Latest news with #Starkville
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State Baseball Makes Major Announcement as Season Ends
Mississippi State Baseball Makes Major Announcement as Season Ends originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The run is over. And just like that, Mississippi State's 2025 campaign ends not with a bang, but with a new manager. Advertisement Hail State managed to round up some late-season magic, knocking off Northeastern and snapping the Huskies' jaw-dropping 27-game win streak in their opening regional game. But the dream fizzled fast, as two straight losses to regional host Florida State brought the curtain down on a rollercoaster season. The Seminoles didn't just win—they bulldozed their way through, reasserting their dominance. But even as the final out came, the next chapter was already taking shape. Mississippi State didn't wait long to signal a new beginning. Athletic Director Zac Selmon turned to X (formerly Twitter) to tease the coming news. But this wasn't your typical press release. Selmon posted a short clip of maroon smoke rising from a grill in the Left Field Lounge. For the uninitiated, it was a clever riff on Vatican tradition, where white smoke signals the election of a new Pope. The timing wasn't lost on anyone, especially with the recent announcement of Pope Leo XIV just weeks prior. In Starkville, the smoke meant one thing that a new head coach was coming. Brian O'Connor will be taking over in Starkville. Advertisement The longtime Virginia skipper is one of the most respected names in college baseball. During his 21 seasons in Charlottesville, O'Connor turned the Cavaliers into a national power—winning a College World Series title in 2015, making seven trips to Omaha, and stacking up a career 885–370–2 record. He's a five-time conference coach of the year with two ACC championships under his belt. His teams won 60% of their conference games. This isn't just a good hire. It's a power move. And make no mistake about it, Mississippi State needed one. 'We have not consistently met the standard of success that our university, fans, and student-athletes deserve,' Selmon said in a statement. 'A change in leadership is what's best for the future of Mississippi State Baseball.' Related: Why Mississippi State Baseball should be a highly prestigious position There's talent in Starkville—that much was clear during the late-season push under interim coach Justin Parker, who guided the Bulldogs to wins in nine of their final ten regular-season games. They went 1–3 in postseason play, but the spark was real. Advertisement Now, O'Connor steps into the teeth of the SEC—undeniably the most competitive conference in college baseball. It's a gauntlet, even for a seasoned veteran. But this is Mississippi State. The expectations are sky-high, the fans are locked in, and the smoke has cleared. It's time to see what comes next. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings
Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Mississippi State football may not be knocking on the playoff door just yet, but the latest ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) says the Bulldogs are officially on the move. Advertisement Coming off a turbulent 2024 campaign, the Bulldogs have climbed to No. 52 nationally in ESPN's just-released FPI rankings for 2025. It's a clear indicator that second-year head coach Jeff Lebby's aggressive overhaul of the program is gaining traction in the ultra-competitive SEC. 'This is about building a new standard,' Lebby said during spring practice. 'We've got guys buying in, and that's where change starts.' Mississippi State quarterbcak Blake ShapenMatt Bush/Imagn Images The rise from last year's FPI slot is largely tied to a trio of key factors: the return of quarterback Blake Shapen, a top-30 recruiting class, and a calculated blitz through the transfer portal, where the Bulldogs added nine new faces this spring alone. Advertisement 'Blake's decision to return after his injury gives them real leadership under center,' said former Mississippi State head coach Jackie Sherrill. 'In this league, experience at quarterback is gold.' The Bulldogs' 2025 recruiting class ranks 26th nationally, per 247Sports. This is a clear sign that Lebby's vision is resonating beyond Starkville. Offensively, the team is starting to show flashes of the high-octane attack that made Lebby's stops at Oklahoma and UCF so dynamic. Young weapons like Gracen Harris and Kolin Wilson are turning heads during off-season workouts. Still, the road ahead is no easy path. Mississippi State faces an absolute uphill battle this fall, including showdowns against Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, all ranked inside the FPI's Top 15. And of course, there's the annual Egg Bowl against Ole Miss, who enter the season ranked No. 13. Advertisement 'What Jeff is building takes time, but the signs are encouraging," Sherrill, stated. "The SEC West isn't forgiving, but neither is standing still. The program is moving forward." For Bulldog fans, the message is clear: the climb may be steep, but the foundation is solid. Stay locked in. This rebuild is real. Related: Josh Hubbard Breaks Silence on Return to Mississippi State Hoops Related: Mississippi State Baseball Makes Major Announcement as Season Ends This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MSU Baseball Signing 'Top Dog' Brian O'Connor Makes Starkville a 'Dream Location'
