After another successful season on the diamond in 2017, it's easy to see that Bulldog Baseball is trending in the right direction. Though the outcome wasn’t what we all wanted, I am writing on behalf of all of the Louisiana Tech family to express my gratitude. Entering the 2016 season, year two of the Greg Goff era, expectations were unclear. Players from various junior colleges ranging from Quebec, Canada to Monroe, Louisiana littered the roster. It was anyone’s guess as to what the next two years would amount to. Fast forward 118 games later, and the landscape, perception, and legacy of Diamond Dog baseball has completely shifted.
With their future unsure, fourteen seniors took it upon themselves to make an impact — and that is exactly what they did. Their 78 wins over two seasons and NCAA Regional appearance in 2016 solidified that Bulldog Baseball is back. The entire Ruston community rallied around a group of guys that wasn’t the most talented in the country, but played the game with a passion that was rivaled by no one. When opposing teams entered the Love Shack, one thing was for certain — they were in for a knock down, drag out dog fight. Pun intended. It wasn’t always pretty, but the 2017 senior class found a way. For that, I say thank you. Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your respect for the game of baseball, thank you for making Friday nights in the Love Shack some of the best college baseball in America.
My favorite thing to watch in your two years at the Love Shack was your continuity as a team. You accomplished all that you did in two short years because of the support you provided for one another. In a sport where a team’s season can be derailed by one or two bad apples, you never let that happen. Whether your role was a reserve infielder or the ace of the pitching staff, each and every one of you did it to perfection. Nate Harris, the swiss army knife of the pitching staff was always ready to go in any situation. Jonathan Washam, whether penciled in at designated hitter, first base, right field, or even third base, was always ready to go. You guys just wanted to win, you didn’t care who the hero was. That is rare in today’s game. Everyone wants the attention on them. People call themselves members of a team, but at the end of the day only want the glory for themselves. Not you guys. Thank you for checking your ego at the door and winning at all cost.
While goals in 2017 were not achieved, your legacy will be remembered forever. A legacy that I believe is based on simply being hard-nosed competitive guys that wanted to win more than anything — and win you did. Wherever your future may lead you to, you’ll never forget your time as a Louisiana Tech Bulldog, and all that you’ve accomplished on the corner of Tech Drive.
Looking ahead to 2018, the void that these fourteen seniors leave behind will be hard to replace. However — now is not the time to rebuild, it’s the time to reload. I fully expect that to happen with a great recruiting class on its way. Lane Burroughs knows the recipe for success, and we look forward to seeing another successful product on the field next year. To the Ruston community, continue to support Bulldog Baseball. The Diamond Dogs have long been a sleeping giant in the world of college baseball, and we’ve only started to see the beginning of its unleashing. The previous two years have been special, but I am convinced things will only continue to get better. Ever loyal be.
2017 Bulldog Baseball was my first sport to cover from start to finish at BleedTechBlue.com. We’re proud to have provided the best, most in-depth coverage out there. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me via email Ben@BleedTechBlue.com and I will be sure to get back with you. The Bulldog Football coverage will be even better — give us a chance!
