Tom Dodge
The annual LSU Eunice baseball awards night had an added level of excitement as the Bengals celebrated its national championship.
“It is hard to believe that a small two-year institution located in rural southwest Louisiana would be the home of the six-time NJCAA Division II baseball champions,” LSUE chancellor Kimberly Russell said.
“We have won more baseball national championships than any other team in the country.
“We are celebrating winners tonight,” she added. “They are winners in the classroom, on the field and in life.”
LSUE athletic director Jeff Willis recognized his staff, their wives and then praised his team’s accomplishments over the season.
The 2018 team set a record of the most wins (59-6) passing the 2012 championship team’s 57-5 record.
The sophomore group finished with a 105-17 record and Willis pointed out that the team GPA was 3.14.
Willis also explained their hastag of the season: #DDCS stands for – develop men, deserve to win, compete for everything and selflessness.
The Most Outstanding Defensive Player award went Evan Keller.
The Most Valuable Pitcher Award was given to Zach Hester.
Hester also earned the academic award as he led the team with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Mason Templet earned the MVP award this season, while Micah McHugh was given the Coach’s Award.
Cameron Horton was given the annual signed home run bat as he led the team with 11 home runs.