MSU Baseball Signing 'Top Dog' Brian O'Connor Makes Starkville a 'Dream Location' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Thursday evening, Brian O'Connor was officially introduced as the new head coach of Mississippi State baseball, stepping into big shoes with a clear vision and a deep respect for the program's tradition. Reflecting on his 22 years in Charlottesville where he became a head coach at just 32, O'Connor expressed gratitude for the journey that shaped him. He also made it clear that Starkville represents something special and the right next step in his career. Advertisement Building a Family Culture and a Tough, Versatile Team O'Connor's vision is simple yet compelling: build a 'clubhouse' where unity and a team-first mentality rule. He wants his players to be aggressive and tough but always classy, versatile athletes who represent Mississippi State with pride and refuse to back down. His approach emphasizes playing the right way and making the community proud. The College Path: Developing Players Beyond the Draft While respecting young men's decisions to enter the MLB Draft straight out of high school, O'Connor focuses on the bigger picture: helping players grow and live intentionally from ages 18 to 21. To him, College baseball offers consistent daily development and life preparation. It's not just a stepping stone to MLB, but a foundation for success in whatever path they choose. Advertisement Starkville's Support and the SEC Challenge After the departure of former coach Chris Lemonis, who led the program to its first national title, questions linger about the program's commitment to patience with a new era upon us. O'Connor put those doubts to rest, highlighting Mississippi State's passionate stadium and fan support, crucial for attracting and retaining talent. While many SEC programs are fully committed, it's about having enough to build and sustain a winning culture. Related: Mississippi State Baseball Lands Powerhouse Staff with Virginia Ties The Recruiting Formula: Balancing High School Talent and Transfers O'Connor is clear: high school recruits must be the foundation of any long-term success. He envisions bringing in roughly 8 to 10 high school players per class to maintain roster stability and continuity. The transfer portal will fill in gaps but shouldn't overshadow steady development. For the 2026 squad, his priority is to lock in players with both talent and the right mindset before seeking additional pieces. Advertisement Related: Mississippi State Football Climbs in ESPN FPI Rankings Retaining Justin Parker: A Key Piece of the Puzzle One of O'Connor's first major staff moves was keeping interim pitching coach Justin Parker. Parker's SEC experience, strong Southeast recruiting ties, and proven ability to develop pitchers. It's evident from the end of the year push to the postseason, which made him indispensable. Beyond the X's and O's, O'Connor connected with Parker on a personal level, valuing his character and coaching philosophy. After extensive discussions, O'Connor knew Parker was the best fit to lead the pitching staff moving forward. O'Connor arrives in Starkville fueled by passion and purpose. His mission is to build young men and push Mississippi State baseball beyond its already rich tradition. With a mix of humility and ambition he's ready to leave his mark and the Bulldogs are ready to follow. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mississippi State researchers help unearth giant mosasaur fossil near campus
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) – Scientists with Mississippi State University (MSU) played a role in a new fossil discovery not far from the Starkville campus. MSU doctoral researchers Jonathan Leard and Tim Palmer, who are both full-time professional geologists with the Mississippi Geological Survey, recently helped identify and recover a massive, fossilized mosasaur vertebra, the largest backbone of its kind ever found in the state. This occurred while they were working on a project with James Starnes, director in the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's (MDEQ) geological division. Columbian mammoth fossil found on Mississippi Coast The find was made near Starkville during a geologic survey intended to create a three-dimensional map of the region's subsurface. The team had already uncovered fossilized marine shells when the vertebra emerged from the muddy sediment. 'When we found the fossil, only the ball was exposed,' Leard said. 