad Vignes
LSU Sports Information
When you look through the LSU baseball record books you probably won’t see Chris McGhee‘s name. But the senior infielder knows his role isn’t to break records, and that’s fine with him.
“In my role there’s no pressure. I just go out there and stay loose and try to help the team win in any way I can,” McGhee said. “It’s actually somewhat of a fun role.”
That utility role for McGhee, who started 29 games in his first three seasons, includes playing infield and outfield, designated hitting and pinch running.
“Chris works really hard,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “He understands his role on this team. He’s not a griper or complainer. He’s ready when he’s called upon to go out there and do a good job.”
The Alexandria, La. native has served as a catalyst when inserted into the lineup, always seeming to come through in tight situations. Stealing bases has also become one of McGhee’s specialties, as he’s stolen 15 bases in 16 attempts in the last two seasons.
“Obviously, he’s a tremendous pinch runner and very smart base stealer. He gets most of his ability because he’s so smart,” Mainieri said. “Whenever I need a spark he seems to be the guy that finds his way on base and creates havoc when he gets on base.”
One of the best examples of McGhee’s igniting play came in one of LSU’s biggest wins in the 2008 season, an 11-10 victory in extra innings over No. 12 South Carolina.
After being down seven runs through five innings on a rainy Saturday afternoon, the Tigers mounted an impressive comeback, forcing the game into extra innings. In the bottom of the 11th, down by one run, McGhee reached first on a fielding error, scoring Michael Hollander to tie the game. He later reached second after a Derek Helenihi grounder and stole third a few pitches later. After a South Carolina fielding error, McGhee scored the game-winning run to give the Tigers their second win of the series.
“Besides making it to Omaha and winning the final game in Alex Box history, that was one of the most exciting wins for us,” McGhee recalled of the fourth win of the historic 23-game winning streak. “That was one of the turning points in the season and just to be a part of that and have a role in that was a great thing for me.”
McGhee has always been humble and appreciative of the opportunity to put on the LSU uniform, even if it is in a limited role. Before the 2008 season, Mainieri told McGhee that his role would be restricted and wouldn’t have as much playing time. McGhee was given the option to transfer to another school or stay at LSU.
“I stayed because LSU is a special place,” McGhee said. “I came here to be a part of this program and to win national championships.
“I know there are a million people out there who want to be in the position I’m in and I can’t take that for granted and I’m thankful I have the opportunity to be a part of this team.”
McGhee’s work ethic and humble attitude on the baseball field carries over to the classroom and to his personal life. McGhee, who was named to the 2006 SEC Academic Honor Roll, is set to graduate in December with a degree in Mass Communication. His commitment to being a student-athlete is an attribute that garners much praise from his head coach.
“Chris epitomizes everything that’s good about college baseball,” Mainieri said. “He’s an excellent student. He’s a team player. He cares deeply about this university, his team and his teammates.”
Senior Buzzy Haydel, McGhee’s teammate for the last four years, recognizes the same qualities and says McGhee shouldn’t be defined in terms of his baseball career.
“Chris is a great ballplayer; otherwise he wouldn’t have been recruited here,” Haydel said. “But the more important thing about Chris is that he’s ten times a better person than he is a ballplayer.
“I know you hear that all the time with guys telling people that, but that’s the honest truth.”
Haydel also said that, personally, he and McGhee are lifelong friends and their friendship is something he cherishes.
“We hang out all the time and he’s one of my best friends on the team and one of my best friends in life,” Haydel said. “I cherish his friendship and I cherish him as a teammate and can’t wait to continue our friendship after our playing career. He’s a great guy and a high character guy.”
McGhee agreed that the friendships he made, not necessarily the wins and successes, have made the most significant impact on him over the past four seasons.
“I think that’s one of the most special things about any program,” McGhee said. “I think the relationships you build with people is one of the main advantages you have being part of a team and it’s even more magnified here at LSU.”
If there was one phrase to describe Chris McGhee‘s career at LSU it would be “quality over quantity.” He’s made the most of his opportunities on the field and in the classroom. Rather than transferring for more playing time, he humbly accepted a more limited role with a team and a university he loved. The respect he’s gained from his coaches and teammates and the relationships he’s built at LSU will remain with him the rest of his life. And while his name won’t be inscribed in the record books, his selfless attitude and commitment will always be remembered.