Tyson LeBlanc, KU’s all-time home run leader, connects in final at-bat vs. OU
Fittingly, the last at-bat of Kansas shortstop Tyson LeBlanc’s college career turned out to be a home run.
LeBlanc, KU’s all-time single-season home run leader (with 25), launched a baseball over the left center field fence in the eighth inning of KU’s 13-2 Super Regional season-ending loss to Oklahoma on Monday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.
The 6-foot, 200-pound junior from Maurice, Louisiana, seemed to take in the moment, celebrating a bit as he rounded the Hoglund bases for what is almost certain to be the final time. He’s expected to be an early round selection in the upcoming MLB Draft.
“I 100% knew he was going to hit a home run in that last at-bat, because just the way he tracks pitches, the way he sees it, the way he works at it,” said KU coach Dan Fitzgerald.
“He’s really special, and I as a baseball guy ... it was really special to be a part of watching him in his ascent. He got better every day. He’s so fun to coach and such a great competitor. And he’s on a different level mentally from his peers in terms of how he goes about his work, how serious he is.
“Everywhere he’s been he’s won, and he’s going to continue to do that,” Fitzgerald added.
LeBlanc said his reason for celebrating around the bases was he did not consider the game result a foregone conclusion at that point. His homer cut the gap to 12-2.
“As long as we have an out left on the scoreboard I felt like we had a chance, so rounding the bases, I thought that would be the spark that we needed, maybe get something going,” LeBlanc said. “Didn’t work out that way, but it was a good feeling to go out with a bang.”
LeBlanc and his teammates huddled in right field after the final out of the game. The KU players exchanged hugs in celebration of a season that included a Big 12 regular season and postseason title. KU, which hosted a regional and Super Regional both for the first time in school history, tied a school record for wins with 45 (against 17 losses).
“Watching them celebrate the friendships and the time spent, and the fact that they care about each other the way they do is really special,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ve got months of processing now and figuring out next steps, and so there’s the administrative hat and the coaching hat that’s still on, but yes, there’s a human element to not want to say goodbye to a lot of those guys.”
Of the emotional huddle in right field, KU pitcher Dominic Voegele said: “It was good. Obviously, I’ve been here with the coaches for all three years. I mean, I hate to say it, but it happens every year. The season comes to an end, and this one just happened to be the last college season (like LeBlanc, expected to turn pro). So, I mean, it’s been awesome with these guys the whole year. And I mean, it was pretty heartfelt there.”
Fitzgerald’s final message to the team?
“I told them I’m incredibly proud. They brought the program to a special place,” he said. “My only regret is we don’t get to play more baseball.”