'It alone was the size of a baseball. I carefully dug the marl away from around the weathered vertebral processes and pulled it out of the ground. Our hearts were racing as we passed it around in disbelief at the size. We could not wait to get back to the Museum of Natural Science in Jackson to confirm the fossil was indeed 'mosasaur' by comparing it to other specimens in the collection.' From left, Jonathan Leard and Tim Palmer, both Mississippi State doctoral researchers and geologists with the Mississippi Geological Survey, stand with the mosasaur fossil discovered recently near campus. (Photo submitted via MSU) (Courtesy: MDEQ) The vertebra, measuring more than seven inches across, belonged to Mosasaurus hoffmannii, one of the largest marine reptiles to roam Earth's ancient seas about 66 million years ago. Researchers estimate the creature would have been at least 30 feet long. Officials said the vertebra found by MDEQ's scientists represents one of the largest Mosasaurus hoffmannii ever recorded in Mississippi. It was deposited into the state's paleontology collections at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Los Angeles Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Could two first bases prevent Luis Arráez-like collisions? Padres manager Mike Shildt not opposed to it
Umpires call it a train wreck, a play that results in a horrific collision through no fault of the baserunner or fielder. No interference or obstruction is called. It's considered 'just baseball' and seemingly unavoidable. The most recent example began with a bunt by Luis Arráez of the San Diego Padres against the Houston Astros on Sunday. First baseman Christian Walker fielded the ball and tossed it to second baseman Mauricio Dubón, who'd raced over to cover first. Dubón's momentum carried him directly behind the base as he touched it with his foot to record the out. Arráez, meanwhile, motored up the line and through the base, then slammed into Dubón. Arráez got the worst of it, suffering a concussion that landed him on the injured list. Throughout baseball history, such collisions have been met mostly with grimaces and shrugs. Nobody likes seeing an injury, but the game is the game and, as the saying goes, it hasn't changed in 150 years. Now, though, tweaking rules and introducing concepts are in vogue, whether to improve the pace of play with a pitch clock, increase stolen bases with larger bags, or address player safety by eliminating catchers blocking home plate. Addressing collisions at first base might be next. They are frequent, and often result in serious injury. An abbreviated list of memorable train wrecks at first base: — 2023: The Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis flips over Cleveland Guardians first baseman Gabriel Arias and lands on his face, with his neck bending as his legs fly up and over his body.— 2022: Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. gets his free hand stepped on while stretching for a throw. — 2017: The Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper hyperextends his left knee when he lunges to beat a throw and slips on a wet base during a crowded play at first. — 2013: The New York Mets' Eric Young steps on the right ankle of Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, who is covering the bag on a ground ball to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Hudson suffers a fractured ankle. And, of course, Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy suffers a torn ulnar collateral ligament when the Brewers' Jace Peterson slams into his left arm as he reaches into the base line to catch a throw in the last game of the 2021 regular season. Muncy is out for the entire postseason and the injury lingers into the next spring. 'I definitely felt like my arm wasn't there,' Muncy said. Several if not all of those calamitous collisions could have been avoided with one simple solution: Follow the lead of NCAA baseball and utilize two first bases, an orange or green one for the runner and a white one for the fielder. The injury to his three-time National League batting champion Arráez fresh in his mind, Padres manager Mike Shildt said on the 'Starkville' podcast with Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville that common sense dictates Major League Baseball explore the two-base solution. 'I wouldn't be opposed to it,' he said. 'I haven't seen it or played with it, to form a real strong opinion. But conceptually, it's one of those things where you go: You know, why not? I mean, we want our players to be safe and on the field. ... Conceptually, it does check some boxes to me that make sense — that listen, let's just create a lane for everybody.' Shildt said Arráez seems to be recovering well so far. 'He's sore, as you would expect,' Shildt said. 'But nothing from a CT scan that's alarming in the cervical area or the jaw line, because he got a little abrasion on his jaw. And cognitively, [he's] alert, remembers what's taken place, is testing positively to this point on anything relative to the concussion side of it.' Pushback on implementing double first bases might come from purists, but player safety has become an overarching concern as salaries have increased. The average MLB salary this year is $5 million, which is what Dubón will make. Arráez will make $14 million. The collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2026 season. Top of the agenda for owners in negotiations will be the creative spending of deep-pocket teams such as the Dodgers and Mets. Another hot-button topic is player safety, which union chief Tony Clark mentions at every turn. Double first bases, anyone?
