February 1999 Unofficial MSU Baseball and Softball News

02/23/99 Go here to view pictures of the Dudy Noble Stadium expansion. As I mentioned earlier, I will have weekly updates each Monday or Tuesday.

02/28/99 - Due to computer problems, I was not able to attend the softball and baseball games yesterday. As most of you know by now, MSU baseball defeated UALR 22 to 0 while the softball team split a pair.

02/28/99 - Here is a little info on the two Hattiesburg baseball players who signed with MSU, Jeff Lacher and Matt Butler. In the South Jones victory, Matt Butler had 15 strikeouts and a hit a homerun. Hattiesburg defeated Sidell, LA. 11 to 4 Thursday night behind the bat and arm of Jeff Lacher who pitched 5 innings, while allowing 1 hit and 1 run. Besides his pitching, he hit a grand slam and a single and knocked in 6. Butler also had a single in the game.

02/27/99 - MSU defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 8-4 Friday afternoon behind the 5-hit pitching of Brian Compton (Winner, 6 IP, 4 H, 7 SO, 2 BB, 2 ER), Justin Estel (1.1 IP, 2 BB, 3 SO), and Matt Ginter (1 IP, 1 BB, 2 SO).

Hitting stars were:

In the last two games, MSU pitchers have struck out 30 batters in 18 innings. Brian Wiese extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Brian Compton picked up the win in his first career MSU start. Ty Martin started his second straight game and went 0 for 2 (also HBP). The same two teams play today beginning at noon, weather permitting. The softball team plays at 10:30 a.m.

02/26/99 - MSU baseball signee Matt Butler (Hattiesburg HS) threw a 5 inning no-hitter against South Jones.

02/25/99 - MSU, now 6-1 on the season, defeated Mississippi Valley 29 to 0. Nine MSU pitchers, throwing a no-hitter until the eight, combined for a 18 K, 1-hit shutout. Newcomer Ty Martin, starting his first game of the young season (DH then took over at 2B), went 1 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI's. Ty reached base a total of four time, including the base hit (a single), two errors and a walk (also hit a SF). Redshirt freshman pitcher Tanner Brock started his first game as a Bulldog and threw a perfect inning while striking out 2. True freshman pitcher Adam Larson, clocked at 91 mph, pitched one innning and struck out 3, while walking 2. Senior Brian Wiese, who also pitched, was clocked at 90 mph.

Hitting stars:

Do you guys realize we have at least 5 pitchers who can hit 90 mph with their fastball? All of them don't throw it consistently, but they reached it on occasion. For those of you who don't know who they are, here they are: Matt Ginter, Justin Estel, Tanner Brock, Brian Wiese and Adam Larson. That's 2 seniors, 1 sophomore, and 2 freshmen.

Click here to go to the official MSU site where you can read a complete summary of yesterday's game. If it isn't online, it will be later in the day.

02/24/99 - MSU is ranked in the top 30 by the following polls:

Don't forget, the Bulldogs play this afternoon at 3 p.m.

02/21/99 - The MSU baseball and softball teams both won yesterday.

The Diamond Dawgs, 5-1, on a very cold day (wind chills in the 20's), defeated South Florida 18-2 behind the pitching of Scott Polk, Brian Compton and true freshman Adam Larson. Click here to read the complete game details. Sorry, no stats are available due to my not attending the game.

Here is a little info from Joe Dier of MSU's Sports Information Department;

The Bulldogs registered their first shutout of the young season with an 8-0 blanking of Jackson State, and then took two of three games from visiting South Florida. The Bulldogs out-hit the Bulls 37-22 and committed but one error on the weekend. The State defense is presently fielding at a .976 rate.

The Bulldogs own a .356 team batting average six games into the '99 season, with senior right fielder and leadoff hitter Brian Wiese leading the way. Wiese, who in 1998 registered MSU's highest batting mark since Will Clark (.415 in 1985), is hitting .500 (13 of 26) after going 7-for-14 with a double in each of the four games. The Greenwell Springs, La., product went 4-for-5 in Friday's series opener against South Florida and has hit safely in all six MSU games.

