| 1996 | Oct | Nov | Dec | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 1998 | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 1999 | Jan | Feb |
Polls:
Baseball America Top 25 -- Collegiate Baseball Top 25 -- USA Today/ESPN Top 25 -- The Sporting News Top 25
03/11/99 Go here to view pictures of the Dudy Noble Stadium expansion. As I mentioned earlier, I will have weekly updates each Monday or Tuesday.03/31/99 - I'm sure a lot of you will enjoy this article and photos by Winchester Sun Sports Editor Jeff Kerr. Click here to go to the article. If you would like to thank Jeff for the article and photos his email address is jk@winchestersun.com.
03/31/99 - Don't forget 9th ranked MSU and Ole Miss play the Mayor's Trophy game tonight at 6:30 p.m. It will televised on Fox/SportsSouth. The IBBC and the Greater Jackson Bulldog Boosters will have tailgate parties going on so stop by and say hello. All Bulldog fans are welcome.
03/30/99 - MSU is ranked 11th in the latest Collegiate Baseball poll, up from 13th last week. They are ranked 9th in the latest USA TODAY Baseball Weekly/ ESPN Coaches Top 25 Poll, up from 12th. Baseball America has not posted their latest poll but I expect MSU to move up to 14th or 15th. BTW, MSU's next opponent, Auburn is a consensus number 2 ranked team. I will say it again, please make plans on being at MSU this weekend. Our basebal team needs and deserves your support. We fans do make a difference.
03/30/99 - I noticed there have been comments on my MSU sports message board about Walnut HS junior SS/P Trave Hopkins. Here is the latest my sources have provided me about Trave:
03/29/99 - MSU defeated Kentucky 11 to 6 yesterday to take the away SEC series 2 games to 1. MSU was the only SEC team to take an away series this past weekend. Out Bulldogs are now 22-4 on the season (second best record of all SEC schools), 5-3 in the SEC West (4th place). MSU is now 2 games behind West Division leading Auburn which comes to MSU for an extremely important series this weekend. Make sure you are planning on attending this crucial series. We fans can and do make a difference by being at the games.
For more info on yesterday's game, click here.
03/29/99 - Here are names of four Mississippi high school players who I suspect will play on the D-I level in college:
03/29/99 - Advertisement: Check out TradeWind Industries' website if you are looking for a whirlpool bath or other bathroom fixtures. Click here to go to their website. If you live in the Orlando area or are visiting Orlando on April 16-18, go by and visit TradeWind's representatives at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show '99. Their booth number is 6073.
03/28/99 - For details of yesterday's Bulldog victory over Kentucky click here. The final game is at 1 p.m. today. Our Bulldogs are now 21-4 on the season, 4-3 in the SEC.
03/28/99 - For details of Friday's softball split with #9 ranked South Carolina click here. For Saturday's info about MSU's sweep of Georgia click here.
Leading hitters were:
Team record is now 19-14, 4-4 in the SEC. Next games are 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 12 noon. Both are against Arkansas and at home.
03/27/99 - Kentucky put it to the Bulldogs last night 12 to 6. Matt Ginter, obviously without his best stuff, was shelled for 8 runs in 3.1 innings last night. Those type games happen. Time for the Bulldogs to forget about it and come back out today and play like they are capable of playing.
03/26/99 - MSU takes on Kentucky tonight in Lexington. Good luck Dawgs.
BTW, did you know our very own Matt Ginter has, possibly, the top breaking pitch in college baseball this year. This info comes from an in-the-know member of a major league baseball organization.
03/26/99 - The softball team plays #9 South Carolina today beginning at 4 p.m. On Saturday, they play a doubleheader against Georgia beginning at 2 p.m. Head on over to State this weekend to see our softball team play some top notch competition.
03/26/99 - The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Museum is sponsoring a couple of events in April. Here are the details.
