| 1996 | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
12/26/97 - Former Miss State Head Baseball Coach Ron Polk was selected The Clarion-Ledger 1997 Sports Person of the Year. Former Bulldog pitcher Eric DuBose was selected the top college baseball player.
12/23/97 - Just got my latest Collegiate Baseball (great publication. call them at 520-623-4530 for a subscription. costs $20 a year) and here is what it said about our 11th ranked Baseball Bulldogs:
1998 OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs will be loaded once again with the return of seven position player starters and two quality pitchers. Eleven seniors are on the team, making it one of the most experienced teams in MSU baseball history. Key returnees include TPX Pre-Season Third Team All-American Richard Lee (.362, 19 HR, 90 RBI) and highly regarded third baseman Rob Hauswald (injured prior to last season) along with numerous other quality players. As far as pitchers, LHP Jeremy Jackson (9-4) returns as does closer (TPX Pre-Season Third Team All-American) Van Johnson (13 SV, 2nd in the nation). The Bulldogs did lose their top pitcher of a year ago in LHP Eric DuBose (9-4, 145 K) as he went in the first round last June. The Bulldogs also lost another top pitcher in RHP Keith Dilgard (6-1). "This is a team with a great deal of experience," said Head Coach Pat McMahon. "It will be interesting to see how they handle the challenges of the 1998 season after enjoying success last year." The biggest hurdle in 1998 will be playing LSU, Alabama and Auburn all on the road.
BTW, Collegiate Baseball ranked other SEC teams as follows:
Of the 57 players that were selected to the Louisville Slugger TPX All-American teams, the SEC had 14 (25%):
12/18/97 - Former Bulldog pitcher Chuck Holly is marrying Christy Johnson Saturday, December 20th. Christy is a cousin of current Bulldog pitcher Van Johnson.
In the sad to report category: Chuck's brother MSU freshman INF/P Blake Holly is transferring to Northeast MS CC. Blake, who was happy at Miss State, has decided he wants to play the sport he really loves, basketball. He also wants to go to a physical therapy school in two years and would only be able to play baseball at MSU two years before he would have to transfer, so, according to my source, Blake felt the best thing to do was attend NEMSCC for two years. I, along with all Bulldog fans, wish Blake only the best.
12/09/97 - My sincere apologies go out to Rob Hauswald and his fiancee Lauren Watts. I reported Rob's fiancee's first name as Paige by mistake. Please forgive me, Lauren and Rob.
12/09/97 - Miss State announced it's last ( I think) baseball signee of the early signing period, Dustin Krug of Kodiak, AK. Dustin, a 6-4, 205-lb, hard-throwing righthanded pitcher, is a sophomore at Lassen College in Susanville, Calif. Click here to read all about him.
12/08/97 - I want to thank all of my basball sources for the info they provided me on the many outstanding players we recently signed. However, just because the signing period is over with is no reason to stop sending me info on this players. Keep me informed as to how they are doing during their upcoming seasons. Go see them play and make sure they know you are there and that you are a Miss State fan. One of the greatest things about our baseball program is the outstanding fan support (2nd to none) that is given to our players and coaches. Let's make sure these young men know that.
12/08/97 - Check out the latest outstanding Miss State baseball signee, Kyle Hawthorne. Click here to read all about him. Click here to read about the other seven MSU baseball signees. Coaches Pat McMahon, Tommy Raffo and Jim Case have done a great job of signing one of the top recruiting classes in the county.
12/08/97 - Rob Hauswald is marrying Paige Watts December 20th in Baldwyn, MS.
12/08/97 - Here is the latest word on several positions on the MSU baseball team:
Brad Freeman has been moved to centerfield. Rob Hauswald is playing thirdbase. Matt Peeples, Chris Lotterhaus and a third player my source wasn't sure about are all vying for the secondbase job. Travis Chapman has been moved to shortstop.
12/05/97 - Thanks to one of you for providing this info to all of us:
"A little information on Jamie Rock ( signed with MS STATE from Florida CC). I am originally from Jamie's hometown of Fulton, MS. Jamie has always wanted to be a BULLDOG. In high school, he was a very good pitcher. He relied on breaking pitches and good movement from his fastball. His fastball had some pop, but had a tendency to go straight. He is a natural talent for the infield and can get around on the fastball in a hurry. He is multi-talented, very determined and cocky (in a good way) player. He has confidence and intensity... the perfect Bulldog player. He also comes from a good family who love sports."
12/05/97 - The latest Miss State signee warrants a few words. Fairfax, California's Michael Taquino (RHP, 6-3, 200-lbs) is supposed to be a big, big signee for Miss State. My sources have told me he is expected to be drafted extremely high in next summer's MLB Amateur Draft. Click here to read all about him.