Senior righthander Scott Polk (2-0, 1.64) picked up a pair of wins (vs. Jackson State and South Florida) over the past four Bulldog games with 10 strikeouts, two walks, and two runs allowed in 11 innings of mound duty. The Bulldog pitching staff has compiled a 1.83 earned run average through six games.

Mississippi State's March 31 Mayor's Cup matchup with in-state rival Mississippi (6:30 p.m. CT, Smith-Wills Stadium) has been added to FOX Sports South's college baseball lineup. It marks the third consecutive year the Bulldog-Rebel baseball game in Jackson, Miss., has been televised.

Our softball team won the Bulldog Classic with a 1-0 win in 8 innings. Autumn Anderson pitched a 5-hit shutout for her 6th win of the season.

Hitting stars were:

Click here to read the complete game details.

MSU softball is now 8-4 on the season with their next game on February 27th (Saturday) vs Jacksonville State at 10:30 a.m.

02/21/99 - MSU defeated South Florida 8-2 in front of 3,026 fans. MSU blew the game open early with a 6-run second inning as sophomore Josh West hit a 3-run homerun. Cliff Wren, Jon Knott and Chris Curry also knocked in runs during the second.

MSU starting pitcher Hank Thoms went 7 innings, allowing 7 hits, 1 walk, and 1 run while striking out 7.

Hitting heroes were:

Other sports: The softball team defeated Tenn-Chattanooga 3-1. The ladies tennis team also won yesterday. Not a bad day to be a Bulldog, wins in basketball, baseball, softball and tennis. For the lastest news on each of these sports, check the official MSU sites:

02/20/98 - In a game that went down to the final out, MSU (3-1) was defeated 6 to 5 by the South Florida Bulls (3-3). MSU starting pitcher allowed, in 5 innings, 3 runs, 3 hits, and 3 walks while striking out 6. At times, Matt's fastball was clocked in the low 90's. Redshirt freshman Tanner Brock replaced Kevin Donovan and was impressive during the beginning of his pitching stint. In fact, his fastball was clocked at 91 when he struck out a South Florida batter in a crucial situation with men in scoring position. Sophomore Justin Estel came in and closed out the game.

For those of you who are following the progress of Florida transfer Ty Martin, he pinch-hit today and made contact, although it was an out. According to Coach Mac, he took a great swing at the ball. Look for him to continue to pinch-hit as he continues to regain his strength.

Hitting stars for MSU:

MSU and South Florida continue the series with a 1 p.m. game. Look for Hank Thoms to be the starting pitcher for MSU.

02/20/99 - I attended my first MSU softball game today. Our team defeated Northwestern (LA) State 6 to 1 behind the outstanding pitching of Autumn Anderson. Keri McCallum had a 2-run double, Kellie Wilkerson a 3-run triple and Michelle Gates knocked in 1 run with a single.

MSU softball plays again today at 12:30. The opponent will be Tennessee-Chattanooga.

P.S. If any of you would like to see your name on a stadium at MSU, contact MSU Athletic Director Larry Templeton about donating a large sum of money to complete the softball complex. Who knows, he might be willing to do it. This is not a joke. Our softball team deserves a name on their stadium.

02/20/99 - The Mississippi State baseball team will be playing South Alabama in the Dannon/Winn Dixie baseball challenge on Tuesday, March 2nd at Hank Aaron Stadium, home of the Mobile BayBears. The game is scheduled for 6:30 pm.

The Mobile chapter of the MSU Alumni Association will host the Bulldog team for a late dinner after the game at the Stadium Club Room. Alumni and friends are welcome to come visit with the players and mingle. There will be complimentary soft drinks and popcorn available. We'll also be taking donations to help offset the cost of the meal for the team.

The MSU vs. USA game on Wednesday, March 3rd will be played at 2:00 pm at Stanky Field.

