By: Mallory Morrow
Edited By: Kylie Augis
When people think of the greatest college baseball programs of all time, Mississippi State University is for sure one of them. MSU is rich in history, holds attendance records, and houses some of the best college baseball facilities in the country. With 12 trips to the College Baseball World Series in addition to winning it all in 2021, MSU’s great success keeps eyes constantly on the program. Many accomplished Major League Baseball players are products of MSU. This blog is a look into four current players and their ongoing success in the MLB.
Adam Frazier
Adam Frazier, second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles, played for MSU from 2011 to 2013. Frazier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2013 in the sixth round as pick 179 and made his Major League Debut June 24, 2016.
Before joining the Baltimore Orioles for the 2023 season, Frazier played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners. Frazier has also played for the USA National Team and played in the 2021 MLB All-Star game for the National League when he was with the Pirates. Frazier has consistently put up good numbers and continues to make MSU proud.
Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker, left fielder for the Oakland Athletics, played for MSU from 2014 to 2017. Rooker was a standout, winning Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in 2017.
Rooker was then drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2017 and made his Major League Debut Sept. 4, 2020. Before joining the Oakland Athletics for the 2023 season, Rooker played for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals. Through 49 games played in the 2023 season, Rooker has a .261 batting average and 11 home runs.
Hunter Renfroe
Hunter Renfroe, right fielder for the Los Angeles Angels, played for MSU from 2011 to 2013. Renfroe was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2013 in the first round as pick 13 and made his Major League Debut Sept. 21, 2016. Before joining the Los Angeles Angels for the 2023 season, Renfroe played for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Through his 754 career games, Renfroe has 637 hits, 167 home runs, and a .241 batting average. Renfroe's achievements make a good name for MSU and his home state of Mississippi.
Kendall Gravemen
Kendall Graveman, pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, played for MSU from 2010 to 2013. Graveman was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team in 2012. Graveman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013 and made his debut Sept. 5, 2014.
Before joining the White Sox for the 2022 season, Graveman played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros. Graveman also played for the United States of America in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Through 234 games pitched in his career, Graveman has struckout 448 batters.
The four players above are just a sample of those who have made it from MSU to the MLB. There are also a plethora of MSU players in Minor League Baseball on the cusp of making it to the big league. MSU has undoubtedly produced great players and will continue to do so in the future.
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