LSU DH Hayden Travinski showcases bat designed like No. 2 pencil
When it comes to baseball bats, you usually don’t see a much variety in the college game. They’re usually aluminum bats with a pretty similar design. On Thursday, LSU designated hitter Hayden Travinski decided to bring some variety to the diamond when he strolled up to the batter’s box with a bat designed as a No. 2 pencil.
It was in LSU’s game against Northern Illinois.
LSU head basketball coach Matt McMahon threw out the first pitch ahead of Thursday’s game with the Huskies.
In the 2023 campaign, Travinski played a critical role in the Tigers’ run to the national crown. He appeared in 41 games for LSU, batting .356 with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 30 runs scored. Travinski earned a starting role at the catcher position by the end of April 2023.
He played some of his best baseball when the Tigers needed it the most–in the NCAA Tournament. In the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, he hit 6-for-14 with one double, two home runs, five RBIs, and five runs. In the SEC Tournament, he went 7-for-13 at the plate with one double, three RBIs, and three runs scored. Travinski had a career-best four hits in four at-bats against the Arkansas Razorbacks in their May 25th game.
One of the most clutch hits he had all season long came against the Alabama Crimson Tide on April 29th. With the Tigers trailing 7-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Travinski belted a three-run shot to give LSU an 8-7 lead. They would go on to win the game 12-8.
In 2022, Travinski played in 33 games for the Tigers, with three doubles, six home runs, 13 RBIs and 13 runs scored.
LSU baseball 2024 outlook
The defending national champions are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. They’ve started out 4-0 this season and they’ll look to move to 5-0 with their win over NIU on Thursday. On Friday, they’ll have a game against Stony Brook, before playing Northern Illinois again on Saturday. And on Sunday, they’ll finish the weekend off with another game against Stony Brook.
Hayden Travinski is one of the veterans that’s supposed to play a pivotal role on this year’s team, after they lost a good chunk of talent to the 2023 MLB Draft. In four games so far this year, he’s had eight hits, one home run, and five RBIs.