STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball coach John Cohen has been optimistic about his chances of having first baseman Connor Powers in the middle of his lineup in 2010.
On Monday, those hopes were realized as Powers announced he will return to Mississippi State for his senior season.
“I”m excited about it and think it was the right decision,” Powers said. “With all factors included, I think, without a doubt, it was the right thing to do.”
After the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Powers in the 11th round in June, the two sides weren”t able to agree on a contract.
“I had certain expectations going into the draft and I felt like I was pretty clear with them what they were,” Powers said. “Unfortunately, they didn”t think I was worth it.”
Powers is content to return to the Bulldogs and to finish his academic responsibilities. He was driving back to Starkville from Chicago late Monday night and planned to be back for an early class this morning.
“I was always signing up for fall classes,” Powers said.
Powers hit .301 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs last season. He spent the summer in the Cape Cod League and won the 47th Under Armour Cape Cod All-Star Home Run Derby with five homers.
Cohen didn”t return a phone message seeking comment Monday night, but he had said the return of Powers would be a “boost” for the program.
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