Baseball: Ole Miss fan embraces Lafayette

The Advertiser, Opinion, June 14, 2014

On behalf of myself and all Ole Miss fans who made the trip, I just wanted to say that we had a great experience in Lafayette this past weekend during the Super Regional.

The UL fans were very gracious and hospitable. Every time I turned around I was offered more outstanding food by complete strangers. When the games started, UL fans were as loud and passionate as any fans I’ve ever encountered, but they were never mean-spirited or rude and were even gracious in defeat.

I’ve spoken to numerous other Ole Miss fans who all had the same experience.

Thank you all so much for your hospitality. As a former baseball coach of 34 years, I have the utmost respect for the UL baseball program. It’s just a shame that what I believe to be the two best teams in the country had to meet in the Super Regional instead of Omaha.

While I’ve always loved everything about Oxford, Mississippi, I must say that after three days of eating like a king and enjoying all that your fine city has to offer, Lafayette is right up there with Oxford as one of my favorite cities.

Finally, I wanted to say that the unfortunate comments about Lafayette made by individuals associated with that lesser school in Mississippi were wrong, classless, and could not be further from the truth. I sincerely hope that UL fans will make the trip to Oxford this fall to enjoy the Grove and some of the greatest tailgating in the nation so that I have the opportunity to repay your hospitality. Hotty Toddy and Go Ragin’ Cajuns!

Lee Wooldridge, No. 1 Ole Miss Rebel fan and now a UL fan

Shreveport