In his short time with the Lions baseball team, Mason Klotz has established himself as a pitcher to be feared. The sophomore of Maringouin, La., was recently named to the watch list for the National College Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award. This award is presented to the most outstanding relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
This is not the first time Klotz has been recognized for his outstanding skills. Last year he was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. The right-hander led the team with an impressive 11 saves while pitching a 2.63 ERA.
Klotz is already off to a good start this season. He stands at a 1-0 record in the early stages of the season and has only allowed one hit of three and two thirds innings pitched. Only one run has been scored during his four appearances on the mound this season.  
“It is an honor to be nominated for an award like the Stopper of the Year because of the national recognition,” said Klotz.
He acknowledges his teammates and coaches while speaking about his nomination and the main objective for this season. Teamwork and resilience are some of the traits Klotz attributed to his success.
“It’s great, but in the end it’s more of the team goal instead of personal accomplishments,” said Klotz.
He cannot dwell on the nomination for long, however. According to Klotz, there are larger goals for the season that he must prepare for.
“We mainly have one team goal, and that’s a championship,” said Klotz.
The Lions have fallen short of that goal the previous two years.
A championship would be nothing new to Klotz. He led Livonia High School to a 3A state championship and won the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Player of the Year Award as a junior. The awards did not stop there for Klotz. He was a four-year letterman, elected to multiple all-metro and all-state teams, and was nominated the all-parish MVP.
Klotz recognizes that his team has played a part in his success.
“I would like to thank the coaches and guys for always being there for each other because we’re a family through everything,” said Klotz.
He advises younger baseball players coming up to persevere through tough times.
“Always keep your head up and control things that you can control. Be prepared to mess up because it’s a game of failure,” Klotz said.
It is tough to predict the next time Klotz will play, but that is a predicament every relief pitcher must face. Should the situation arise that Klotz enter the game with the lead or make a comeback, the Lions should feel confident to put the game in his hands.