Tommy White nickname, explained: How LSU's College World Series hero got 'Tommy Tanks' moniker

Zac Al-Khateeb

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Tommy White nickname, explained: How LSU's College World Series hero got 'Tommy Tanks' moniker image

When all is said and done, Tommy White's two-run walk-off home run vs. Wake Forest may be the most impactful play of LSU's 2023 College World Series run.

The sophomore third baseman's drive in the bottom of the 11th inning promptly ended an epic pitchers' duel and spurred the Tigers past the top-seeded Demon Deacons 2-0 in an elimination game. LSU's victory sent the school into the CWS finals, which begin Saturday night in Omaha.

White's game-winner was delivered in a style all his own:

MORE: When is Tommy White eligible for MLB Draft?

Fans tuning in to the College World Series for the first time might have heard a curious nickname for White: "Tommy Tanks." It's a moniker that he has put to great use, and it's one that predates his time with the Tigers.

Here's everything you need to know about "Tommy Tanks":

'Tommy Tanks' nickname, explained

Tommy White
Getty Images

White got the "Tommy Tanks" nickname in February 2022 following an incredible start to his collegiate career at N.C. State. He mashed nine home runs in his first eight games, including three in his first ever collegiate game vs. Evansville (plus one in each of the ensuing series games vs. the Purple Aces).

He added another four in a series against Quinnipiac: two in the opener, and one each in a Saturday doubleheader vs. the Bobcats. By the time the Wolfpack finished the series sweep to start the season 8-0, the nickname had stuck:

With MLB still going through a labor dispute at the time, the college game was the only version of baseball available for fans to watch. That made White more visible to fans who may have otherwise been watching the majors.

But that wasn't the only aspect of White's nickname. While his white-hot start was a key factor, he also sported a 6-0, 236-pound frame and a distinct look — mullet, wiry beard and heavy, dangling jewelry. He capitalized on all that to become the "Tommy Tanks."

Shortly after N.C. State's series vs. Quinnipiac, White signed an NIL deal with Barstool Sports, which includes a line of merchandise. One of the pieces has a cartoon depiction of White holding a bat, while his lower half has been transformed into a purple tank.

MORE: How Dylan Crews' walkup song 'Calabria 2008' became fun LSU tradition

White finished the campaign with an NCAA freshman-record 27 home runs, which helped earn him ACC Freshman of the Year honors. He also had 85 hits, 12 doubles, 74 RBIs and a .757 slugging percentage. He produced six multi-home run games.

White brought "Tommy Tanks" with him when he transferred to LSU in the offseason, and he turned the nickname into a vehicle for helping out his new city. He started the "Tiny Tanks" initiative, in which he donates a portion of his NIL money to charity.

"I am excited to give back to the children of the Baton Rouge community through my Tiny Tanks charitable initiative,” White said in a statement. "Please join me in supporting this great foundation, Empower 225, as we help uplift children in need."

He has lived up to the moniker in Baton Rouge, as well. He boasts a .370/.430/.728 slash line, with 61 runs, 95 hits, 100 RBIs and a team-leading 23 home runs.

None more important than the one he hit vs. Wake Forest.

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.