LSU's trip to the 2023 College World Series has seen heroic efforts from numerous players, but perhaps none as singularly impactful as Tommy White.
The sophomore transfer put his stamp on the College World Series semifinals vs. Wake Forest on Thursday, lining a two-run walk-off home run to propel the Tigers to their first CWS finals appearance since 2017. It was White's team-leading 23rd of the year, five more than second-place Dylan Crews' 18.
White has lived up to the hype for the Tigers, who landed him from the transfer portal over the offseason. The 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year broke a 32-year NCAA record with 27 home runs last year, making him one of the most coveted transfer players available.
Which raises the question: Why did White transfer to LSU? He already had an NIL deal in place that capitalized on his "Tommy Tanks" nickname, and experienced tremendous success with his previous team.
MORE: How Tommy White got his 'Tommy Tanks' nickname
The Sporting News breaks down White's transfer to LSU, including why he left his previous stop and why he ended up picking the Tigers:
Where did Tommy White transfer from?
White transferred from N.C. State, where he was one of the most impactful freshmen in the country in 2022. He hit three home runs in his first collegiate game, and eventually hit nine homers in his first eight, giving rise to his "Tommy Tanks" moniker.
He boasted a .362/.757/.425 slash line for the Wolfpack, accumulating 54 runs, 85 hits and 74 RBIs. He also added 12 doubles and 27 home runs — good for most on the team, and most among Division I freshmen. It also broke a 32-year NCAA freshman home run record.
Why did Tommy White transfer from N.C. State?
White announced his decision to transfer from the Wolfpack in a June 4, 2022 Instagram post.
White's post published six days after the Wolfpack's season ended in the ACC championship game. N.C. State lost 9-5 to North Carolina, and was a surprising omission from the 2022 NCAA Division I Baseball tournament with a 36-21 record.
White's post briefly touched on his decision, which he called "the hardest of his life."
"This was by far the hardest decision of my life — one that was not just a baseball-related decision — but one that involved consideration of many factors, which I have discussed with my teammates and coaches," White said in the post.
MORE: When is Tommy White eligible for MLB Draft?
Why did Tommy White pick LSU?
Twenty days after entering the transfer portal, White announced LSU as his transfer destination — a massive coup, considering Florida State was a favorite to land the St. Pete Beach, Fla., native.
White discussed his decision to transfer to LSU during media availability on Nov. 21, 2022. He said he never considered LSU until coach Jay Johnson recruited him.
"I actually never thought I’d go to LSU," White said (via Sports Illustrated). "It was never on my radar, but Coach Johnson reached out and ended up coming to my house. It was awesome. He’s a great guy. He showed me everything and put out a whole plan for me while I’m here.
"I took a visit here and fell in love with Baton Rouge so I ended up committing right away. I didn’t even take my other visits."
Johnson's recruitment was among the biggest factors, though White said the opportunity to play for a traditional college baseball power — the Tigers have six CWS titles — weighed on his decision. The future MLB draft prospect likened LSU's Alex Box Stadium to a AAA stadium, as well.
Though he didn't mention it explicitly, White also has a closer proximity to Baton Rouge, La.-based Marucci Sports and its Baseball Performance Lab, which have armed the Tigers' College World Series run.
White also called LSU a championship-caliber team, another factor in his decision to play for the Tigers. It's a decision both Crews and Tre' Morgan were happy to hear when news broke White was transferring to LSU:
— Dylan Crews (@__dc4__) June 24, 2022
Oh my x2 https://t.co/r0Uqsqi27h
— Tre Morgan (@tremorgann) June 24, 2022
"LSU is always in talks to win a national title. I knew that coming in here. I knew the history about this place," White told reporters. "We have all the tools to be a national team, no doubt, but we’ve also worked very hard. … We’ve put in the time. This team is definitely a national championship caliber team, but there’s a lot more work to be done."
The Tigers have put in that work. Now, they're just two games removed from winning the College World Series — with White being one of the biggest reasons why.
