Starkville, Mississippi, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State University’s baseball program highlights the achievements of its alumni as fall scrimmages approach. With 71 MLB players and 20 first-round draft picks, the program showcases the success of 52 active players, including 13 in the MLB this season. Notable names include Adam Frazier and Brent Rooker. The fall scrimmages begin with a game against Louisiana Tech, led by new head coach Brian O’Connor, aiming to continue the program’s rich history.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s baseball program is celebrating its impressive history in Major League Baseball (MLB) by highlighting its alumni’s current successes as the fall scrimmages approach. The program boasts a remarkable record, having produced 71 players who have participated in MLB history and 20 first-round draft picks.
Currently, 52 former players are active in professional baseball, with 13 of them playing in the MLB this season. Among these prominent alumni are:
- Adam Frazier (Kansas City Royals) – .265 batting average, 5 home runs, and 34 runs batted in.
- Brent Rooker (Athletics) – .270 batting average, 26 home runs, and a notable 74 runs batted in.
- Jordan Westburg (Baltimore Orioles) – .276 batting average, 15 home runs, and 34 runs batted in; currently on the injured list.
- Brandon Woodruff (Milwaukee Brewers) – 4-1 record with a 2.47 earned run average (ERA) while limiting opponents to a .167 batting average.
Another noteworthy player is Nathaniel Lowe (Boston Red Sox), who recently signed on August 18 and has been performing well with a .357 batting average since his arrival. Additionally, former players have made their mark in coaching roles, such as Travis Chapman serving as the first base coach for the Yankees and Carlisle Koestler working as a pitching coach for the Rangers in the Dominican Republic.
In a sign of the program’s ongoing influence, seven players were drafted from the 2025 Mississippi State baseball squad, including Pico Kohn, Evan Siary, and Jacob Pruitt. Additionally, standout alumnus Brent Rooker participated in the 2025 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, while Jurrangelo Cijntje represented MSU in the MLB Futures Game.
The Mississippi State baseball program will kick off its fall scrimmages with a matchup against Louisiana Tech on November 1, 2025, at Dudy Noble Field. They will also play against Florida State on October 18, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Preceding these events, practices are set to commence on September 19, 2025. Louisiana Tech ended the previous season with a record of 32-25 but failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
Under the guidance of new head coach Brian O’Connor, the team aims to integrate existing players into the rich history and culture of the program, fostering emotional connections during team meetings. Performance statistics for these players are monitored weekly on HailState.com, showcasing the professional achievements of its alumni.
FAQ
How many players from Mississippi State have played in MLB?
Mississippi State has produced a total of 71 players who have participated in MLB history.
How many former players are currently active in professional baseball?
This year, there are 52 former players actively playing in professional baseball, with 13 of them in the MLB.
When do fall scrimmages for Mississippi State baseball commence?
The fall scrimmages are set to begin with a game against Louisiana Tech on November 1, 2025.
Who is the new head coach for Mississippi State baseball?
The new head coach is Brian O’Connor, who aims to incorporate players into the historic culture of the program.
Key Features of Mississippi State Baseball
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total MLB Players | 71 players |
| First-Round Draft Picks | 20 players |
| Current Active Players | 52 players |
| MLB Players This Season | 13 players |
| Upcoming Scrimmages | Louisiana Tech (Nov 1, 2025), Florida State (Oct 18, 2025) |
| New Head Coach | Brian O’Connor |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mississippi State Surprises No. 10 Wake Forest with 2-1 Win
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Starkville Hosts the Thrilling Banana Ball World Tour
Fall Exhibition Game in Starkville Featuring Mississippi State Baseball
Mississippi State Soccer Team Prepares for Season Opener
Mississippi State Soccer Welcomes Class of 2025 Recruits
Mississippi State Baseball Continues to Impact MLB
Mississippi State Soccer Team Dominates in Exhibition Match
Additional Resources
- Hail State: State to the Show Update August 24
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State in the Show Weekly Roundup August 10
- Google Search: Mississippi State baseball 2025
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Schedule August 20
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- WTOK: Banana Ball Takes Starkvegas by Storm
- Google News: Mississippi State baseball news
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.