1. Mayor's Trophy Game - The Museum will be extending their hours until 6:30 p.m. and if you bring in your ticket to the game or ad from the Dawgs' Bite, you can get in for the discounted admission price of $3.(save $2)
2. On April 13th they are trying something new called the Sports Media Face-Off. It will pit 3 members of the Clarion-Ledger (Mike Knobler, Rick Cleveland, and Orley Hood), 3 members of Sports Radio (Jeff Morton from WJDS, Russ Robinson and Bryan Eubanks from WSLI), 3 TV Sportscasters (one each from WAPT, WJTV, and WLBT) and an at-large public team (drawn by the radio stations) against each other in a Sports Trivia Show. The game show will be covered live on WSLI. They will also have a jazz band called the Organics performing and the Mississippi College and Hinds Community College Cheerleaders cheering on the contestants. Tickets are $10 and limited because of space.
03/24/99 - MSU (20-3), off to their best start in 20 years, defeated Samford 11-1. Phillip Willingham had a big night going 3 for 5 with a double and triple. A very nice Tuesday night crowd of 1,793 attended the game. The Bulldogs are off until Friday night when they play Kentucky at Lexington.
03/24/99 - MSU baseball signee Jeff Lacher, a RHP/OF from Hattiesburg, singled, doubled, tripled and threw a no-hitter against Laurel and homered twice against Wayne County to earn The Clarion-Ledger's Player of the Week for the week of March 15-21. Jeff is batting around .400 with 5 home runs and is 5-0 on the mound for the Tigers.
03/24/99 - Our softball team lost 3 of 4 against Ole Miss last weekend.
In game 1, MSU was ahead 4-1 with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th, with two runners on and the lead-off hitter at bat with a 3-2 count. Wouldn't you know it, she hit a home run to tie the game. Ole Miss would eventually win the game in the 11th inning. MSU, feeling a let down from the first game, lost the second game 4-1.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs came out on fire and defeated the Rebels 8-0 in 5 innings. Keri McCallum had a double and Kellie Wilkerson hit a 3-run homer. Autumn Anderson pitched a 2-hitter. In the second game Ole Miss turned the tables and defeated out Bulldogs 8-0.
The softball team plays at home this weekend. Friday, they play against #9 South Carolina. The doubleheader begins at 4 p.m. They play a doubleheader against Georgia beginning at 2 p.m. Head on over to State this weekend to see our softball team play some top notch competition.
Bulldog Bites from the press guide and the official MSU stats:
03/23/99 - Just thought you would enjoy looking at some pictures of MSU's victory over South Carolina Sunday:
MSU is now ranked 12th, 13th and 16th in the three baseball polls, up from last week's 12th, 16th and 18th.
03/22/99 - Our 12th ranked Bulldog, trailing 6-2 going into the 9th inning, found a way to win with a thrilling bottom of the 9th inning come from behind 7-6 victory over 25th ranked South Carolina. Florida transfer Ty Martin came up with the game winning 2-run hit. The reaction of our players and fans (2,139) was something to behold. You had to be there to truly feel it. Once again, MSU made a few errors to put themselves into such a huge hole but, on this day, they found a way to win. This team, now 19-3 on the season and expected to continue to move up in the polls, truly has a chance to be something special.
Thanks to Joe Dier of MSU Media Relations for the following info:
GINTER SPARKLES AGAIN -- Mississippi State junior righthander Matt Ginter of Winchester, Ky., has solidified his standing as one of the nation's top collegiate hurlers in 1999. Ginter (5-1, 1.31), who tossed a complete-game two-hitter in a 5-1 win at Georgia (Mar. 12), went the distance again in a 13-0 MSU win over No. 25 South Carolina. Ginter three-hit the Gamecocks, who entered the game sporting the SEC's third-highest team batting average. It was Ginter's third career route-going performance and his second complete-game shutout of South Carolina. He leads the team with 48 strikeouts over 41.1 innings and holds opponents to a .126 batting average. He is 2-0 with an 0.50 ERA and 20 strikeouts in SEC competition.
