South Carolina’s 2-1 victory against UCLA last week signaled the final College World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium.
But a few select college baseball players, including LSU senior designated hitter Matt Gaudet, will get another chance to enter the hallowed grounds of Rosenblatt in its final days for the inaugural TD Ameritrade Home Run Derby.
Gaudet is one of eight collegiate sluggers competing in the home run derby Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
Gaudet didn’t get to experience Rosenblatt for the Tigers’ 2009 national championship run. He was left off the team because of new roster limits.
“This will be a great experience for Matt,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “He wasn’t able to be with us on the national championship team.”
The Metairie native made the most out of his senior campaign and led the Tigers with 19 blasts in 2010, the fourth highest in the Southeastern Conference.
Gaudet was on the team in 2008 after playing at Delgado Community College in New Orleans for two seasons.
The Archbishop Rummel High School alumnus started 17 games in 2008. One of Gaudet’s most memorable moments in 2008 was a walk-off home run March 21 in the bottom of the 11th inning against Arkansas to give LSU an 8-7 victory.
Mainieri said Gaudet is bringing former LSU infielder and current undergraduate assistant coach Buzzy Haydel with him to Omaha.
“He has a chance to do something great in Rosenblatt,” Mainieri said.
Fresno State first baseman Jordan Ribera and Siena second baseman Dan Paolini highlight the other derby participants.
Ribera led the nation with 27 blasts, while Paolini nailed 26 home runs this season.
“I’m real happy for Matt to have this experience,” Mainieri said. “He deserves it.”
NOLA, MAHTOOK ON USA TRIALS ROSTER
LSU shortstop Austin Nola and outfielder Mikie Mahtook were two of 36 players named to the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Trials roster.
The LSU sophomores will being competing for a spot on the 22-man roster from July 6-11 in Cary, N.C.
“What greater thrill can a kid have then to play for their country,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri.
The U.S. team will open against Korea in a five-game series and will close the season at the FISU World University Championships in Tokyo, Japan, from July 30 to Aug. 7.
The U.S. has claimed the last three FISU World Championships.
Mahtook averaged .335 for the Tigers this season, hitting 19 doubles with 14 home runs.
The Lafayette native was MVP of the 2009 Southeastern Conference Tournament.
Nola, a hometown product from Baton Rouge, was a second-team All-SEC selection this season. He had 52 RBIs with a .320 batting average.