Ryan Falla
Jordan Thompson came into the Dodgers system out of the 10th round in the 2023 draft and has already begun to turn heads with his fiery, high-spirited style of play. With Thompson comes the pedigree of a champion; formerly of LSU, the young star enters the organization hot off a College World Series championship with his Division I school over the Florida Gators. A vocal leader both on and off the field, Thompson expresses himself as a “teammates teammate”, someone who always strives to pick his guys up not only with timely words of encouragement but with action on the field.
The First Week
He’s only recently made his organizational debut with the Low-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (7/27/2023) and has quickly proven his leadership qualities. In just his third professional game Thompson showed his winning spark as he came around with a hit and a decisive run scored in a 5-4 victory over the San Jose Giants. Arguably his biggest moment came defensively with a critical pick on a scorcher hit down the third base line which Thompson would snag effortlessly to provide the first out in the bottom of the 9th behind pitcher Madison Jeffrey going for the save. This play would prove all the more crucial as a double came off the bat of Diego Velasquez just two batters later, though Jeffrey would immediately shut the door after with a game-ending strikeout.
“It fires me up when my pitchers are striking guys out and making good pitches. They feed off of it for sure. Some guys don’t always need it, but some guys might like that extra [push] every now and then. I just like to be there to be able to give it to ’em”
The Rest of the Season
Thompson comes into the organization a winner and looks to spread his infectious winning personality as he lays his eyes on a Cal League championship only a month and a half down the road. The Quakes have already clinched a playoff spot during the first half of the season, setting the stage for what may ultimately be the biggest career moment for Jordan Thompson. You can debate the semantics between the impact of a College World Series in front of nearly thirty thousand fans over a Minor League championship game played in front of a few thousand, but to help push the organization that just drafted you to a championship run, Minor Leagues or not, is as priceless as it gets. Especially with an organization so deeply predicated on winning as the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I just want to win. I want to win the championship here (and) I want all my guys to do good. Whatever it takes for us to win, I’m about. “
2023 College Season
Jordan Thompson’s bat blew up in a big way in 2023 with LSU, seeing the young star elevate his ability to drive the ball as he ran into 11 HRs and 53 RBIs with the school, high marks in both regards as Thompson had not breached double-digit HRs prior to this championship year, nor had he knocked in more than 36 runs before near doubling that total in 2023. Armed with a glove that plays well across the infield, Thompson looks to provide a plethora of value to an organization that prides itself most on developing winning attitudes in its young prospects.
“It’s not just about me, I want my pitchers to do really good. I want everyone to do really good. I just try to be a vocal leader out there, fire guys up when it needs to be done so we can just have a good time.”
Jordan Thompson coming up clutch tonight!#MCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @LSUbaseball pic.twitter.com/hECSaazNFx
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 27, 2023
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers and Jordan Thompson look to be a match made in heaven. A proven winner with high-energy baseball flowing through his DNA paired with an organization that excels at nurturing every bit of talent from the young athletes that come into their stead. The story only looks to get better with the Quakes already holding a playoff spot, guaranteeing Thompson the perfect platform for his spirited brand of baseball. From College World Series championships to minor league trophies all leading up to an eventual major league prize. Where does it end for an athlete like Thompson who is universally attracted to winning? Perhaps not until he raises the flag on a World Baseball Classic championship to finish the story, but until then we have a lot to look forward to from the former LSU Tigers star now donning Dodger blue.
“I couldn’t have been happier for the way that things turned out. I’m super blessed and grateful to be a Dodger.”
