by Chad Vignes
LSU Sports Information
An injury can mean a number of things for a college baseball player. It can result in the loss of playing time, a change in position or even the end of a career. For senior right-hander Nolan Cain, his injury resulted in a new role of humility and leadership.
Cain, who had Tommy John surgery to repair an injured right elbow during his freshman year in 2005, has transitioned into a respected leader, as well as a solid bullpen contributor in his four years since the surgery.
“I’ve been more of a role-player since the surgery and have been trying to become more of a leader,” Cain said. “I try to lead by example by working hard and helping the other guys and in the end helping LSU.”
His example was evident in his first collegiate appearance in 2006, less than a year after his surgery. Cain got the win in his college debut against North Florida when he allowed only one run on five hits and struck out a career-high five batters in four innings of work.
His teammates have taken notice of Cain’s example and appreciate having someone with his experience and resiliency in the dugout. One such teammate is senior utility player Chris McGhee, who’s played with Cain for the past three seasons.
“Nolan Cain is someone you have to admire because he has fought through many obstacles, including injuries and he just never gave in,” McGhee said. “As a teammate you notice that this guy has made up his mind that no matter what, he is going to give everything he has to our team.”
In the past three seasons, the Cantonment, Fla. native has posted a 2-1 record with a 4.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts. Most of his game opportunities have come in spot roles as a reliever or closer, including a team-leading 24 appearances in 2007. However, this year Cain was looking forward to more of a starting role in mid-week games, but if his chances don’t come, Cain knows he still has a lot to offer the team.
“You always want to be that starter and be that guy and all you can do is work as hard as you can and embrace the opportunities you get,” Cain said. “I’m completely fine with my role helping the other guys.”
To his teammates, the humble Cain appears to be performing quite well in that role. Freshman left-hander Chris Matulis, who has become a fixture so far this season as a mid-week starter, said Cain’s influence has helped him tremendously in his early collegiate pitching appearances.
“Nolan has been a big help to our pitching staff, especially to me,” Matulis said. “I look up to him for a lot of advice and just try to follow his lead.
“I try to pick his brain about some things when I have the chance if I need help with anything. Both on and off the field, Nolan has been a big help for me this year.”
Not only have the younger players benefitted from Cain’s leadership, but even some of the seniors have still been motivated by the mark Cain is making on the LSU program.
“The way Nolan goes about his business shows so much about the person he is,” McGhee said. “He is someone both the younger guys and the veteran players can get motivation from because of his leadership and resiliency.”
Cain will graduate this May with a degree in General Studies, but says his love for the game of baseball will guide his future career path.
“I’d like to see if there’s an opportunity in pro ball, I don’t know if that’s in the cards for me,” Cain said. “If not, I’m definitely going to look into some sort of coaching opportunity either at the high school level or college level. I just know I’ll be happy if I’m surrounded by baseball.
“I love Coach Mainieri and Coach Grewe and (former LSU coaches) Godwin and Rooney and those guys. I liked how they went about their business and being around those coaches and seeing the way they coach has definitely made an impact on my life.”
So while injuries have plagued Cain’s pitching career at LSU, his leadership role on the team has ignited a passion for coaching. Instead of giving up on baseball because the game was unkind to him, Cain found a way to make it work for him. His example will continue to serve as another quality that makes LSU a special place, something Cain says was his goal all along.
“Playing at LSU, you have a lot of pride,” Cain said. “You want to leave the program in better condition than when you arrived. That’s been the big goal of mine.
“Maybe I’m not the Friday night guy, maybe I’m the guy who’s job is to help a young freshman get under control or help another guy that’s struggling. Either way, as long as I’m helping the team and contributing in some way, I’m happy.”