STARKVILLE — The weight and temperature of the Mississippi summer air could be felt early in the evening on Thursday as the sun fell behind the western stands of Dudy Noble Field. For a brief moment before it set, the light filtered through the gate guarding the Adkerson Plaza entrance, where a bronze figure of legendary college baseball coach Ron Polk stands.
There, Bulldog fans began to gather around the entrance, waiting for the chance to see their new head baseball coach, Brian O’Connor, at a spectacle of an introduction.
Hardy Mitchell, a season-ticket holder for more than 40 years, was first in line. He expressed his eagerness to see O’Connor get to work with the Bulldogs, and like many, he wished there was still baseball to play this June.
“I’m excited because I’ve seen his resume, and it’s a great resume,” he said. “I’m ready for him to get started, and I wish we were playing now.”
The major point of emphasis throughout the week, from both MSU and the media, has rightfully been O’Connor’s lengthy resume of success after 22 years at Virginia. The hire was a statement of intent to get the Bulldogs back to Omaha, and that isn’t lost on the program’s longtime supporters.
“I can’t think of a better (coaching hire), he’s the best coach that I can think of,” Mitchell added. “I’ll be sitting right there behind home plate, and I can’t wait for it to start.”
“I’m very happy about the hire,” James Frank West Jr. said, falling into line behind Mitchell. He’s been following the team since the 1990s, and is ready to see even more memorable baseball at The Dude.
“I kind of couldn’t believe it at first, but he’s here,” West told The Dispatch. “We’re looking forward to meeting him and seeing what he does with the team. He’s done a good job at Virginia, and we’re looking forward to it with the resources he has here at State. Can’t wait to see what he does with the Bulldogs.”
As the gates opened, fans were greeted with a near gameday-like atmosphere of concessions, pop-up shops and memorabilia for sale.
In the Left Field Lounge, regulars returned to their allotted spaces to grill and share their food and drink with friends and family. The familiar scent of barbecue floated across the outfield, but on the immaculately cut grass there was a stage set up for the festivities.
In the plaza, a couple, Hal and Maureen Brown, surveyed the setup.
The 20-year season ticket holders, like the others at the gate, were hoping the team would still be playing this weekend. The expectation is no doubt for a return to Omaha soon, but for now, they’re settling for the excitement that comes with the arrival of the man who can make that happen.
“We’re totally excited,” Maureen Brown said. “We know he brings a lot to the table, it’s just going to make us stronger and better. We’ll be back where we need to be.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
