The 2019 season was a good one for the state of Alabama, as it produced some impressive talent from top to bottom. This class featured some MLB Draft selections and players that opted to go to school and had productive freshman seasons before they were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we want to go back and take a look at C/RHP Nate Larue (McGill-Toolen HS). 

2019 (Senior Season):

Attending McGill-Toolen HS, Larue played a huge role on the 2019 team that eventually went on to win the 7A State Championship against Bob Jones. He was the centerpiece for the Jackets both at the plate and on the mound as the closer. At the plate, Larue had a big senior year statistically as he lead the Jackets in almost every offensive category. Finished with a team-high batting average of .362. Larue also slugged nine homers and 10 doubles while driving in 37 runs.

‘19 Nathan LaRue (@Ralue24) of @McTBaseball with loud contact here but a great catch against the wall. You can see the juice off the barrel here. Still 0-0 to the 5th. LaRue is an @AuburnBaseball signee. #MLBDraft @ShooterHunt @NathanRode pic.twitter.com/Z69RtMZnXv

— PBR Alabama (@PBR_Alabama) May 4, 2019

Larue was also known for big hits in the playoffs, like the homerun below in the Semifinals of the 7A State Playoffs.

TPL 2019 athlete, @AuburnBaseball signee @Ralue24 gives @McTBaseball a 6 - 0 lead in Game 1 of SemiFinal matchup with this screaming line drive over the left field wall. pic.twitter.com/SFu3WUULed

— TPL Baseball Development (@TheProspectLab) May 10, 2019

On the mound, the Auburn signee was equally impressive with an upper 80’s fastball and an above average breaking ball. He finished with a 1-2 record with two saves and a 3.66 ERA. In 28 2/3 innings pitched, he struck out 40 hitters while only walking eight. A quality back end arm for the Jackets.

.@McTBaseball moves into the semis. Here is the final out, a K on a breaking ball from @Ralue24 who moved from behind the plate to close it out. pic.twitter.com/yMXXFUTwNv

— PBR Alabama (@PBR_Alabama) May 4, 2019

McGill-Toolen took part in the Mid Mississippi Classic hosted by PBR Mississippi where they got a good look at the backstop in gameplay action. 

Larue at the Mid Mississippi Classic

 

Larue was selected in the 25th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, but opted to attend college and head to the The Plains in 2020.

.@McTBaseball Nate Larue (@Ralue24) goes in the 25th round to the Blue Jays. Very impressed with Larue at the state finals in Montgomery. He is an @AuburnBaseball signee. https://t.co/Xu7dIvL2qs

— PBR Alabama (@PBR_Alabama) June 5, 2019

 

2020 (Freshman Year at Auburn):

Larue had a productive year for the Auburn Tigers in 2020, as he got multiple starts behind the plate in various midweek games. His first start came behind the plate on Feb. 15 vs. Illinois Chicago in a game where he notched his first career hit in a Tiger uniform.

Nate LaRue with his first collegiate hit for @AuburnBaseball today against UIC! Way to go Nate! #WhoAreWeMcT #McTClassof2019 #AlwaysAJacket @McTCoachGriffin @Ralue24 pic.twitter.com/X7xgxHS5lJ

— McTBaseball (@McTBaseball) February 16, 2020

In a small sample size due to a COVID-19 shortened season, Larue finished his freshman campaign hitting .294 with one double and two RBI’s while only striking out once over 17 AB’s.

⚠️ Baserunners beware ⚠️

Don't test @Ralue24.

M1 | Auburn 0, Alabama A&M 0#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/s4whpFhdYG

— Auburn Baseball (@AuburnBaseball) February 26, 2020

Expect Larue to make significant strides over the next 9 months as he will see his role as an Auburn Tiger increase as he continues to get more experience under his belt.

 

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