Austin Robichaux returns to “The Tigue” for Louisiana degree

He was after a diploma, not strikeouts.

Robichaux earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies during Fall 2020 Commencement ceremonies for UL’s University College.

Robichaux left Louisiana before his senior season after being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels to play professionally. His return fulfilled a promise he’d made to his college coach – and father – Tony Robichaux.

The elder Robichaux, who coached the Ragin’ Cajuns for a quarter century, died last year.

Austin Robichaux completed his degree requirements online, while juggling pro baseball, a full-time job after his career ended, and family. He and wife Sara are expecting their first child.

“I couldn't be more excited. First, because of how much (my dad) preached I needed to get my degree, and how proud I know he is,” he said prior to the ceremony.

Although Tony Robichaux led his teams to more than 900 wins, a College World Series appearance, and No. 1 national ranking, the coach set higher standards for his players off the field.

“It’s my job to prepare them for life after baseball,” he once explained during an interview with La Louisiane, the magazine of the University of Louisiana.

Robichaux required all players sign a code of conduct called “Robe’s Rules.” He also reminded them daily that character trumps throwing strikes or hitting home runs.

His son was no exception.
“My dad taught me not only the game itself but the game after baseball, which is life. Ultimately, my dad's biggest thing until the day he passed away was: ‘life isn’t just baseball, because baseball comes to an end,’” Austin Robichaux said.

It’s a message he routinely delivers to developing pitchers he instructs as head of baseball operations at the athletic training facility Ragin’ Cages. “I remind them that someday you have to be the man that God intended, and it's not just about baseball.”

Robichaux, however, drew on the discipline he learned while playing the sport – and the values his father instilled in him – while completing his degree.

“It was definitely tough, but if there's one thing that going to school and playing a Division I sport and going to school and playing a professional sport does is, it teaches you time management, and a big thing my dad taught me, as well, was time management," he explained.

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Louisiana.edu

Awesome

Congrats Austin. The tragedy of his dad's early departure still fresh on our minds, but a piece of Coach Robe lives on in each one of his kids as well as the many lives he's positively affected over the years.

I can't imagine what emotions the family still feels when they visit the Tigue, but hopefully feelings of sadness and loss will slowly be replaced by pride of what their dad helped build. The same pride I know Coach felt as he watched Austin receive his diploma.