Hank Aaron Stadium info can be found at this link: http://www.mobilebaybears.com/aaron98.htm

02/19/99 - The Diamond Dawgs play South Florida beginning at 3 p.m. today. Before going to that game, you ought to go over to the MSU softball field and watch the 1:30 p.m. game between MSU and Northwestern (LA) State. MSU and NW State played each other twice at the start of the season with each team winning one. After this game is over, MSU plays a second game against Evansville beginning at 3:30 p.m. If you are interested in knowing more about our softball team, click here.. A few names to remember: Autumn Anderson, Kellie Wilkerson, Karrie Rider, Michelle Gates and Keri McCallum.

02/19/99 - Advertisement: I would like to thank the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum for becoming my newest advertiser. I highly recommend that you visit them when you are in the Jackson, Mississippi area. Click here to visit their website where you can learn more about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.

02/18/99 - For those of you who don't already know it, Super Bulldog Weekend is the weekend of April 9th - 11th. MSU baseball plays Alabama. There will also be a controlled football scrimmage this year. Make plans on being on campus for a great time with fellow Bulldog fans.

02/17/99 - MSU (3-0) defeated Jackson State 8 to 0 behind the strong pitching of senior Scott Polk and sophomore Justin Estel. Scott went 6 innings, allowing no runs on 3 hits, zero walks while striking out 5. Justin threw 3 strong innings while allowing 0 hits, 1 walk and striking out 2.

The hitting stars were:

Attendance for the game was approximately 1,200.

MSU pitching has now allowed 1 earned run in their first 27 innings. The offense is averaging 13.3 runs per game.

02/17/99 - Advertisement: If you are interested in investing your money, contact Jon Reynolds of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. or Bob Graves of Merrill Lynch.

You can contact Jon, who lives in Pascagoula, at 228-762-5554 (Pascagoula), 228-864-5577 (Gulfport), 800-476-5577 or by email at dog66@ametro.net and Bob, who lives in Jackson, MS., at 601-968-9542 or 800-611-4589 or by email at Bob_Graves@ml.com.

Please show your support for my page by supporting my advertisers.

02/16/99 - Former MSU Head Baseball Coach Ron Polk will be the featured speaker, Monday, February 22nd, at the Corinth High School baseball banquet. All the proceeds will be used to help build a baseball field house. Dinner will be from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm in the Corinth High School cafeteria. The program will start at 7:00 pm in the Corinth High School gym.

02/15/99 - MSU, now 2-0, defeated UNC-Charlotte 8 to 1 behind outstanding pitching for the second day in a row. Hank Thoms pitched 4 innings of 1-hit ball while striking out 3 and walking 3. He allowed one unearned run. Sophomore pitcher Mark Freed threw 2.7 innings, allowing 3 hits, 0 runs, while striking out 2. Brian Compton completed the final 2.3 innings, allowing 1 hit, 0 run, while walking 1 and striking out 1. Thoms was clocked at 84-85 mph while Freed was clocked in the 84-86 range and Compton was clocked in the 87 range while displaying a vicious mid-70's slider.

The hitting heroes were:

Attendance was 2,023 on a beautiful, cool day at Dudy Noble.

Just thought you guys would like to know the status of the outstanding University of Florida transfer Ty Martin. Ty, who had mono, has been cleared by the doctor and began practicing and lifting weights last week and will probably play in a game or two this week. He remains weak but should be fine in 2 to 3 weeks. Not sure if you guys know how highly recruited this youngster was out of high school but the schools that he was going to visit were Alabama, LSU, Minnesota and, of course, Florida. He visited Florida prior to visiting the other three schools mentioned and because he was so impressed with their head coach, decided to commit to them and canceled the other visits.

02/14/99 - MSU defeated UNC-Charlotte 24-1 behind the outstanding pitching of juniors Matt Ginter and Kevin Donovan and freshman Tanner Brock. Matt was clocked as high as 94 mph while staying within the 87 to 91 mph range during his 83-pitch stint. Matt also showed a wicked mid-80's slider. Tanner was clocked in the 88 to 91 mph range during his 20-pitch stint. Another thing that was very impressive about Tanner was his control: 20 pitches, 16 strikes.

