Bradford returns to lineup for MSU

STARKVILLE — For the first time in nearly a month, C.T. Bradford sprinted out to center field at Dudy Noble Field.

The sophomore outfielder returned from the disabled list Friday after suffering a separated shoulder March 7 in a 10-6 victory against Penn State University.

MSU’s Fullerton making most of unexpected call

STARKVILLE — Tyler Fullerton was asleep at home in Tennessee when the phone rang.

At first, he thought a joke was being played on him. But when the Mississippi State University freshman outfielder noticed coach John Cohen had called, he quickly realized he had received the call he thought would never come.

SEC’s best pitching staffs on display in Starkville

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University baseball coach John Cohen knows his team will have to dominate on the mound for his team to win Southeastern Conference games.

The problem with that theory for now is the top-ranked pitching rotation in the league is traveling to Starkville for a three-game series.

Evans, Autry highlight early enrollees in spring football at MSU

STARKVILLE — While the Mississippi State University football staff can’t ignore the new star defensive players arriving for spring practices, they can treat them like walk-ons.

Before they play in their first Division 1 football game months from now, defensive lineman Denico Autry and Quay Evans will be forced to work their way up the Bulldogs depth chart in spring workouts scheduled to restart this weekend.

MSU football wants to air it out

STARKVILLE — This is the time of the year when the talk turns to how the Mississippi State University football team is going to put the air in its offense.

Former West Point standout Carr quits MSU football team

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University football coach Dan Mullen had said for months wide receiver Michael Carr would be welcomed back to the team for the 2012 season with no reservations.

But Mullen announced Tuesday that Carr has decided to leave the program, citing a lack of devotion to the game.

Murray State AD not happy with MSU’s tactics in coach search

STARKVILLE — Murray State University Athletics Director Allen Ward isn’t thrilled with the process Mississippi State University and the Parker Executive Search firm are using to find the Bulldogs’ next men’s basketball coach.

Stratton finds strike zone early and often in Baton Rouge

STARKVILLE — Chris Stratton was in the zone Friday night.

MSU hires search firm to help with hunt for new men’s basketball coach

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University has hired the private firm Parker Executive Search to assist in the process of filling its men’s basketball coach opening.

The Dispatch confirmed the transaction Thursday evening through sources inside school administration after MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin said it was likely the school would seek outside assistance.

End of an era: Stansbury retires

Bulldog coach leaves after 22 seasons, 293 victories

Who’s next for MSU?

STARKVILLE — For nearly a decade and a half, every single person involved with Mississippi State University men’s basketball has never had to wonder about the value of the head coaching position.

The reason is simple — Rick Stansbury has always been there. For 14 years, since taking over for his boss Richard Williams in 1998, Stansbury has always led the program and been the face of Bulldogs basketball. This fact alone has made such an exercise essentially meaningless.

WITH NO REGRETS — Stansbury: Decision to bypass Clemson was right one

STARKVILLE — Two years ago, Rick Stansbury presented what he perceived to be his commitment to Mississippi State University by staying in Starkville.

Thursday, Stansbury sat in the very same building showing his love for the institution he’s been associated with for 22 years by doing the exact opposite — walking away at the right time.

It was the moment he considered leaving Starkville for Clemson University as a poignantly parallel moment during his retirement announcement in an emotional news conference at the Bryan Athletic Building Thursday.

Stansbury stands by his record

STARKVILLE — Rick Stansbury said he hasn’t thought about his job security as Mississippi State University men’s basketball coach.

Bracewell scratched from game one start vs. LSU

STARKVILLE — The plan for redshirt sophomore Ben Bracewell’s return to the mound has changed again.

Mississippi State University baseball coach John Cohen said the right-handed starting pitcher likely won’t see action this weekend due to concerns about his recovery from elbow soreness nearly a month ago.

MSU men end season on embarrassing note

STARKVILLE — The 100th year of basketball at Mississippi State University didn’t end in celebration. It ended in front of an announced crowd of 2,507 at Humphrey Coliseum that was inflated and frustrated.

Humbling loss ends MSU’s men’s basketball season

STARKVILLE — It would be inaccurate to categorize the Mississippi State University men’s basketball team as less than prepared for what turned out to be the season finale Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs were properly prepared to fail.

Edwards helps Mitchell rebuild Starkville’s football tradition

STARKVILLE — Even though he admits he is a “Starkville transfer,” Jamie Mitchell knows the tradition behind Starkville High School football.

MSU to announce hiring of Vic Schaefer today

Vic Schaefer will be the next women’s basketball coach at Mississippi State University.

Bulldogs face mental hurdle in NIT opener

STARKVILLE — The consistent rule of thumb of teams participating the National Invitational Tournament is the more motivated team typically wins.

GETTING A CHANCE: Casey earns playing time at third base for Diamond Dawgs

STARKVILLE — Phillip Casey wasn’t sure what his role would be on the 2012 Mississippi State baseball roster.