USC Pitching Coach Mark Prior Dons Lincoln Riley Costume in Unique Tradition

In a yearly tradition, the Dodgers gear up for their final trip of the year, bringing a touch of Halloween spirit to the baseball field. This time, they’ve taken it to a whole new level with an array of creative costumes, ranging from Buzz Lightyear and Woody to tacos and Nachos (Libre, that is).

But the real surprise came from the coaching staff, who added an unexpected twist to the festivities. Despite their journey from Colorado and their professional roles, they embraced the spirit of the occasion with enthusiasm. Most of the coaches chose to sport the newly iconic hat and sunglasses, inspired by Coach Prime in Colorado. However, one coach, Mark Prior, stood out from the rest.

Prior’s decision to deviate from the norm raised eyebrows. As USC heads into Week 5 of the college football season, facing a formidable opponent in Colorado, Prior demonstrated his unwavering support for his home team. With a background in baseball rather than football, he pitched for USC in 2000 and 2001. In 2001, he clinched the title of Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, boasting an impressive 13-1 record with a remarkable 1.49 ERA. He led the conference in wins, strikeouts, and opponent batting average.

While most of the coaching staff emulated Coach Prime, Prior donned the attire of USC’s head coach, Lincoln Riley. The move sparked curiosity among onlookers. Was there any tension between Prior and his colleagues, or was this a well-thought-out plan?

Furthermore, it raises the question: If Colorado were playing against UCLA this weekend, would Dodgers manager Dave Roberts have sported his best UCLA uniform to support his alma mater? The tradition of the entire team dressing up has captured the hearts of many and is something that should continue for years to come.

What’s particularly striking is the reaction it elicits from other teams. It leaves opponents momentarily speechless, emphasizing the uniqueness and entertainment value of the tradition. It’s only fitting that Mark Prior, one of USC’s most dominant pitchers in history, chose to support his alma mater and defy convention to stand with the Trojans.

So, as Halloween approaches, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ annual costume tradition is here to stay. Now, the only question remains: What would your costume be if you had to pick one?