BULLDOGS CLAIM SEC SERIES WITH SOUTH CAROLINA -- Ty Martin's two-run double with two out in the ninth inning lifted Mississippi State to a 7-6 win over South Carolina and gave MSU a 2-1 advantage in the weekend series. State came within a few feet of recording a similar finish in Game 2 of the series, won 4-3 by the Gamecocks. Travis Chapman's two-out, bases-loaded fly ball to left field was hauled in at the fence to end the late-game dramatics. State claimed the series opener 13-0 for the team's fourth shutout win of the campaign. State hit .295 (31 of 105) with eight doubles, two triples and two home runs while out-scoring USC 23-10. MSU pitching gave up only five earned runs while recording 27 strikeouts and posting a 1.67 team ERA.
MSU NOTES: The Bulldog pitching staff paced the SEC in team ERA prior to last weekend's series with South Carolina, and another solid collection of performances by the Bulldog hurlers will likely keep State atop the league pitching charts. MSU pitchers have given up only five earned runs in their past four outings, trimming the team ERA to 2.24 ... Junior catcher Chris Curry (.383) has taken over the team RBI lead with 29. Curry went 5-for-13 (.385) with a double and a home run and drove in five runs against South Carolina. He delivered a clutch two-run, bases-loaded ninth-inning single to begin a five-run Bulldog rally in State's 7-6 win over South Carolina. For the week Curry went 7-for-15 with three doubles, a home run and nine RBI.
03/22/99 - The Birmingham chapter of the MSU Alumni Association on the 20th of April will relocate the Left field Lounge to UAB field when the MSU Bulldogs take on the UAB Blazers. Everyone is asked to bring their lawn chairs and their favorite food and coolers. The grills will be fired up and ready with hot dogs and other great food. Two years ago there were about 1,000 people at the game and 850 were MSU fans. They would like to break the record and have over 1,000 MSU fans sign in. Contact Terry Clem by email at tclem@bellsouth.net if you need additional.
03/21/99 - South Carolina defeated MSU 4 to 3 last night. The game ended with Travis Chapman missing a grand slam home run by 6 feet. I was in left field when the ball was hit and the left fielder was about 3 feet from the wall when he caught it.
We had our chances but couldn't come through with a clutch hit and made errors (5 of them) which USC turned into runs. Gotta come back today and win the series. The game starts at 1 p.m. Come on out and help the Diamond Dawgs gain a victory over a very good South Carolina team.
03/20/99 - MSU defeated South Carolina 13-0. Junior pitcher Matt Ginter went the distance, scattering 3 hits, walking 4, hitting 2 and striking out 9. Matt, during the first couple of innings, was throwing in the 90-93 mph range. There were at least seven scouts with jugs or radar guns checking him out. Matt has allowed 5 hits in his last two starts, both complete game performances. Matt has now pitched 41.1 innings, given up 17 hits, walked 18, struck out 48 and allowed opposing hitters a .122 batting average.
Hitting stars:
MSU, now 18-2 overall, 2-1 in the SEC, take on USC at 5 p.m. today, weather permitting.
03/19/99 - 12th ranked Miss State takes on 25th ranked South Carolina at 6:30 tonight at Dudy Noble Field / Polk-DeMent Stadium. Hope to see everyone there.
03/19/99 - I wonder if MSU baseball coaches are checking out any of these three pitchers.
Marshall Academy's Michael Novarese pitched Tuesday against Lee Academy, absorbing the 10-3 loss while striking out 11, walking 4 and allowing 2 hits. 10 errors did him in. Burch, who pitched on Wednesday against Fayette Academy (Somerville, TN), threw a no-hit, 6-inning shutout (13 K's, 2 walks). Paul Maholm threw on Thursday and had a 5-inning, no-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking 3. Paul Maholm's record is 2-1 with 37 K's and 6 walks while allowing 3 hits in 3 games.
03/18/99 - Here are the latest MSU rankings:
03/17/99 - Our 12th ranked Bulldogs defeated Alcorn 21-1 yesterday behind the no-hitting performance of pitchers Scott Polk, Justin Estel and Brian Compton.
Hitting stars were:
03/17/99 - Advertisement: Check out Optical 2000's website if you live in the Jackson, Canton, Ridgeland or Clinton, MS. area and are looking for glasses, contacts or just need an eye exam.
