Starkville, Mississippi, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State baseball is gearing up for a new season with their first fall scrimmage set to kick off. Under head coach Brian O’Connor, the team is building competitive momentum featuring experienced batters and talented newcomers like Jacob Parker. With a packed schedule ahead, fans are optimistic about the Bulldogs’ potential and prospects of a successful season. The fall practices are focused on developing team chemistry and resilience as they prepare for intrasquad games and exhibition matches against Florida State and Louisiana Tech.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State baseball is preparing for a new season under the leadership of head coach Brian O’Connor, who will kick off the fall scrimmage series on Friday, September 19. This marks an exciting transition for the team, as they look to cultivate a competitive culture and style of play from the outset.
The Bulldogs’ roster boasts 15 batters with college experience, which is expected to play a pivotal role in their performance this season. Notably, six of these experienced batters had more walks than strikeouts last season, suggesting that the team is poised to excel at getting on base while minimizing strikeouts. Fans are optimistic about the season’s potential, with many dreaming of a trip to Omaha.
Among the newcomers is Jacob Parker, a true freshman recognized as a highly regarded MLB prospect. In high school, Parker achieved an impressive .525 batting average and a .678 on-base percentage, accompanied by 17 home runs and 54 RBIs. His addition to the lineup further enhances the Bulldogs’ offensive capabilities as they embark on their fall schedule.
The team’s pitching staff is guided by coach Justin Parker, who will collaborate with a talented group of pitchers. New additions include Tomas Valincius and Jack Bauer, while returnees such as Charlie Foster, Duke Stone, Noah Sullivan, and Ben Davis will contribute their experience to the mound this season.
The fall schedule is packed with action, featuring 11 intrasquad scrimmages and two exhibition games against Florida State and Louisiana Tech. The first scrimmage is set for 6 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field on September 19, with additional scrimmages scheduled throughout late September and October. The Bulldogs will meet Florida State for an exhibition game on October 18 in Pensacola and will host Louisiana Tech for another exhibition on November 1 at Dudy Noble Field.
Fall practices commenced four weeks before the scrimmages, allowing the team to build chemistry among returning players, transfers, and freshmen. O’Connor emphasized the importance of team dynamics in fostering a successful environment. Notably, designated student-athlete rules allow for a full roster without the need for cuts, enabling every player the opportunity to develop and contribute.
It is essential to watch for players like Ace Reese, who underwent foot surgery on September 10 and will miss fall practices but is anticipated to return by December. Throughout the scrimmages, O’Connor intends to incorporate pressure situations, allowing team captains to designate critical moments for added challenges, a strategy aimed at enhancing the team’s resilience.
In summary, Mississippi State baseball is set to kick off an exciting season with their first fall scrimmage against a backdrop of optimism and strategic preparations. With an emphasis on competitive play and developing team chemistry, the Bulldogs aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
FAQ
When is Mississippi State baseball’s first fall scrimmage?
Mississippi State baseball will hold its first intrasquad scrimmage on Friday, September 19.
What does the Bulldogs roster look like?
The Bulldogs’ roster includes 15 batters with college experience.
What is Jacob Parker’s high school performance?
Parker had a .525 batting average and a .678 on-base percentage in high school, with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs.
When will the exhibition games be played?
The Bulldogs will face Florida State in an exhibition game on October 18 in Pensacola and against Louisiana Tech on November 1 at Dudy Noble Field.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| First Fall Scrimmage | September 19 at 6 p.m. at Dudy Noble Field |
| Total Intrasquad Scrimmages | 11 scheduled events throughout late September and October |
| Exhibition Games | Against Florida State on October 18 and Louisiana Tech on November 1 |
| New Coaches | Head Coach Brian O’Connor and Pitching Coach Justin Parker |
| Jacob Parker’s Stats | .525 batting average, .678 on-base percentage, 17 home runs, 54 RBIs |
| Ace Reese’s Status | Underwent foot surgery on September 10 and will miss fall practices |
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Additional Resources
- SI: Brian O’Connor’s Preview
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- Hail State: Louisiana Tech Exhibition
- Google Search: Mississippi State baseball
- Clarion Ledger: Scrimmage Schedule
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State baseball
- WTVA: Fall Scrimmage Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Clarion Ledger: Ace Reese Injury Update
- Google News: Mississippi State Bulldogs
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.
