Jordan Hymel pitched the first no-hitter game in over 30 years at the Pat Kennelly Diamond at Alumni Field against Texas Southern on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Hymel’s no-hitter was the fifth in Lions baseball history.
“There’s no better place than at the Pat,” said Hymel said of his recent accomplishment. “It’s really emotional since it’s been a long time since we’ve had one [no-hitter] here. Especially the way our program’s been going, it’s just a really good time for everybody and a great experience for everyone.”
The first no-hitter in Lions history was pitched by Bill Lukawecki in a game versus Louisiana Tech. The Lions won 3-2. Sonny Hegwood pitched the second no-hitter against McNeese State University in 1961, a game that ended in a Lions win 9-3.
Kenny Lehrmann pitched a no-hitter against University of Louisiana-Lafayette in 1976, back when ULL was known as Southwestern Louisiana University. Three years later, Blaine Roseberry (5 IP) and John Morton (2 IP) combined for a no-hitter against Louisiana College. Both games resulted in Lion wins, 6-0 and 5-0 respectively.
Hymel joined these Lions baseball legends last week by bringing the team to a 9-0 win against Texas Southern.
“The starting pitcher in each of the last four [no-hitters] are all left-handers,” said Damon Sunde, assistant sports information director. “John Morton, who combined with Blaine Roseberry on a 7-inning no-hitter, was right-handed. Not sure which hand Lukawecki threw with.”
Some baseball players are superstitious when it comes to no-hitters.
The only superstition that Hymel expressed knowledge about is that if someone mentions that a no-hitter is in progress, then it will not happen.
Another superstition in baseball involves the team and coach not speaking to the pitcher at all when it looks as if he may pitch a no-hitter.
“That really doesn’t bother me too much,” said Hymel. “Some people would come up to me and be like, ‘Keep pitching, keep throwing it.’ I don’t mind if people come and talk to me. The biggest thing for me is that I put my hat down and my glove down in a certain spot, and I don’t want anyone to touch it or move it from there. That’d be my biggest pet peeve in that situation.”
Hymel described the last few minutes of that game as a highlight of his baseball career.
“On the last inning, I got two pretty quick outs, and on the second out I was like, ‘I got this in the bag.’ Then I walked somebody and I hit somebody,” said Hymel. “I knew coach was going to lead me in because I had a no-hitter going, but I started getting goose bumps and getting pumped up, and I was like, ‘I got to do this right here.’ I know my pitch count was probably getting up high, but I got ahead of the guy and I threw the last pitch, and I saw him swing and miss and it was the best feeling I’ve ever had since I’ve been a pitcher.”
Making Lions baseball history has earned Hymel several awards.
“It’s really exciting,” said Hymel. “I’ve gotten so much support. So many Facebook statuses and tweets. It’s overwhelming, but now it’s just time to focus on the next game and try to win another game.”
Despite his achievement, Hymel remains humble and is now thinking about upcoming games.
“To throw a no-hitter. They’ve had some great people come through here that hadn’t thrown one,” said Hymel. “I’m just happy to be out there on the mound and compete. It was a great experience for me and for the team, and hopefully we can continue on this road.”