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Growing up, LJ Cormier had a unique perspective on what constituted a normal childhood – his father, Lance Cormier, was a professional baseball player, and to him, it was just a regular part of life. As a 4-year-old, he would often ask his friends, “What sport does your daddy play?” completely unaware that not every kid’s dad was a pro athlete.
Lance, a Lafayette, Louisiana native and University of Alabama baseball alum, was nearing the end of his eight-year MLB career, playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010. Despite traveling the country for games, the Cormier family always considered Tuscaloosa their home base. Lance and his wife Jamie, a former Alabama cheerleader, met as freshmen in 1998 and got married shortly after Lance was drafted in the fourth round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
LJ, born on November 1, 2006, while his dad was playing for the Atlanta Braves, was destined to be a baseball enthusiast. Before he was even 2, he was dressing up in a miniature MLB uniform to match his dad’s, and soon after, he began joining his parents for batting practices – or rather, “slapping practices,” as Lance calls them. The family had to customize catchers gear to fit LJ’s small frame, a testament to his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.
LJ doesn’t remember much from his father’s playing days, but one moment stands out: taking the field with his dad for his last game with the Durham Bulls, the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. With Lance’s elbow issues forcing him to consider retirement, he knew his career was nearing its end. On his final game that 2012 season, LJ joined his dad and teammates on the field for warm-ups and the national anthem, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter – one where LJ’s own baseball dreams took root.
LJ’s goal? To follow in his father’s footsteps and play professional baseball for eight years. “Watching him and hearing stories about it, I want to do what he did,” LJ said. “That’s my dream, that’s my end goal.”
Despite the demands of Lance’s MLB career, the Cormier family prioritized quality time together. Jamie and Lance made a vow: never go more than seven days apart. They took turns meeting each other during road trips, often bringing LJ along for the ride. At each stop, Jamie documented their journey, taking photos to commemorate each moment. LJ would join his dad and teammates on the field whenever possible, soaking up every experience.
LJ officially began playing baseball in the fall of 2011, starting with tee-ball for the Kentuck White Sox. At 7, he began pitching, taking his training very seriously. Baseball is his “first love,” but he’s also developed a passion for football, starting as quarterback in eighth grade and leading the Sipsey Valley team to three consecutive playoff appearances. Lance serves as an assistant coach for LJ’s baseball teams, imparting his expertise and guidance. “Everything I’m learning in baseball comes from him,” LJ said.
Jamie, on the other hand, handles LJ’s strength training, leveraging her experience as the strength and conditioning coach for the Sipsey Valley football program. Younger brother Wilkes, 11, is also involved, serving as the team manager and ball boy.
LJ’s commitment to Auburn University’s baseball program during his freshman year came as no surprise to those who know the Cormier family. Despite their Alabama roots, LJ was drawn to the Tigers’ program, officially signing his letter of intent on November 13. “It was not a hard decision,” he said. With Auburn only three hours from home, the distance won’t keep the Cormier family apart – they’ll be there to support LJ every step of the way.
