World Baseball Classic: Keep an Eye on Bossier City's Seth Lugo

Bossier City's Seth Lugo has had an incredible journey to major league baseball. From Parkway High School to Centenary College to being a 34th round draft pick by the Mets in 2011 to being an American League Cy Young finalist in 2024, his career is as incredible to watch as it is unlikely.

To put it in perspective, there's not a 34th round of the MLB Draft anymore - the current draft only goes 20 rounds. In the modern baseball world, he might not of even been given the opportunity. However, Seth has worked his tail off to get opportunities. First as a reliver with the Mets and now as one of the premier starters for the Kansas City Royals.

From Parkway Panther to International Star

Seth Lugo is no stranger to the international stage. The "Quarterrican" as he's lovingly referred to, played for Puerto Rico in the 2017 edition of the World Baseball Classic, helping the team win a Silver Medal.

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He didn't participate in the latest edition of the WBC, but it sounds like Seth will be suiting up for Puerto Rico again in 2026 and joining former Former Mets teammate & Puerto Rico's Captain Francisco Lindor. He's been telling reporters he plans on playing for the international club when the international tournament starts next March.

The cool thing, if Puerto Rico makes it out of Pool A (which will be played in Puerto Rico), we will actually have the opportunity to see Seth play in person. Because the quarter finals will take place in Houston, Texas.

Bossier City's Baseball Community Rallies Behind Lugo

I write a lot of stories about Seth Lugo. I'm a baseball fan. It's great to see a local guy succeed. But even beyond that, people care about Seth Lugo's journey. His former classmates, coaches, family, ect., have been on this journey with Seth Lugo from the very beginning.

I remember buying a Seth Lugo autographed rookie card as soon as he made the big leagues and Topps produced a card. We've had a lot of great locals make the big leagues - from BJ Ryan to Albert Belle to Willard Brown - but currently, Seth is the only local actively in the league. Yes, Taijuan Walker was born in Shreveport...but he moved when he was like 2 and doesn't have a lot of ties to the area. So, Seth is literally 'our guy'.

Plus, he's pretty darn good. As I mentioned, last year he was an American League All-Star and finished 2nd in the American League Cy Young race. This year, he's had a bit of a rocky start...he's gone deep into games but he's only 1-3 on the season with a 3.90 ERA. He's pitched well, but he hasn't received a lot of run support.

So, the Royals may not be giving him a lot of support at the moment...but we sure can. Buy a Seth Lugo jersey. Watch his starts. Take a summer road trip to Kansas City. Or, get your WBC tickets.

The Best Professional Baseball Players From Louisiana

Louisiana has produced some incredible athletes over the years. In fact, many called the Bayou State a "quarterback factory", but let's not forget just how many amazing MLB baseball players have roots right here. See if your favorite made this list.

Gallery Credit: Gary McCoy