Brings a left-handed hitting presence to the lineup that can handle the bat and absolutely fly around the bases ... possesses a tool that cannot be taught, game-changing speed.

PRIOR TO LSU
The 2012 and 2010 Louisiana Class 1A Most Valuable Player ... also named Northeast Louisiana Pitcher of the Year in 2012, and was voted to the All-State Academic Composite Team ... recorded a career batting average at Ouachita Christian of .454 with 168 hits, 52 stolen bases and a 1.00 pitching ERA ... batted .474 as a senior in 2012 and posted a 0.72 ERA on the mound ... hit .492 with 18 steals as a sophomore and .462 with 17 steals as a freshman ... was also the 2011 and 2010 MVP of the Louisiana state football title game as a wide receiver and defensive back ... earned All-America and All-State accolades as a football player ... received the Buddy Blair Award for Academic Excellence as a dual-sports performer ... a member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL
Full name is Mark Joseph Laird ... parents are Jack and Beth Laird ... dad is a graduate of LSU Law School ... has three older brothers, John, Matt and James ... brother Matt played baseball at UL-Monroe ... chose to attend LSU because "I've always wanted to go to LSU to further my education. I also dreamed of playing college sports at one of the best schools like LSU" ... majoring in kinesiology at LSU ... born March 29, 1993 in Monroe, La.