Hitting stars for the Bulldogs were many:

Attendance was 2,426 die-hard MSU baseball fans. I say die-hard because it was very cold with temperatures in the low 40's and a strong north wind.

Other tidbits from reliable sources:

I had the chance to talk to a pro scout at the game yesterday. Here are a few of his comments (sorry I can't mention his name):

02/14/99 - From a post by 4State on the IBBC public message board:

"State beat traditional power UNLV 9-1 in 5 innings behind Autumn Anderson's 5 hitter. MSU then went on to crush Utah State 7-2 behind Kayla Calvert. Kellie Wilkerson went 3-6, 3 RBI's, 3 SB. Wilkerson went 10-14 with 6 RBI's on the weekend. Keri McCallum was 4-8 yesterday with 4 doubles and Michelle Gates went 1-2, 3 BB, 1RBI, 4 SB. The Softball Bullies are now 5-3 with the Bulldog Classic (Feb 19-21) next on the agenda."

02/14/99 - The 3rd ranked MSU men's tennis team (3-0) takes on Middle Tenn. State at 1 p.m. today at the MSU Tennis Center.

02/13/99 - Bring your radio and head on out to Dudy Noble today to see the first MSU baseball game of the 1999 season. MSU takes on UNC-Charlotte at 1:00 p.m.

BTW, help MSU baseball continue the tradition of being the best by joining the MSU Dugout Club. Click here for a membership form. Coach McMahon wants MSU to have the largest membership of any college baseball booster club in the nation. LSU now holds that honor with about 450 members. Now come on MSU fans, don't you think MSU baseball deserves that honor? Let's not just break their record, let's totally destroy it with 1,000 members.

02/11/98 - IBBC Vice-President Andy Kalinowski attended "The First Pitch" Reception in my place. I wasn't able to attend due to work. Andy took extensive notes and emailed me his info.

"There were about 400 people in attendance including Brad Freeman and Jeremy Jackson from last years team.

"Jim Ellis introduced the players, and our Athletic Director Larry Templeton.

"Larry introduced the players parents. Many of the parents were there.

"Former MSU Baseball Player and Major Leaguer Alex Grammas challenged the players to devote themselves to the game. He told a lot of stories from his days here at MSU (47-49), and during his days in professional baseball with the Cardinals, Reds, and Cubs.

"Coach Mac introduced former MSU baseball player Frank Montgomery (61-63) who was present on behalf of Coach Paul Gregory. Frank Montgomery still holds MSU's lowest career ERA 1.79 (171.1 innings), and posted a school best 10-0 record in 1962. Frank read a hand written letter from Coach Gregory. Part of the letter read 'one of my biggest thrills in life was pitching in Yankee Stadium against a batting order that included: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Bill Dickey. But the greatest honor in my life came when I was asked to be the baseball coach at my Alma Mater -- Mississippi State. I challenge this Bulldog team to make it back to Omaha and win the College World Series'.

"Coach Mac then asked the players to stand. He told us each player would sign an agreement tomorrow to: achieve academic excellence first and foremost, do the little things well, practice and play hard, be a person of honesty and integrity, have the mental toughness to compete this season, be loyal to the coaching staff, and to trust each other.

"Following the 1998 highlight video, John Grisham introduced Lt. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove. The Lt Gov read a legislative proclamation commending the Bulldogs for a fantastic 1998 season that included: winning the Mayor's Trophy Game, going to the SEC baseball tournament, winning the Regional Tournament, going to the College World Series for the second consecutive year, and achieving academic excellence in the classroom.

"The evening ended with the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" to John Grisham."

02/10/99 - MSU will open its baseball season with "The First Pitch," the Bulldogs' second annual preseason fan festivity, on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. in the Bost Extension Center Auditorium on the MSU campus.

A "meet the players" reception will feature best-selling author John Grisham as master of ceremonies. Ex-Bulldog and big-league manager Alex Grammas will be an honored guest, and former MSU coach Paul Gregory will be the subject of a special tribute.

Tickets for the reception are $20 apiece and may be purchased at the MSU athletic ticket office. Tickets may also be ordered over the phone with an approved credit card at 601-325-2600.