03/15/99 - Thanks to Joe Dier of MSU Media Relations for this info:
SUCCESSFUL ROAD TRIP: Though rain curtailed it by a game, Mississippi State enjoyed a successful extended road trip over the last six days, posting its first series sweep at New Orleans since 1972 (11-7 & 8-5) and splitting a pair of pitching duels at Georgia (5-1 & 1-4) on the opening weekend of Southeastern Conference competition.
GINTER TOSSES GEM AT GEORGIA: MSU All-American junior righthander Matt Ginter (4-1, 1.67) turned in his most impressive outing of the young season, tossing a complete-game two-hitter in MSU's 5-1 win at Georgia. The Winchester, Ky., native, who leads the MSU staff with 39 strikeouts over 32.1 innings, fanned a season-high 11 at Georgia, the second-highest single-game strikeout total of his career and recorded his second career complete-game.
SERIES SWEEP AT UNO: Mississippi State's two-game series sweep at the University of New Orleans (Mar. 9-10) marked the first time MSU has taken a series at UNO since 1972. The Bulldogs belted six home runs, three triples and five doubles while MSU pitchers struck out 20 batters in the two-game set.
MSU NOTES: MSU's series-opening win at Georgia (Mar. 12) extended the Bulldogs' win streak to 13 games, tying (1970, 1976 and 1981) for the third-longest win streak in MSU's 109 seasons of baseball. The 1985 MSU edition pieced together a 14-game winning streak and the 1987 team bettered that with a school-record 15 consecutive wins ... Junior shortstop Travis Chapman (.462, 6 doubles, 13 RBI) went 6-for-12 (.500) with two RBI, a double, three walks and a sacrifice fly last week to solidify his spot atop the Bulldog batting charts ... Senior first baseman Cliff Wren (.397) extended his on-going hit streak to all 16 of his MSU games played with an infield single in Saturday's game at Georgia ... The Bulldogs average 11.8 runs scored and 3.1 runs allowed per game and have hit 55 doubles ... Mississippi State lofted 37 sacrifice flies in 65 games last spring, and through 18 games in 1999 have delivered 23, four each by catcher Chris Curry and team RBI leader (26 RBI) Jon Knott.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEE
Matt Ginter (6-2, 215, Junior, Righthanded pitcher, Winchester, Ky.): Picked up his fourth win in as many starts this season with a 5-1 route-going two-hit performance at the University of Georgia. It was his (and MSU's) second complete-game effort in the past two seasons. Ginter struck out a season-high 10. The two hits included a fly ball double when the covering outfielder slipped on wet turf and a bunt single. Ginter has limited opponents to a .128 batting mark in seven outings.
For Joe's complete info, click here to go to the official MSU baseball site.
03/14/99 - MSU was defeated by Georgia 4 to 1 yesterday. Our Bulldogs, now 16-2 on the season, take on Georgia, weather permitting, today at 1 p.m. central time.
03/13/99 - MSU defeated Georgia (11-6) 5-1 last night behind junior Matt Ginter's 11-strikeout, 2-hit performance. Matt also hit one batter and walked 6. Georgia's starting and losing pitcher, Chris Clark defeated the University of Miami 4-3 at Miami in his last start. MSU, winning their 13th straight game, played errorless ball.
Hitting stars were:
MSU and Georgia play at 1:00 p.m. central time today. Senior Hank Thoms will start the game for the MSU Bulldogs.
03/12/99 - 13th ranked MSU Baseball takes on the 11-5 Georgia Bulldogs at Athens tonight.
03/12/99 - MSU Softball, now ranked 27th and climbing, will begin play in the Frost Cutlery Tournament in Chattanooga, TN. today. They play at 9:30 a.m vs. Jacksonville State, 11:30 a.m. vs. Kentucky and 6:00 p.m. vs. #32 ranked Southern Mississippi. On Saturday they play Centenary at 9:30 a.m. and #30 ranked Missouri at 1:00 p.m. The games are being played at Frost Stadium and Borg-Warner Park in Chattanooga. Other teams of note in the tournament are #1 ranked UCLA, Alabama, UT-Chattanooga, Winthrop and Mercer. If you live in the Chattanooga area, go out and watch your MSU softball team. Let them know you are a Bulldog fan by wearing your MSU clothes.
