When Whitecaps manager Jamie Shevchik added Mavrick Rizy (Louisiana State) to his roster just days ago, he knew exactly the kind player he was getting. Through just three appearances so far, Rizy has already proven himself as a dominant closing arm — someone Shevchik describes as "a man amongst boys." His mid to upper 90's fastball-slider combo has been lethal so far for Brewster, as the towering 6'9'' righty has already racked up 8 Ks in just 4 2/3 IP.

This past spring, Rizy was given his first chance to show off his skills at the college level with the LSU. As both the No. 1 prospect and pitcher out of Massachusetts in the 2024 class, Rizy had plenty to prove as a key cog of the Tigers' bullpen. He didn't disappoint.

Through 24.2 innings of work last season, Rizy piled up 29 strikeouts and walked just 15% of the 118 batters he faced as he helped LSU capture its eighth national championship in program history.

Rizy spoke with the Whitecaps media team to discuss his historic freshman season, experience on the Cape so far and more:

Whitecaps Media: You were obviously part of a historic season this past spring. What was that like coming into the fold as a freshman and getting to experience a national championship right away?

Mavrick Rizy: The national championship looks great and all, but I think just the group of guys that we really had together was truly special. I'm bummed at the same time after winning because it's the last time you were going to play with some of those guys. That was kind of our focus in the fall and even before the fall even started, just to try and get that group together as much as possible. I believe there were only 11 or 12 returners from that 2024 team. So, we had a lot of work to do and I miss those guys every day.

W.M.: Who were some of the pitchers who helped you adjust to the college level at LSU this past season?

M. R.: I think (Kade) Anderson, Anthony Eyanson, and Chase Shores were three that really took on the freshman really well and kind of took us all under their wing. They just made the game simple for us. It's a big jump coming from a small town in Massachusetts, and they just said it's the same game, 60 feet, six inches. They were there when we were struggling, no matter what. You look up and you got them on either shoulder of you, and it's special. Those guys are the most talented pitchers I've ever played with, but they're willing to give everything to those freshmen, which is huge.

W.M.: What were some things that stuck out to you most about LSU that made you want to commit to the program?

M. R.: I think it was the coaches. I think they're truly a special group. They know a lot about baseball, but that's not even the thing that really stuck out to me most. They're just great guys, and they truly care about each and every one of us, 1-40. Head Coach Jay Johnson's a huge family guy, and the most important thing in my life is my family. Coach Nate Yeskie is also the best pitching coach I've ever had, and he turned me into a great young man, and he's continuing to do that.

W.M.: You got the chance to play on a lot of big stages last season during that championship run. What was it like being thrust into that kind of atmosphere as a freshman?

M. R.: I come from a small town where 4,000 people live, and there you have 14,000 on their feet clapping for you with that last out. It's a feeling that I will cherish forever, honestly, and it’s that feeling that you keep chasing. Just giving my team the opportunity to go out there the following day and do the same thing was special.

W.M.: You haven't been here that long yet, but what's the experience been like for you so far on the Cape just getting to meet everyone on the Whitecaps?

M. R.: It's been great. I was told when I first got here that we got a special group and the guys like to have fun and they’ve been nothing short of that. It feels like yesterday I was a kid running around the playground over here and I came to all these Cape games growing up, so it's been a blessing just to put on the Brewster jersey. I looked up to all those players on these teams back then and finally getting able to do it myself means a lot to me.

W.M.: You've already shown off some filthy pitches throughout your few outings so far as a Whitecap. Have you always tried to be the guy who can come in late in games and help slam the door?

M. R.: As a pitcher, you just kind of be where the team needs you and just be ready when your name gets called. That's something my coaches preach back at LSU all the time. I just try to give my team the best opportunity to win, whether that's at the front end, middle of the game, or the back end. I don’t worry about the pitch that was previously happening because all you can change is the next one. I just get into that next pitch mentality and really just try to suffocate the zone and give the team whatever I got that day.

W.M.: Who are some of the guys on the Whitecaps who you've been able to get closest with so far?

M. R.: Alex Philpott definitely, Kyle Kipp, and the whole bullpen is awesome. Me and those two played golf the other day, which was great. Just hearing where they're from and where they go to school is great and hearing the stories that they got, there’s a lot of storytelling when we’re all down in the bullpen. I haven’t ever been on a team with it like this where everyone's just from different places in the country. We got some kids from California, so me as a hometown kid I'm the one they’re all asking where to go for food and whatnot, but it's cool. It's a big melting pot.

W.M.: What are you hoping to get out of this experience this summer before you return to LSU next season?

M. R.: Definitely to work on some baseball stuff, just command in general and to work on my breaking pitches, but have fun, too. This is a game of fun, and if you let it get too serious you're going to get burnt out, so I’m just trying to keep that mindset. I want to have fun and also play hard. Who knows how many times I'll get to do this, so I’m just trying to cherish every pitch and every moment.

W.M.: Personally for you, what are some things that you are hoping to take from last year and build on in your sophomore year?

M. R.: I want to take those experiences that I was able to get pitching in the Supers, pitching in the regionals, and put those under my belt so next year when I go out there it's not new to me. I've been there before, so I want to just try to be a pitcher for my team in whatever situation they need me. I want to definitely still work on a couple things, and I'm excited to get down to Baton Rouge. I miss those guys.

Editor’s note: Some questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Title photo credit: Casey Bayne