LSU Tiger Timothy Wayne Throws Out Ceremonial First Pitch: A Big Thanks to the Rising Country Artist!

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU’s Alex Box Stadium was buzzing with more than just baseball last Saturday night. Before the Tigers took the field for their weekend SEC clash, fans were treated to a special moment: rising country music star Timothy Wayne—who also happens to be an LSU student—stepped onto the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. What followed was a blend of Louisiana tradition, musical celebration, and college pride that left the crowd roaring in appreciation.

This wasn’t just another celebrity appearance or publicity stunt. It was a symbolic fusion of two powerful Louisiana forces: LSU athletics and the state’s rich country music culture. For Wayne, a sophomore majoring in communications who’s been gaining traction in Nashville circles and on streaming platforms, it was a full-circle moment.

While many LSU students spend their weekends preparing for tests or tailgating with friends, Timothy Wayne is balancing textbooks with tour buses. Over the past year, he’s opened for country stars like Parker McCollum, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney. His breakout single, “Bayou Nights,” has amassed over 5 million streams on Spotify and earned airtime on country radio throughout the South.

“It’s been a crazy ride,” Wayne said during a media huddle before the game. “LSU is my home, and music is my passion. To be able to represent both on a night like this is something I’ll never forget.”

Born and raised just outside of Lafayette, Louisiana, Wayne’s music is steeped in the sounds of the Gulf South—fiddle, steel guitar, and lyrics that reflect swampy summers, faith, heartbreak, and the camaraderie found in football stadiums and fishing boats. His accent is thick, his smile wide, and his fans—many of them LSU students—are fiercely loyal.

That loyalty was on full display as the stadium played clips of Wayne’s music video for “Louisiana Honey” on the Jumbotron prior to his pitch. Students held signs with his name, and chants of “Ti-mo-thy! Ti-mo-thy!” broke out in the outfield bleachers.

Throwing a ceremonial first pitch sounds easy—until you’re in front of 10,000 screaming fans, national TV cameras, and a dozen LSU baseball legends standing behind home plate. But Wayne was determined not to let the moment pass without preparation.

“I practiced with my roommate for two days straight,” Wayne admitted. “He was like, ‘Dude, don’t bounce it. That’s the one rule. You bounce it, and Twitter’s never going to let you live it down.’”

Wayne’s throw landed just shy of the plate but didn’t hit the dirt—technically a strike if you ask the home crowd. Wearing a custom LSU jersey with “WAYNE” stitched on the back and cowboy boots to match, the singer pumped his fist and flashed a thumbs-up to the dugout. The crowd erupted.

“I was more nervous about that pitch than I’ve ever been before a concert,” Wayne laughed. “I didn’t want to mess it up in front of Coach Johnson.”

LSU head coach Jay Johnson was one of the first to greet Wayne after the pitch. “He nailed it,” Johnson said. “You can tell he’s a Tiger through and through.”

Though Wayne’s music career has taken him across the country, he still considers Baton Rouge home. In fact, he insists on taking all of his online classes from hotel rooms while on tour, never missing an assignment and still clocking into student events when he can.

“Some artists take a break from school when their music takes off,” he said. “But I made a promise to my parents and myself that I’d get my degree. LSU gave me the platform to chase both dreams, and I’m going to finish what I started.”

His professors have taken notice too. Dr. Amanda Hughes, who teaches media marketing at LSU, praised Wayne’s work ethic.

“Timothy doesn’t get any special treatment,” Hughes said. “He earns everything. He submits on time, participates in group projects, and still makes it back to campus for guest lectures. He’s a great ambassador for the university.”

Wayne’s first pitch may have been the highlight of the evening, but it wasn’t the only role he played. During the seventh-inning stretch, his acoustic rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was broadcast over the speakers—pre-recorded in Nashville just for the occasion.

“I wanted to put a Louisiana spin on it,” Wayne said. “A little slide guitar, a little swamp rhythm. LSU baseball is one of the best atmospheres in the country, and I wanted the moment to reflect that.”

The crowd swayed along, many of them already familiar with Wayne’s catalog. His music has become a staple in student tailgates and dorm parties, earning him a dedicated following on campus.

Senior student and baseball season ticket holder Katie Lemieux summed it up best: “It’s not just that Timothy’s good at what he does—he’s ours. He’s an LSU Tiger who made it big, but he never forgot where he came from.”

LSU’s athletic department didn’t invite Wayne to throw out the first pitch just because he’s famous. This was about more than publicity—it was about spotlighting one of their own.

“Timothy embodies everything great about LSU,” said LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. “Hardworking, talented, humble, and proud of his roots. We love seeing our students succeed outside the classroom, and when they carry LSU with them, it means the world.”

Wayne’s invitation came as part of LSU’s ongoing initiative to recognize students with unique accomplishments in sports, the arts, and service. In recent years, they’ve honored robotics champions, Olympic qualifiers, and even student entrepreneurs.

“Music has always been a part of Louisiana’s culture, just like football or baseball,” Woodward added. “We want our students to feel like their talents—whatever they are—are worth celebrating.”

What’s next for Timothy Wayne? He’s set to release his debut full-length album this fall. Tentatively titled “Bayou Blood,” the project features collaborations with several country heavyweights and was recorded between Baton Rouge and Nashville.

“It’s a love letter to Louisiana,” Wayne said. “Every track has a piece of home in it—whether it’s about driving down River Road, Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium, or missing my mama’s gumbo.”

He’s also in talks for a major fall tour that could include a stop at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, LSU’s basketball arena. “We’re working on it,” Wayne smiled coyly. “It’d be a dream come true to headline my own campus.”

Wayne hasn’t ruled out returning to Tiger Stadium in another capacity, either. “One of my biggest dreams is to perform the national anthem before an LSU football game,” he said. “I’ve been practicing just in case they ever call.”

Timothy Wayne’s story isn’t just one of personal success—it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when talent meets determination. His journey has inspired fellow LSU students to think bigger, especially those pursuing unconventional paths.

“I was debating between staying in school or focusing on my music full time,” said LSU junior and aspiring rapper Jeremiah “J-Mac” Carter. “Seeing what Timothy’s doing? It gives me hope. You can do both.”

LSU’s student media, including Tiger TV and The Reveille, have documented Wayne’s rise, turning him into something of a campus legend. His dorm-room performances from freshman year still circulate online, often tagged #TigerTunes or #BayouWayne.