LSU baseball tonight begins its quest for a title, taking on Gonzaga in the Eugene, Oregon regional. This series has special meaning for the team.
Coach Paul Mainieri last week announced his retirement, effective at the end of this season. Will that play a role in this regional?
"I think it's going to play a big part. I think it's going to be in the back of the minds of all the players," said WWL.com LSU columnist Jeff Palermo. "They've talked about how, the fact that Paul Mainieri is trying to make this about the players, and the players, vice-versa, is trying to make this about Coach Mainieri."
And this team plays its heart out for the coach.
"This is certainly going to tug on the emotional heartstrings of Coach Paul Mainieri," said Palermo. "He's a very emotional guy himself, and these players care very deeply for the coach."
