Chase Shores looks back on persistence of Jay Johnson in his recruitment to LSU

LSU snapped Coastal Carolina‘s 26-game winning streak heading into the Men’s College World Series Final and won back-to-back games, claiming its eighth National Championship in program history.

The Tigers were fueled by their younger players, including freshman outfielder Derek Curiel, sophomore shortstop Steven Milam, sophomore left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson and sophomore right-handed pitcher Chase Shores.

Shores, who pitched to a 5.51 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings this season, pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in Sunday’s clincher. He allowed just one hit with four strikeouts, cementing another title for the sport’s premiere program.

The Midland, TX native originally committed to Oklahoma State out of high school, but LSU head coach Jay Johnson swung him towards their way. Shores discussed his thought process behind the decision following Sunday’s win.

“Pretty similar to Chris [Stanfield] and Anthony [Eyanson],” Shores said. “Coach [Jay] Johnson just made me feel wanted. He was persistent in the way he was recruiting me. Same thing — what number do you want? Number 34. Just kind of executing and telling me everything that was going to happen in my freshman season, and it did happen. We won a national championship. And I think once you get to campus, he keeps recruiting you, because that’s just the coach he is. He’s a great coach. I’m really thankful I ended up coming to LSU.”

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“I’m super thankful for Coach [Jay] Johnson. I’ve really appreciated these past three years. And I mean, like Chris [Stanfield] said, he’s the man. He outlines everything before the game and makes our job a lot easier because he says what’s going to happen before the game, and we’ve just got to go out there and execute.”

Jay Johnson praises Chase Shores

Johnson made the jump from Arizona to LSU following the 2021 season, in which he led the Wildcats to their second College World Series in his tenure. He has now led the Tigers to two College World Series appearances and National Championships in just four years, cementing himself already as one of the program’s greats. He spoke highly of Shores postgame.

“You don’t get to this podium, you don’t get to this moment without a lot of things going right over a long period of time. Chase Shores is the first real dude high school player that committed to us when I accepted the job.

“And I think this is appropriate to have these three players here. They are exactly what this team was, which is — our motto for the year was ‘tough and together.’ And I’ve never seen a team more mentally tough and consistent.”