Painful Exit: Grant Hussey Unhappy After Being Benched in NCAA Tournament… “HE IS LEAVING WVU FOR GOOD”
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University baseball team’s dramatic exit from the NCAA Tournament not only shocked Mountaineer fans nationwide—it reportedly marks the end of an era. Junior first baseman and WVU’s career home run leader, Grant Hussey, is said to be leaving the program for good, according to insiders close to the team.
The Fateful Bench Decision
The controversy began in the Clemson Regional, when Coach Steve Sabins made a surprising lineup decision—benching Hussey in favor of freshman Ben Lumsden. Despite Hussey’s record 44 career homers and four-year tenure as a cornerstone of the lineup, Sabins cited matchup strategy, especially Lumsden’s potential against left-handed pitchers, as the rationale. Yet teammates and fans saw it differently.
Hussey, frustrated and visibly hurt, took to social media after being left out during the LSU Super Regional, branding the move a “slap in the face”. One frustrated fan tweeted:
“Slap in the face. I don’t even have words for it”
— Grant Hussey (@Grant_Hussey616)
The invisible line between analytics and loyalty became a wedge within the dugout. Despite earlier heroics—such as multi-tool defensive plays and an all-around offensive presence—Hussey found himself second-guessing his role when it mattered most.
A Career Left Hanging
Hussey’s impact was undeniable. A four-year contributor with more than power—boasting speed, defense, and consistent production—he finished his tenure with 213 career starts and maintained a stellar .991 fielding percentage . Yet the abrupt sidelining during the most important games of his college career left him questioning Sabins’ loyalty.
As WVU bowed out of the tournament, whispers began circulating that Hussey had emotionally checked out. “It was more than the benching—it felt like a betrayal,” an anonymous teammate revealed. The locker room was silent after the loss, but Hussey’s absence spoke volumes. Sources from within the program tell me he has no intention of returning next season.
The Fallout: “He Is Leaving WVU for Good”
After the LSU series defeat, several staffers and players report that Hussey confirmed his plans to leave WVU permanently. Whether he’s headed into the transfer portal, pursuing pro ball, or retiring from college baseball entirely remains unclear—but his departure is rumored to be imminent.
Team morale reportedly took a hit. “It doesn’t matter what the stats say—when your all-time homer leader feels cast aside in the postseason, it’s gut-wrenching,” admitted one assistant coach. For Hussey, who helped carry the team during tense moments—like rebounding from a foul-ball ruling in the Clemson game—this isn’t just the end of WVU baseball; it’s the end of a relationship made public by frustration and unmet expectations.
Looking Ahead
- WVU Baseball is facing a crossroads. With Hussey’s exit, the team loses not only his bat and glove but also his veteran leadership.
- Coach Sabins will face intense scrutiny over his postseason decisions, which are already polarizing fans and alumni.
- Mountaineer Nation now wonders: Was it just a numbers game? Or was it a deeper disconnect that fractured a fruitful partnership?
As talk of a transfer looms, one thing is certain: the final years of Hussey’s career will be remembered not just for the records he set, but for the sudden silence of a locker room legend poised at a painful crossroads.
