LSU Tigers baseball head coach Jay Johnson, who led his team to a historic national championship, extended his congratulations to President Donald Trump during a White House celebration held on Monday. The event brought together the LSU Tigers and LSU Shreveport, with the latter achieving an undefeated season to claim the NAIA championship. Johnson expressed admiration for Trump’s work ethic, stating that nobody works harder for America than him. He cited Trump as a role model for his relentless efforts to support the country.
“Mr. President, thank you for having us in your home,” Johnson said in his speech. “I think the main thing I take away from you is your work ethic, something we preach. Nobody works harder for America than you. So, thank you for setting a good example.” Johnson also thanked Republican Louisiana Reps. Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise for their efforts in coordinating the celebration. He further praised the representation of Louisiana in Washington, emphasizing the pride of the college baseball community in being well-represented in the nation’s capital.
The celebration highlighted the combined efforts of LSU Shreveport and the LSU Tigers. LSU swept Coastal Carolina in the College World Series Championship after defeating Arkansas and UCLA, a testament to their strong performance throughout the season. Johnson and Brad Neffendorf, who led LSU Shreve, commended their teams for cultivating the mindset essential for championship success. Both schools honored the president with jerseys bearing the No. 47, symbolizing their achievements. This event not only celebrated athletic feats but also underscored the deep connection between sports and national pride.
As the LSU Tigers prepare for their upcoming season, which they aim to cap with the status of being the college baseball capital of the world in 2025, the White House visit marked a significant milestone. The celebration underscored the growing influence of collegiate sports in national events and the role of political figures in supporting such endeavors. Johnson’s praise for Trump and the bipartisan support from Louisiana representatives highlighted the collaborative spirit that can emerge from sports events. Nonetheless, the event remained focused on honoring the athletes and their achievements, with the president serving as an honored guest rather than a central figure in the discussions.