What is the history? The history? The plaques honoring Jeff Brantley, Boo Ferriss and Boo Ferriss were unveiled. Do you want to know the history? History is what you want. The athletic director is the baseball coach. In 1939, Coach Dudy awarded Dave “Boo”, a Shaw native, the first ever full baseball scholarship in State History. It was a smart investment. Ferriss became one of the most successful Major League Baseball pitchers before a shoulder injury ended his career. Ferriss became a highly successful coach at Delta State. His coaching family, former players who became coaches, has had a positive impact on the game of baseball in the state and elsewhere. Ferriss and Polk are responsible for high school baseball being a viable sport in the Magnolia state. Along with Skip Bertman from LSU, Polk is the man most responsible for high school baseball becoming more than just a spring pastime in Southeastern Conference. Dudy Noble would have been shocked to see the scene at Saturday’s non-conference doubleheader. Many of these people were seated in luxurious suites in college football’s version of a palace. Polk said, “This is college football’s Taj Mahal.” His recruitment of Palmeiro (from Cuba via Florida), Clark (from New Orleans), and Brantley from Alabama were three of his greatest achievements. All three were All Americans who set records and became Major League players. These six were the best six for a State baseball Ring of Honor. I’d lobby Willie Mitchell to get in before everyone forgets. Many already have. Mitchell, a 19 year-old senior left-hander pitched the perfect game at LSU 100 years ago. He struck out 26 of 27 batters. (One Tiger was unable to reach second base. Later that year, he pitched in the Major Leagues for the Cleveland Indians. This was the start of a 12-year Major League career. Yeah, I’d say Willie belongs, as do so many more. Let’s move on to the future. The New Dude is already part of this, and it’s almost certain to ignite another baseball arms race within the SEC. There are big bucks and everyone wants to be the best. The stadium boasts every convenience, including a two-tiered grandstand, twenty luxury suits, 20 outfield lounges, and a capacity of over 15,000. There are also 12 condos (lofts), beyond the left field area. It’s impressive, but the detail that the stadium tells the story of State’s rich history in baseball is just as impressive. Clark was a bit confused when Clark asked him about the New Dude. It’s almost like I said it to the (State) players. “Those of you who are signed and will go on to professional baseball, you just have to know that facility-wise you will be going up, not down.” Jake Mangum is closer to breaking the Mississippi State and SEC all time hits records. Mangum had three hits in the game, including two doubles. The Rankin County native was 74 hits short the SEC record (LSU’s Eddie Furniss 352) and 57 hit shy of Jeffrey Rea’s State record (335). Future: State’s most sought-after baseball recruit, JT Ginn, a right-handed freshman, made his first college debut. He walked the second Youngstown batter, and the fourth scored a run with a home run. Ginn then showed why the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the first round. He was reportedly offered $2.4 million to sign out from Brandon High. In five innings, he struck out seven batters and walked just one. His fastballs of 92-94 mph look effortless. His ball movements are amazing. Brantley, who won 18 games in one college season for State once, watched Ginn closely. Brantley stated, “He’s got an amazing arm.” He has the competitive side you need. He’s very competitive and confident, and a pitcher can be nothing without those two elements. It’s not something I have seen in the Big League, and he’s only a freshman. Brantley said that JT will learn how to use his lower halves (legs and back) to save his arm over the next two to three years. He’ll also learn how to pitch. He’s a great freshman. *** Mississippi State won the doubleheader Saturday, and Youngstown State won the three-game series. The Bulldogs won Saturday’s first game 14-2, and then completed the sweep in the nightcap with an 8-0 win.