BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri and two Tiger all-Americans enjoyed a Texas-sized bar-b-que Friday afternoon on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion.
Jindal, Mainieri, outfielder Blake Dean and pitcher Anthony Ranaudo joined members of the Louisiana National Guard in feasting on the ribs, brisket and sausage sent from Texas by Governor Rick Perry.
Perry shipped the bar-b-que to Louisiana as a congratulatory gesture after LSU defeated the Texas Longhorns in the College World Series Finals in June. The national championship was the sixth for the LSU baseball program and its first since 2000.
“I want to congratulate Coach Mainieri and his players not only for everything they do on the field, but also for everything they do off the field,” Jindal said. “The LSU players are young men of character who represent Louisiana with dignity. On behalf of a grateful state, I thank them for the distinction they bring to us.”
“This was one of the most satisfying meals I’ve had in a long time,” Mainieri said. “I’m glad as national champions we have the opportunity to enjoy some of Texas’ best bar-b-que. We’re honored to join Governor Jindal and the National Guard today, and we’re very proud to represent the people of our great state.”