Press Release
Starkville, MS – New Era Begins at Mississippi State with Coach Brian O’Connor
A transformative chapter has commenced at Mississippi State University as new head coach Brian O’Connor embarks on revitalizing the baseball program. The Diamonds Dawgs are making significant strides in assembling a competitive roster, highlighted by the recent influx of promising transfer players.
Among the notable additions is left-handed pitcher Tomas Valincius from Virginia, who had an outstanding freshman year with a 6-1 record and a team-leading 4.59 ERA, including 70 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. Sophomore Maddox Webb joins from The Citadel, known for his First-Team All-SoCon accolades with a 4-1 record and impressive 61 strikeouts across 55.2 innings.
Coach O’Connor is also enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities, bringing in outfielder James Nunnallee from Virginia, who posted a solid .296 batting average in his first season, and senior slugger Vytas Valincius from Illinois, who led his team with a .348 average and 58 RBIs last season. Freshman utility player Chone James and infielder Ryder Woodson also add depth, each demonstrating significant potential with strong batting averages in their previous seasons.
As O’Connor reinforces the roster, the program will also see some departures. Several players, including outfielders Nolan Stevens and Michael O’Brien and pitchers Luke Dotson and Robert Fortenberry, have chosen to transfer to other institutions.
The excitement around O’Connor’s approach and the influx of talent signals a bright future for Mississippi State baseball, as the team prepares for a competitive upcoming season.
Stay tuned as Mississippi State charts a new direction in college baseball. For more updates, subscribe to WLBT’s newsletter.
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