Trip Dobson is spending his summer making up for lost time.
After a stellar high school career at Catholic High in Baton Rouge, Dobson found his way onto the roster at the University of Louisiana. But what he didn’t know as he headed west, was that his career as a Ragin’ Cajun would be a short one.
Just 10 games into the 2025 season, Dobson dislocated his kneecap while the team was on a road trip to California. He had to have surgery to repair the injury, then spent all of last summer in Lafayette working to rehab the knee. There was no summer ball then only a little time playing this year in Lafayette.
Dobson said he loved playing for UL but, with hopes for a fresh start, he entered the portal and, last week, committed to Nicholls.
“I just want to play,” Dobson said. “Their coach (Brent Haring) recruited me before and then, like, 20 minutes after I was in the portal he called me. It was really good to be wanted. He and coach (Hunter) Haas. We meshed really well.”
So, Dobson was ready to make the most of his time as the first baseman for the Baton Rouge Rougarou. He certainly came out hot. In the first week of play Dobson hit .538, with seven hits, including a double, a triple and a home run. He scored seven runs, had four walks and was hit by a pitch three times. He had a .700 on-base percentage, and a 1.000 slugging percentage.
His performance earned him Texas Collegiate League Player of the Week honors for Week One.
“It was amazing, especially after not playing a lot,” Dobson said. “It was amazing to feel the confidence and the success right away.”
After two weeks, Dobson is still one of the league’s top hitters at .333 with nine RBIs, two doubles and a .528 slugging percentage.
“Trip is definitely a player to keep an eye on as he transfers to Nicholls,” Rougarou coach Mike Forbes said. “The more playing time he gets, the better he will get. We love having him in the middle of our lineup. He is a big, physical presence that doesn’t get cheated in the box and can do damage to all parts of the field. I’m excited to watch what this kid can accomplish in the next few years.”
Dobson, whose dad Howard was a longtime assistant coach for the softball team (mom Katherine was a standout player in her own right), said he loves being home for the summer and getting to play for the local team.
“To get to play and stay home is amazing,” he said. “I get to sleep in my own bed. Mom makes me home cooked meals every night. They get to come watch. My grandparents get to drive over. They live right there in Central. It’s great.”
By Lori Lyons, Rougarou Writer