Raph Rhymes Eager to Lead Tigers to CWS
Embodying the LSU brand to the most efficient standard has always been Raph Rhymes’ most prolific attribute. Regardless of the many accolades he has acquired for his on-the-field abilities, perhaps the most unsung commitment Rhymes has is his devotion to volunteering for local philanthropic groups supporting children with physical and mental health conditions.
Similar to the children he supports, pushing through adversity is something to which Rhymes is no stranger. His early beginning at LSU was subject to rejection and dismay, which fueled his inner desire to succeed more than ever. Aided with the experience gained through these initial obstacles and his community service, Rhymes has been able to go above and beyond the barriers that confronted him.
“Being able to have the opportunity to help others is a dream come true in itself,” Rhymes said. “I love interacting with the kids and fans almost as much as I enjoy playing baseball. The things I’ve had the privilege of taking part in off the field have without a doubt carried over into my play on the diamond.”
Along with his civic duties, Rhymes bears the honors of being a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, First Team All-American and 2012 SEC Player of the Year. These honors have helped pave the way to Rhymes’ nomination for the 2013 Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Award. The award is granted to the top senior student-athletes for excelling in the categories of community, classroom, character and competition.
Rhymes took on the inherited role of being a team leader through exemplary behavior and prowess on the field. With a cumulative LSU batting average of more than .395 in the past two years as well as a slugging percentage upward of .445, he has secured a respectable position with his teammates. The support of seven other seniors helps keep the team unity through core chemistry and camaraderie that flows from their hearts into the sport they love.
“It’s just being part of such a special team and university that helps us mesh together easily,” Rhymes said. “This team has a great group of guys who all have the desire to win as one. Every game we play is for the benefit of the team, not any individual player.”
As a majority of the younger players are now regulars in the lineup for the Tigers, the importance of humbleness and grit are essential to keeping a positive individual and team demeanor. Mostly comprised of freshmen and sophomores, Rhymes knows what the younger players lack in age they make up for in talent.
“They don’t play young,” Rhymes said. “I told them adversity would face them straight-on, especially in the SEC when every game is a battle. They know how to handle the pressure and have shown they are ready to deliver in every single game. The fans know they are in for a show for years to come.”
Playoff baseball is quickly coming and the Tigers will have the chance to prove their dominance during the SEC and NCAA tournaments. Rhymes balances school and baseball just as easily as he likes to focus on one game at a time. He feels the tournament scenario is something that can be deceiving to a distracted player.
“It’s so close you almost have to think about it at some point,” Rhymes said. “But we will concentrate on the task at hand. We never try to look past anything because we have a job to handle. One game at a time.”
Hard to believe the last time LSU traveled to the College World Series in Omaha was when it last raised the trophy in 2009. Knocking on the door in recent years, following a Super Regional series loss to Stony Brook last season, the Tigers appear to be hitting all the right keys at batting, fielding, coaching and pitching.
Rhymes has always dreamed of making it to Omaha his whole life. Being a senior, on the team he holds full belief in, reassures him that this is the best and last opportunity to make it to the apex event in college baseball. He has achieved monumental aspirations so far by many people’s standards, but to his own nothing less than winning it all in Omaha will suffice.
“It’s my last shot, this is it,” Rhymes said. “Our last chance to get it there and get it right. I look forward to doing whatever it takes to make it there. I’m doing it for my team, my dream and LSU Baseball.”