The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs baseball team has been a staple of the university's athletic program for over 100 years. With a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level, the Bulldogs have become a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the team's history, notable players, and recent successes.
Early Years and Notable Moments
The Louisiana Tech baseball program was established in 1895, making it one of the oldest programs in the state. Over the years, the team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, but there have been several notable moments that have helped shape the program into what it is today.
One of the most notable moments in the team's history came in 1973 when the Bulldogs won the Gulf States Conference Championship. This marked the team's first conference championship in school history and set the stage for future success.
Notable Players and CoachesThroughout its history, the Louisiana Tech baseball program has produced several notable players who have gone on to have successful careers in professional baseball. One of the most notable players to come out of the program is pitcher Jody Johnston, who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.
Another notable player is infielder Billy Laird, who played for the Bulldogs from 1987 to 1990. Laird was a standout player during his time at Louisiana Tech, earning multiple All-American honors and setting several school records for hits and RBIs.
As for coaches, the Bulldogs have had several notable leaders throughout their history. One of the most notable coaches is Pat Patterson, who led the team from 1968 to 1983. During his tenure, Patterson compiled a 261-144 record and led the team to several conference championships.
Recent Successes
In recent years, the Louisiana Tech baseball team has experienced a resurgence in success. The team has made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament and has won multiple conference championships.
In 2016, the Bulldogs won the Conference USA Tournament, marking the team's first conference tournament championship in over 20 years. The team's success continued in 2017, as they won the regular-season conference championship and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
2019 Season
The 2019 season was a memorable one for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs baseball team. The team finished with a 34-24 overall record and a 15-15 record in Conference USA play.
One of the highlights of the season came in April, when the Bulldogs swept a three-game series against the Rice Owls. The series marked the team's first sweep of the Owls since 2013.
The Future of Louisiana Tech Baseball
As the Louisiana Tech baseball program looks to the future, there is a sense of optimism and excitement around the team. With a strong core of returning players and a talented recruiting class, the Bulldogs are poised to make another run at a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The team's success will be led by head coach Lane Burroughs, who is entering his fifth season at the helm of the program. Burroughs has a proven track record of success, leading the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
2019 Recruiting Class
The 2019 recruiting class for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs baseball team is a talented one. The class includes several highly-ranked prospects, including pitcher Bobby DeBiasi and infielder Riley Harp.
DeBiasi, a right-handed pitcher from Sulphur, Louisiana, was ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the state by Perfect Game. Harp, a shortstop from Shreveport, Louisiana, was ranked as the No. 15 prospect in the state by Perfect Game.
Gallery of Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Baseball
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the Louisiana Tech baseball team?
+The Louisiana Tech baseball team is called the Bulldogs.
What conference does the Louisiana Tech baseball team play in?
+The Louisiana Tech baseball team plays in Conference USA.
Who is the head coach of the Louisiana Tech baseball team?
+The head coach of the Louisiana Tech baseball team is Lane Burroughs.
We hope you've enjoyed this article about the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs baseball team. With a rich history, talented players, and a strong coaching staff, the Bulldogs are poised for success in the years to come. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, there's no denying the excitement and energy surrounding the team.