Jay Johnson has won two NCAA national championships as the head coach of LSU's baseball program, but he described Saturday as "one of the coolest nights of my coaching career."
That's because instead of winning games and titles -- a big part of the past five years for Johnson at LSU -- this was centered around relationships. It involved two players who starred for the Tigers and another who almost did.
Paul Skenes started against the Cubs at PNC Park. After the game, Johnson watched No. 5 overall pick Derek Curiel sign his contract. And Konnor Griffin, owner of the largest contract in Pirates history and currently rehabbing a finger injury, was supportive throughout.
On Sunday morning, after Curiel was formally introduced inside the press conference room at the ballpark, Johnson couldn't help but smile at how it has all unfolded, how there’s a fertile pipeline from Baton Rouge to Pittsburgh.
"It's pretty awesome," Johnson said. "I've had a lot of respect for [Pirates general manager] Ben Cherington for a long time. He's one of the best baseball people and minds I know.
“The character of those guys is impeccable, special. The Pirates will benefit from them for a long time."
It's a collection of talent that's easy to appreciate, with Skenes pitching LSU to a national title in 2023 and Curiel patrolling the outfield as the Tigers won it all again two years later.
As a sophomore this past season, the 21-year-old was an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner while also hitting .353 with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs, 64 runs, 34 walks, 13 steals and a .957 OPS in 58 games.
Similar to Griffin, Curiel's teammate with U-18 Team USA and his Pittsburgh tour guide/liaison, Curiel can impact the game myriad ways ... but also has the work ethic and upside to develop into a future star.
"The Pirates are building something great," Curiel said. “It’s obviously a great, historical organization. We’ve got a good, young core going, especially at the big league level, a lot of talent in the farm system. I’m glad to be added to that. Something special is brewing here.
"The Pirates have done great developing their Draft picks. I’m excited.”
Another impressive trait about Curiel -- it’s similar for his LSU brethren -- is self-awareness. Back in 2024, the West Covina, Calif., native could’ve been drafted. But there were questions about his size and ability to produce as a pro.
So Curiel went to Baton Rouge and put in the work, using LSU as a springboard to bigger and better things.
You know, like Skenes after two years at Air Force, blossoming into a generational talent on the mound.
“If he had the body he has now out of high school, he would not have come to college,” Johnson said. “One of his great traits is self-awareness and knowing what was possible for him. Adding strength was a big piece.
“To do what he did in the SEC for two years against the best competition in the country, he’s a very, very worthy pick at No. 5 overall for the Pirates.”
The LSU-to-Pittsburgh pipeline extends far beyond Johnson joking about his familiarity here, the similarities between Skenes pitching or how Curiel works an at-bat.
Cherington gets it, too.
“I was kind of joking last night, we’re going to continue our collaboration in building the Pirates brick-by-brick,” Cherington said. “Obviously impressive what Jay’s built at LSU. We’re excited to get a chance to work with guys that he has, too.”
The Pirates could do much worse than raiding an NCAA powerhouse for talent, that’s for sure. It has also created some fun, intrapersonal stories.
In his initial Zoom call, Curiel said he crossed paths with Skenes when the latter was 14 -- and allegedly working out shirtless while wearing cowboy boots.
Asked about it at the MLB All-Star Game, Skenes vehemently denied it and sounded like someone who might need to have a (lighthearted) word with Curiel.
At the same time, Skenes was one of the first to reach out after the draft, welcoming another LSU product into the organization.
“He reminds me of Konnor,” Skenes said. “Really good head on his shoulders, really sharp kid, plays the game the right way. I’m excited to play with him.”
It’s easy to how Curiel and Griffin have become close.
Already Griffin has been telling Curiel about the city, scheduling and other logistical things. Griffin may also know a thing or two about quickly moving through the Minor League system. There are few genuinely nicer professional athletes on the planet.
“To have the superstar of the team be my buddy would be pretty cool," Curiel said. "He's gonna help me out, help me get better.
“We've been talking hitting, mentality and what goes into it. It's been great to pick his brain because he's been doing it at the highest level, and I respect him a lot as a person and as a player."
Asked about the connection that has formed, Curiel barely let the question finish before pointing to Johnson, crediting him with developing young men and baseball players, part of the reason why talented teenagers trust him.
"That’s just what they do at LSU. “They’re not stopping any time soon."
In that case, neither should the Pirates.
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.