Here are a few softball tidbits:
03/11/99 - MSU defeated New Orleans 8 to 5 behind the pitching of freshman Adam Larson who was the winning pitcher. Senior Scott Polk picked up a save. Brian Wiese and Jamie Rock hit home runs.
MSU, now 15-1, travel to Athens, Georgia for their first SEC series.
03/10/99 - 13th ranked MSU, now 14-1, defeated New Orleans 11 to 7 to record their 11th straight victory. MSU batters hit four home runs, including homers by Brian Wiese, Ty Martin, Josh West and Ryan McGrath. Ryan also got a basehit, was hit by a pitch twice and walked once. Daron Wright also had a couple of hits, 2 runs scored and an RBI. Winning pitcher Brian Compton pitched the first 5 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 walk. He also struck out 9. For complete details, go to the official MSU site by clicking here.
MSU, now 3-0 on the road, face New Orleans in the second game of the 2-game series today at 3 p.m.
P.S. Did you know only 2 other MSU teams since 1948 have started the season with as good a record as this year's team? They were the 1985 (50-15, CWS participant) and 1993 (41-21, Regional participant) teams. Did you also know that after 15 games, last year's MSU team was 11-4?
If you want to help Coach McMahon continue to build MSU Baseball into something special, join the MSU Dugout Club today. Click here to go to a membership application.
03/09/99 - Our Diamond Dogs, now 13-1, continue to move up in the polls:
Don't forget, they play New Orleans tonight at 7 p.m in New Orleans.
03/08/99 - MSU, behind the 4-hit pitching of Sophomore Mark Freed (1st start of the year) and junior Matt Ginter, defeated Siena 7 to 3. Mark threw 3 innings, allowing 2 unearned runs, 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 4. Matt threw 6 innings, striking out 8.
Hitting starts were:
For additional game info, click here. MSU, riding a 10-game win streak, take on the University of New Orleans, Tuesday, 7 p.m. in New Orleans.
03/08/99 - Our softball team, now 15-7 on the season, won three games Saturday and lost one Sunday at the Speedline Tournament.
Hitting stars:
Pitching starts:
Keri McCallum and Michelle Gates were named to the all-tournament team.
For additional game info, click here.
03/07/99 - MSU, defeated Siena College 5 to 1 behind the strong pitching of Hank Thoms. Hank pitched 6 innings of 2-hit, 1-run ball while striking out 8 (second straight 8 strikeout game) and walking 2. Scott Polk pitched the final 3 innings, striking out 5. Jon Knott helped Hank's cause with 3 RBI's including a 2-run double in the bottom of the 5th. MSU, winners of 9 straight games, played errorless ball for the 3rd straight game. For the complete game summary, click here to go to MSU's official baseball site.
03/07/99 - MSU softball split two games Friday at the Speedline Tournament. The Bulldogs lost to #14 ranked Michigan, 9 to 3, then defeated #41 ranked Hofstra, 4 to 1. Kayla Calvert picked up the victory while Kellie Wilkerson, through Friday, has an 18 game hitting streak. The Bulldogs are now 12-6 on the season prior to Saturday's games. For the complete game summary, click here to go to MSU's official softball site.
Leading MSU hitters are:
Leading MSU pitchers are:
MSU, now 12-6, is hitting .302 with 30 stolen bases. Their opponents are hitting .244 with 8 stolen bases.
03/06/99 - The Diamond Dogs take on Siena College at 2 p.m. today. Bring your radio headset and listen to the basketball game while watching the baseball game.
03/06/99 - The MSU softball team, now 11-5 on the year, won two games Thursday, 5-1 over Georgia and 2-1 over Florida State. For complete details, visit the official MSU site by clicking here.