Fellow Bulldog fans show your support by ordering tickets to this MSU baseball fund raiser. Baseball has been good to MSU, so let's return the favor by attending this reception.

02/09/99 - Not exactly baseball news but it does mention a baseball player. Anyway, when a former MSU athlete receives an honor, he or she will find a place on my page.

Michael Cornelius, a member of the MSU track team from 71-75 , will be inducted into the Blount County, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on February 27, 1999. Michael is a United Methodist minister in the Blount County area. The invocation will be given by the current MSU M Club chaplain, Rev. Thomas E. Self (MSU Baseball 47-49). The speaker for the event will be Pat Sullivan, UAB offensive coordinator and former Heisman trophy winner at Auburn.

02/09/99 - More softball facts. Remember, their first home game is Friday, Feb. 19th. Make it if you can.

Junior 3B Michelle Gates (Chowchilla, CA) was selected for the third consecutive year as a top-50 player by USA Softball. Michelle will play in the USA Softball Festival in Fresno, CA in June, 1999. Also playing in the Festival will by freshman Kellie Wilkerson with the Junior National Team.

The Softball Bullies earned a team gpa of 3.28 for the Fall semester. That gpa is for 18 players. Seven were named to the President's List and two others were on the Dean's List.

The USA TODAY'S Preseason Coaches Top 25 Poll was released on Weds. January 27th. MSU received votes, but did not make the top 25. SEC schools listed: LSU (#9), Alabama (#18) and Florida (#19). South Carolina also received votes.

02/08/99 - The softball team defeated Centenary 4 to 1 behind the pitching of Autumn Anderson.

02/08/99 - MSU will open its baseball season with "The First Pitch," the Bulldogs' second annual preseason fan festivity, on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. in the Bost Extension Center Auditorium on the MSU campus.

A "meet the players" reception will feature best-selling author John Grisham as master of ceremonies. Ex-Bulldog and big-league manager Alex Grammas will be an honored guest, and former MSU coach Paul Gregory will be the subject of a special tribute.

Tickets for the reception are $20 apiece and may be purchased at the MSU athletic ticket office. Tickets may also be ordered over the phone with an approved credit card at 601-325-2600.

Fellow Bulldog fans show your support by ordering tickets to this MSU baseball fund raiser. Baseball has been good to MSU, so let's return the favor by attending this reception.

02/08/99 - MSU softball leaves Wed, Feb. 10th for the prestigious Fiesta Bowl Tournament in Phoenix, AZ (2/12-14). On Feb 12th State will play #16 California at 9 am, #3 UCLA at 1 pm and New Mexico State at 3:30 pm. On Feb 13th MSU will play UNLV at 1pm and Utah State at 3:30. This tournament will be a great test for the Bulldogs. Other SEC teams participating: Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.

Freshman OF/LHP Kellie Wilkerson (Jacksonville, FL) has been selected to play on the Junior (under 19) USA National Team. This team will represent the USA in the Junior World Championship in Taipei in June, 1999.

Senior RHP Autumn Anderson (Farmington, NM) was the ninth pick in the Women's Professional Softball League's annual draft in December. Autumn was picked by the Durham (NC) Dragons. She will consider this opportunity AFTER the MSU season!

02/07/99 - From one of you:

"The Softball Bullies split with Northwestern State yesterday on the road. State lost the opener 1-0 in 8 innings. Autumn Anderson took a very tough loss (8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER). MSU won the nightcap 3-1, as freshman Kayla Calvert got her first college win and fellow freshman Kellie Wilkerson got the save. SS Karrie Rider went 4 for 6 and was flawless defensively with 15 chances in the double-header. MSU outhit NWU in both games but couldn't find a way to score in the first game. State plays at Centenary today at 12 pm."

If you live in the Centenary area, go out and support our Softball team.

Sorry, I couldn't make the baseball scrimmage yesterday. Mary Ann has a touch of pneumonia and I am nursing her back to health. She is improving daily.

