For the first time in school history, Mississippi State University has won the College World Series. The Bulldogs pulled off the historic feat after putting together a one-hit performance against SEC rival, Vanderbilt University.
“I couldn’t be more happy for a team, a town, a fan base, the whole state of Mississippi, except Oxford, of course,” Mississippi State Third Baseman Tanner Allen said after his team’s win.
“This team overcame everything, man. From getting swept at home in front of 10,000 versus Arkansas to Missouri coming in and taking a series from us and then getting embarrassed at the SEC Tournament. We just kept playing and playing. You blink an eye, we’re national champions.”
This is not only the school’s first College World Series title, but it’s also the school’s first NCAA team title in any sport. Prior to this year, the Bulldogs’ best chance at a College World Series title came in 1985 when Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro fell to eventual runner-up Texas. Thirty-six years later, the coach of the 1985 squad, Ron Clark, was on hand to watch the final out of the 2021 College World Series.
“Coach Polk is the one who built this and started it,” current head coach Chris Lemonis said.
“We run out there and play in front of the big crowds, but Polk was a big reason why, and our former players, too. This is a lot of years in the making, and a lot of fun. And I know our fans will enjoy this.”
CELEBRATE DAWGS
Mississippi State Baseball is bringing home the first ever team National Championship to Starkville! #CWS pic.twitter.com/mt1qN8te4R— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) July 1, 2021
