Starkville, Mississippi, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University will honor its baseball alumni with the inaugural Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic at Dudy Noble Field. On November 7, 48 former players will participate in a game starting at 7 p.m. This celebration follows the Bulldog Initiative Dawgs Grand Slam Golf Event, held a day earlier. Team Thunder, managed by Will Clark, and Team Lightning, led by Rafael Palmeiro, will showcase a host of notable MLB alumni. The event underscores the university’s rich baseball history and networking for its alumni.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University will celebrate its esteemed baseball alumni at the inaugural Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic on November 7 at Dudy Noble Field, a venue often referred to as “The Carnegie Hall of College Baseball.”
The event is set to commence with a condensed game at 7 p.m., and tickets are currently on sale for interested attendees. This celebration follows the Bulldog Initiative Dawgs Grand Slam Golf Event, which kicks off on November 6 at the Mossy Oak Golf Club with a noon shotgun start.
Participating Teams and Notable Players
A total of 48 former Mississippi State baseball players will take part, divided into two teams: Team Thunder and Team Lightning. Both teams will be guided by legendary alumni, with Will Clark managing Team Thunder and Rafael Palmeiro at the helm of Team Lightning.
Among the notable current Major Leaguers participating are Adam Frazier and Jake Mangum, while former big-leaguers include Mitch Moreland, Jonathan Papelbon, Hunter Renfroe, Travis Chapman, and Tyler Moore. Notably, Moreland and Papelbon will serve as team captains for their respective teams.
Impressive Player Statistics
Both rosters boast impressive credentials, with 42 players either actively playing or having played professionally. Collectively, the teams include 30 College World Series participants, nine All-Americans, six national champions, three MLB All-Stars, two World Series champions, and one first-round draft pick.
Coaching Staff Highlights
The coaching staff consists of several former MLB players, including:
- Team Lightning: Jonathan Holder, Paul Maholm, Konnor Pilkington, Jay Powell, Landon Sims
- Team Thunder: Jeff Brantley, Scott Clark, Trent Intorcia, Chris Stratton, Bobby Thigpen
Team Rosters
The rosters for Team Thunder and Team Lightning are as follows:
- Team Thunder: Thomas Berkery, Ben Bracewell, Jet Butler, Travis Chapman, Brad Cumbest, Todd Doolittle, Adam Frazier, Zac Houston, Connor Hujsak, Reid Humphreys, Keegan James, Preston Johnson, Jake Mangum, Ross Mitchell, Tyler Moore, Mitch Moreland, Hunter Renfroe, Nick Routt, Jaron Shepherd, Dustin Skelton, Brayland Skinner, Blake Smith, Wes Thigpen, Brandon Turner, Aaron Weatherford.
- Team Lightning: Luke Alexander, Tanner Allen, Jacob Billingsley, Kellum Clark, Jeff Flagg, Marshall Gilbert, Cole Gordon, Luke Hancock, Grant Hogue, Devin Jones, Dakota Jordan, Elijah MacNamee, Zach Neff, Jonathan Ogden, Peyton Plumlee, Connor Powers, Spencer Price, Hunter Renfroe, Brandon Smith, Russ Sneed, Hunter Stovall, Nick Vickerson, Colby White.
Background of the Event
Mississippi State University’s baseball program has a storied history, with numerous players achieving significant accomplishments on both collegiate and professional levels. The Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic not only celebrates the achievements of past players but also serves as a networking opportunity for alumni and baseball enthusiasts alike. The inclusion of experienced players and coaches in this event highlights the ongoing legacy and community surrounding Mississippi State baseball.
FAQ
What is the Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic?
The Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic is an event celebrating former Mississippi State baseball players, featuring a game on November 7.
Where is the event taking place?
The event will take place at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville, Mississippi.
What time does the game start?
The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
How many former players will participate?
A total of 48 former Mississippi State baseball players will participate in the event, divided into two teams.
Who are the team coaches?
Will Clark will manage Team Thunder, while Rafael Palmeiro will lead Team Lightning.
What is the Bulldog Initiative Dawgs Grand Slam Golf Event?
The Bulldog Initiative Dawgs Grand Slam Golf Event is scheduled for November 6 at the Mossy Oak Golf Club with a noon shotgun start.
Key Features of the Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | November 7 |
| Location | Dudy Noble Field, Starkville, Mississippi |
| Game Start Time | 7 p.m. |
| Number of Participants | 48 former players |
| Teams | Team Thunder and Team Lightning |
| Coaches | Will Clark (Team Thunder), Rafael Palmeiro (Team Lightning) |
| Previous Golf Event | Bulldog Initiative Dawgs Grand Slam Golf Event (November 6) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Columbus-Tupelo Area Hosts Thrilling High School Football Weekend
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Set for New Season
Mississippi State Bulldogs Upset No. 10 Wake Forest in Soccer
Mississippi State Women’s Soccer Team Defeats Wake Forest
Mississippi State Football Looks to Improve Roster for Upcoming Season
Mississippi State Bulldogs Secure Victory Over Wake Forest
A Lifelong Commitment to Mississippi State Athletics
Additional Resources
- Mississippi State Baseball Event News
- Clarion Ledger: MSU NCAA Regional Schedule
- Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss vs MSU Series
- New York Times: Dodgers Payroll Insights
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball Highlights
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball 2025
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State University
- Google News: Mississippi State Baseball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