02/06/99 - Don't forget, the Diamond Dawgs will scrimmage sometime this afternoon. Also, don't forget to call the ticket office (601-325-2600) and order tickets for the "The First Pitch" reception. For additional info on the reception go to my post below by clicking here.

02/05/99 - Starting Saturday, the Dudy Noble Field outfield will begin filling up with Left Field and Right Field loungers' vehicles and other assorted things. If you have the time, come on out and watch them move in. The Diamond Dawgs will also be scrimmaging sometime during the afternoon.

02/05/99 - Here is a little MSU softball info for you. More will be posted in during the next few days. Support the softball team by attending their games this season.

Softball performed a half-time pitching demonstration during the MSU-Alabama basketball game on Weds Feb 3rd. It was well received by the Bulldog faithful--even a standing ovation from some!

The softball team leaves on Friday for Natchitoches, LA --opening day is on Saturday vs. Northwestern State, the defending Southland Conf champion. State will also play on Sunday vs. Centenary in Shreveport. Game time on Saturday is 11am and on Sunday it's 12 pm. Autumn Anderson will start game 1 vs NW State, freshman Kayla Calvert will start the 2nd game. Sunday remains undecided as to who will pitch (it's a single game only). The plan is to use hard-throwing freshman lefty Kellie Wilkerson in relief.

The Bulldogs have been picked to finish 3rd in the West in the SEC preseason coaches poll. LSU is favored to win it's 3rd West title and it's first SEC softball championship. Florida is favored in the East. Alabama edged out the Bulldogs for 2nd in the West. Mississippi and Auburn tied for 5th in the West.

More to come the next few days.

02/04/99 - MSU will open its baseball season with "The First Pitch," the Bulldogs' second annual preseason fan festivity, on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m. in the Bost Extension Center Auditorium on the MSU campus.

A "meet the players" reception will feature best-selling author John Grisham as master of ceremonies. Ex-Bulldog and big-league manager Alex Grammas will be an honored guest, and former MSU coach Paul Gregory will be the subject of a special tribute.

Tickets for the reception are $20 apiece and may be purchased at the MSU athletic ticket office. Tickets may also be ordered over the phone with an approved credit card at 601-325-2600.

Fellow Bulldog fans show your support by ordering tickets to this MSU baseball fund raiser. Baseball has been good to MSU, so let's return the favor by attending this reception.

02/04/99 - I attended baseball practice for a few minutes prior to going to the recruiting party at Harvey's. A few tidbits:

Jon Knott made a great defensive play at first base. Shane Kelly hit a shot out to left-center field which he got a double out of. If there had not been a runner on base, he would have easily gotten a triple. Transfer Ty Martin has mono. I'm not sure how long he will be out. Former Bulldog Jeremy Jackson was at the practice. He will be playing in A ball this season. He wasn't sure what club he would be playing on. That will be determined in spring practice.

02/03/99 - A little more on signees King and Butler:

Baseball America lists Matthew Butler as the second hardest throwing high school pitcher in the nation (94 mph fastball) and Brennan King as the third best defensive player in the country.

02/03/99 - Advertisement: If you live in the Jackson, Mississippi area, check with MSU fan Bob Graves, of Merrill Lynch Investment Company, for great investment opportunities. You can contact him by phone at 601-968-9542 (local), 800-611-4589 (out of Jackson) or by email at Bob_Graves@ml.com. Tell him Gene sent you.

02/02/99 - Our very own Matt Ginter was projected by Baseball America as the 10th best major league prospect in the upcoming draft. According to them, he will be drafted in the first round. They mention that all 1st round drafts should earn at least a $1,000,000 bonus this year. Good luck, Matt.

In the not so good category: Two of MSU's high school signees are expected to be very high draft picks. In fact one of them, Matt Butler, is projected as a 1st round draft pick. He is projected as the 24th best player overall. Another player, Brennan King, is projected as the 17th best high school player. BTW, Matt is projected as the 12th best high school player overall. The good news is no other MSU signee was included in the Top 100 high school players. Let's hope we can keep it a secret about how good the other signees are.

02/01/99 - If you have the chance, go out and watch our softball team practice. Practice starts at 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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