03/05/99 - The latest word on the two injured Bulldog players, Brian Wiese and Daron Wright, is they continue to be day-to-day. As I find out additional info, I will post it on this page.
I don't know how many of you remember my post about what a MLB scout said about this years' team so I'll refresh your memory. He said this is a talented team which is going to surprise a lot of folks. In fact, he said he would be booking a room for a regional if he were a Bulldog fan.
03/05/99 - Did you know in the latest edition of Baseball America, MSU signees Brennan King (SS, Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and Matt Butler (P, Hattiesburg, Miss.) were 1st (King) and 2nd (Butler) Team All-Americans? Both of these players were selected as the best player in each of their states.
This is what they had to say about King:
"Strengths: Complete range of defensive skills, athletic balance. Weaknesses: Strength, speed.
"His forte is defense. He's a tall, angular athlete with smooth actions, excellent hands and above-average arm strength. He makes all the plays with a minimum of flair and is more impressive when seen over a number of games. King's performance with a wood bat at the Area Code Games raised his stock with many scouts. Though he still needs to get stronger, he showed quickness in his swing and the ability to drive the ball to the gaps."
03/04/99 - MSU once again defeated South Alabama. The Bulldogs, after the 9-7 victory, are 11-1 for the season. Senior Brian Compton, after a shaky 3.2 innings, was relieved by junior Kevin Donovan, who pitched 5.3 innings, allowing 1 run, 1 hit and 2 walks, while striking out 7. Senior Chris Lotterhos had a clutch 2-out base hit to knock in the go ahead run in the top of the 9th inning. Sophomore Josh West also had a clutch 2-out hit in the 9th to knock in an insurance run. Then, junior Ty Martin hit another clutch 2-out single but Josh was thrown out at the plate on a perfect throw.
Hitting stars were:
Senior Brian Wiese, hit by a pitch twice during the game, was taken out of the game due to an injury suffered after being hit. Junior Daron Wright has a minor back injury and was not in the lineup due to that. Both players are day to day. The Bulldogs, committing no errors once again, continue to field at a tremendous .970+ clip (.976 to .977 range is my guess).
03/03/99 - South Alabama made a game of it the last couple of innings, but the Diamond Dogs won 10 to 7. MSU, now 10-1, was led at the plate by Brian Wiese who hit two home runs and knocked in 3 runs. Cliff Wren hit a monster home run and a double. Daron Wright had 3 hits and an RBI. Chris Lotterhos had a couple of hits. Starter Matt Ginter, who didn't have his best stuff, pitched 5.3 innings and picked up the victory. For complete details click here.
MSU and South Alabama complete the 2-game series today at 2:30.
03/03/99 - MSU baseball signees help their team to victory. MSU signee Matt Butler (consistent 88-90 mph fastball, 92 tops) pitched 4 innings of no-hit baseball before giving way to Hattiesburg HS's other MSU signee Jeff Lacher, who allowed one hit.
0303/99 - MSU softball tidbits:
03/02/99 - MSU (9-1) has climbed to 14th in the latest Baseball Weekly/ESPN Coaches Poll, 20th in the Collegiate Baseball Poll and 23rd in the Baseball America Poll. Did you also know MSU is off to it's best start since 1995.
Other MSU Tidbits via Joe Dier of MSU Media Relations:
Players batting over .400:
MSU takes on South Alabama tonight at 6:30 at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
03/01/99 - MSU defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 27 to 4. Senior Scott Polk pitched the first five inning, allowing 6 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, while striking out 5. Sophomore Mark Freed and freshman Tanner Brock (87 to 89 mph fastball) also pitched.
Hitting stars were:
I went over to the Tennis match after 7.5 innings so the stats aren't complete. BTW, our tennis team was defeated by LSU 4 to 3. I attended the doubles matches prior to the MSU baseball game and came away very impressed with college tennis. It really is exciting to watch. Unlike pro tennis, you can cheer for your team. You ought to attend a match.
For those who didn't know this, MSU's number one tennis player, sophomore Marco Baron, has been unable to play for a few weeks. I was told he should be healthy enough to play in about a week.
