News Summary
Two standout players from Mississippi State University, Ace Reese and Tomas Valincius, have been invited to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Training Camp. This opportunity is rare, with only 21 players from MSU receiving such recognition in history. Reese, a top hitter with impressive stats, and Valincius, a promising left-handed pitcher, are ready to make their mark. The excitement doesn’t end there, as MSU baseball navigates team changes with a new head coach and prepares for an upcoming regional matchup against Florida State.
Exciting News for Mississippi State Baseball!
In the heart of Starkville, Mississippi, the baseball world is buzzing with excitement! Two exceptional players from Mississippi State University (MSU) have just received their golden tickets to the prestigious USA Baseball Collegiate National Training Camp. That’s right – Ace Reese and Tomas Valincius are heading to Cary, North Carolina, for a unique opportunity that could shape their baseball futures.
Elite Company Awaits
It’s not every day that collegiate players get notified for such a remarkable occasion. To put it into perspective, only 21 players in MSU history have gotten this honor at the Collegiate National Team level. The last time MSU had players invited to this exclusive camp was back in 2021 when three talented athletes made the cut. Those players? None other than Jackson Fristoe, Landon Sims, and Logan Tanner. It seems the bar is set high, and Reese and Valincius are ready to rise to the occasion, following the footsteps of these distinguished alumni.
Ace Reese’s Standout Season
First up is Ace Reese, who packed his bags and transferred to MSU from Houston. Ace came to Starkville with a splash, starting 57 games in a season that turned heads. Just last year, he showcased his exceptional skills with a remarkable batting average of .352, including 80 hits, 21 home runs, and 66 RBIs. With a stunning slugging percentage of .718, it’s no wonder he has been recognized as one of the top hitters in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
His achievements didn’t stop there! Recently, Ace has received numerous accolades, including being honored as an All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings. He was also named a First Team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and made waves as a finalist for the Ferriss Trophy. Talk about an impressive resume!
Tomas Valincius: The Rising Star
And let’s not forget about Tomas Valincius! This talented left-handed pitcher brought his skills from Virginia to MSU, where he played under renowned Coach Brian O’Connor. In his freshman year at Virginia, Tomas notched a solid record of 6-1 accompanied by a 4.59 ERA and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team for his impressive performance over 13 appearances. Fans are eager to see what this dynamic pitcher will bring to the field in the upcoming season now that he is wearing the MSU uniform.
Recent Highlights and Changes
The excitement doesn’t end there for MSU baseball! Just last week, another player, Evan Siary, was recognized as the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Week 13 Player of the Week for his stellar performance against Ole Miss. Siary pitched eight shutout innings, chalking up an impressive 15 strikeouts and boosting his season record to 2-1 with a 4.06 ERA.
The baseball program at MSU is also navigating some significant changes with new head coach Brian O’Connor at the helm. With a keen focus on recruiting from the transfer portal while also valuing high school players as the backbone of the team, things are looking bright. Since O’Connor’s arrival, MSU has welcomed five transfers, four of whom come from Virginia, showcasing a genuine connection and strategy at play.
However, the landscape is shifting quickly, with a total of thirteen MSU players entering the transfer portal. That’s certainly a lot of movement and means fans can expect some fresh dynamics as the team prepares for future competitions.
Upcoming Matchup Against Florida State
As MSU gears up for the Tallahassee Regional, they will be squaring off against none other than Florida State baseball. After FSU’s victory over Bethune-Cookman, this matchup is bound to be exhilarating. It’s a showdown that holds historical significance, with MSU claiming victory the last time the two teams faced off in 2018.
Final Thoughts
Stay tuned, as Ace Reese, Tomas Valincius, and the entire MSU baseball squad are set to soar to new heights this season. With all the talent and determination, exciting days lie ahead for the team and its loyal fans. Let’s go, MSU!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Starkville Minor League Teams Win South State Championships
New Talent Joins Mississippi State Baseball Team
Mississippi Governor’s School Fosters Connections Among Students
Mississippi State Football Program Hosts Recruiting Weekend
Starkville White All-Star Teams Win South State Titles
Mississippi State Welcomes Future Athletes During Recruiting Weekend
Mississippi State Baseball Welcomes Pitcher from Transfer Portal
Mississippi State Baseball’s Ace Reese and Noah Sullivan Named All-Americans
Starkville High School Class of 2025 Achievements
Mississippi State Baseball Stars Recognized in All-Region Team
Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Reese and Valincius Earn USA Baseball Invites
- USA Baseball: Evan Siary Named Golden Spikes Player of the Week
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Recruiting Updates
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Baseball Coaching Search Update
- MSU: Coach Jake Gautreau Profile
- Wikipedia: USA Baseball
