Jay Johnson explains how he will remember the 2024 LSU season
Jay Johnson was sad that LSU baseball didn’t make it to Super Regionals this year but he looked back fondly on the 2024 season.
The Tigers fell to North Carolina 4-3 in 10 innings Monday night following a win over the Tar Heels Sunday. It was a gut punch to Johnson.
But he has no regrets and as he put it, his heart “is full.”
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“Just as I said, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of great teams and go a little further than this, but my heart is full right now,” Johnson said. “Like I said, I’m sad. I’m really sad. You know, I’d give anything to practice on Wednesday and get ready for Super Regionals at home. But it’s because of these guys. The resiliency, you know, you coach long enough you can understand maybe why we were where we were a little better than the average person.
“But to come out of it, like nobody does that. (UNC) might win it. They have the pieces to win the national title. They’re built for the ballpark in Omaha. They do a terrific job coaching. And we’re right there.”
The respect to UNC was there from Johnson, but he knew his LSU team was right there. But one slip up can cost you a season.
“It’s that close. And when you’re on the road against a great opponent, it’s a small margin for error,” Johnson said. “But in terms of how I remember this, I’m good. I got all the peace in the world right now about what these guys did. And I’m so proud.”
Jay Johnson deals with tough emotions following LSU elimination
The Tigers did not look like the reigning national champions to start off the season, but rallied for what was one of the most impressive closing stretches to date in The Bayou.
Ending the season with a 43-23 record after starting off SEC play 3-12 and winning 14 of their last 20 games on the year. Johnson reflected on the memorable season following the loss.
“We held the trophy last year and I am as equally proud of my team and our program today as I was that day,” Johnson said. “And where we were in the middle of SEC play to right now is one of the most gratifying coaching years of my entire life.
“I love these guys: the achievement, the accomplishment, I mean that’s obviously what we’re here to do. Literally means nothing to me, I have a broken heart just simply because I wanted to go to practice Wednesday and I love these guys.”