Some celebrating is definitely happening for Alex Bregman and Aaron Nola this week. This baseball season we have seen a lot of talent from the Major League Baseball arena. However, two specific ballplayers are on our minds as we gear up for the All-Star game. On July 17, the Major League Baseball All-Star game will be held in Washington D.C. Who can we expect to see there? Yes, two of Louisiana State University's most outstanding athletes, Alex Bregman and Aaron Nola. Both of these athletes showed major potential during their time at LSU and tons of fans have continued to watch them perform at the next level. It's no surprise for many that both Bregman and Nola are making a name for themselves in the MLB world.
Aaron Nola joined the LSU team and showed major potential since day one. Nola, a native to the Baton Rouge area kept true to his roots and joined Tiger Nation as an ace pitcher. He stood out from the beginning. If you do not know the athleticism of the Nola boys, then I encourage you to Google the brothers that dominate on the baseball field. For three years we got to watch Nola mature and reach his full potential in the game, and personally, he is one of my favorite Tigers to this very day. In college, he became an amazing pitcher, and it was awesome to watch.
He is the ONLY two-time winning Southeastern Conference pitcher of the year, which he was awarded in 2013 and 2014. He was the College Baseball Foundation pitcher of the year and a Golden Spike finalist. It was no surprise when Nola was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Phillies. From college to the Majors it has been awesome to watch this pitcher, and it was no surprise when he was selected for the Major League Baseball All-Star game. This means we will be seeing some outstanding pitching this year.
Alex Bregman came from Albuquerque, N.M., and from the beginning, Tiger nation was excited to see the potential of this young athlete. With this commitment, LSU knew that the baseball team would excel and that it did. Alex Bregman was drafted out of high school for the Boston Red Sox but decided to spend three years at Louisiana State University instead. Alex Bregman began at shortstop and Tiger nation loved his enthusiasm, talent, and the number of incredible plays we got to watch from him.
During his three years at LSU, Bregman received the National Freshman of the Year award, was a finalist for the Golden Spike award, and also helped lead the team to two national world series appearances. Fans were not at all surprised when Bregman was drafted second overall by the Houston Astros as their new third baseman. The Astros have shown major talent this year, with a strong team full of outstanding potential. Bregman was selected to the MLB All-Star team in a reserve position.
As for Louisiana State University, this makes 12 former Tiger baseball players appeared in the MLB All-Star game. This is the fourth straight year that a former Tiger has been selected to the All-Star game. These selections for the MLB All-Star game are exciting picks for not only Tiger nation but also the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros. I know personally, my LSU pride is shining as we will get to watch both former Tigers on the field together in one of the most highly regarded games in all of baseball.
This is an accomplishment for both the players, but also Paul Mainieri, who has done an outstanding job as the head coach of our LSU baseball team. So make plans to watch and cheer on our Tigers this year. This is definitely a great representation of the athletic program we have at our university.
