Before hearing his name called at the MLB Draft, Logan Sauve compiled quite a successful career at West Virginia University. Read more: MLB Draftee Sauve: A Look Back at His WVU Career
Whether it was behind the plate or in the batter’s box, Sauve led the Mountaineers with class and leadership that can’t be taught. With Sauve’s call to the big leagues, it’s a perfect time to take a look back at his time with the Mountaineers.
A Warm College Welcome
Sauve joined the Mountaineers in 2023 after a stellar high school career. He etched himself as one of the best catchers in the nation, as shown by being named the No. 1 catcher out of Pennsylvania by Perfect Game.
That notoriety—paired with being the son of a former professional baseball and football player—brought high expectations for Sauve heading into his freshman year.
Sauve wasted no time living up to the hype. He went on to make 43 starts split between catcher and designated hitter during his freshman campaign. At the plate, he slashed .286/.387/.454. He also added four home runs and 24 RBI to his season total.
The Maryland native also showcased his defensive abilities, throwing out 29% of potential base stealers.
These efforts awarded Sauve an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, the first of many accolades.
A Call to the Big Leagues?
After an impressive freshman season, Sauve was tasked once again to be the team’s primary catcher. Not only did he assume this role with grace, but he also increased his offensive production.
Sauve was able to elevate his offensive game across the board. His batting average saw a 22-point increase, jumping up to .308. He doubled his home run total and recorded 13 more RBI compared to his freshman campaign.
Sauve also played a vital role in the Mountaineers reaching their first Super Regional in program history. At the NCAA Tucson Regional, he hit a game-defining three-run home run against Dallas Baptist that led to a win. He followed that up with three RBIs in the game-winning final against Grand Canyon.
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These efforts proved Sauve to be a leader and someone the Mountaineers could count on in pivotal moments. His offensive surge named him to Tucson’s All-Tournament Team.
Following his jump from a freshman to a sophomore, Sauve decided to test the waters with the 2024 MLB Draft. He ultimately chose to withdraw his name from the draft and returned to WVU for his junior season.
And sure enough, that was the right decision for everyone involved.
A Final Year to Remember
Sauve returned to WVU with two successful years behind him, a taste of the MLB Draft experience and a new head coach in Steve Sabins.
With a new head coach and a lot of new faces on the team, it was time for Sauve to step in as a leader. He already proved he could increase his individual numbers; now it was time to showcase his leadership.
Once again, Sauve saw his playing time increase, this time making appearances in 55 games while starting in 54 of them.
As the team’s everyday catcher, Sauve became a second coach on the field. Time and again, when a WVU pitcher was struggling, Sauve would trot up to the mound and calm them down.
An underrated job for catchers is knowing when to take a mound visit with their pitcher. It can be the difference between an inning blowing up or being saved. Sauve showed that he understood how to manage these difficult situations.
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Even with his increased workload and responsibilities as the primary catcher, Sauve still had an effective year at the plate. Slashing for an admirable .276/.385/.457, he demonstrated his overall hitting tools. This also marked the second year in a row that he was third on the team in runs scored: 42 as a sophomore and 46 as a junior.
Sauve also showed that he can be a threat on the base paths by recording a career-high 8 stolen bases.
Similar to the Tucson Regional, Sauve performed gracefully at the Clemson Regional. His defining moment came when he got the Mountaineers on the board with a first-inning home run against Kentucky. He once again earned All-Tournament honors.
His junior year success also garnered him All-Big 12 First Team honors. He also represented WVU in the classroom by earning his second-straight College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District distinction.
A Legacy Worthwhile
After a collegiate career that won’t be forgotten, Sauve’s dreams came true after being taken with the 200th overall pick by the Oakland Athletics.
He has a long road ahead of him, but his defensive prowess and hitting tools will bode well with his chances. It may take a few years, but we very well could see Sauve behind the plate for the A’s.
In terms of his legacy at WVU, Sauve is leaving behind a memory filled with achievements. He came in with high expectations and delivered masterfully.
His work as a catcher and a leader will be one that Sabins highlights to future players. He also proved that in a time of NIL chaos, it’s sometimes better to go back to your previous situation.
In his three years as a Mountaineer, Sauve helped lead them to back-to-back Super Regional Appearances. By his final year, he transformed himself into one of the best catchers in the nation.
Sauve has turned the page—beginning his journey to the pros—but the legacy he leaves at West Virginia is one fans will always look back on with admiration.
MLB Draftee Sauve: A Look Back at His WVU Career
