Former Mississippi Christian University pitchers Townes and Smith face off in Frontier League series
CLINTON, Miss. — Former Mississippi Christian University baseball players Holland Townes and Jackson “Chomp” Smith will face off as opponents for the first time in their professional careers during a six-game Frontier League division series at Trustmark Park in Pearl. The series features the Mississippi Mud Monsters and the Schaumburg Boomers, beginning Tuesday.
Townes and Smith, both relievers, spent their college careers at MC and trained together during the offseason after graduation. They never shared a dugout in college but formed a friendship that has persisted into their professional careers, according to sources. Townes, a Madison native, will return home for the series, pitching just minutes from where he grew up. Family, friends, and former teammates are expected to attend the games.
Townes said the opportunity to pitch in Mississippi is special, especially since it is his first trip back since finishing college. “It’s about 15 or 20 minutes from my house,” he said. “I’m excited for it. We’ll have a lot of family and friends at the games, and I’ll get to stay at home with my mom. It’ll be really special to showcase this league in front of people who haven’t really been able to see me pitch since my college days.”
The series also holds personal significance for Townes, whose father passed away in May. He said spending time with his mother is what he looks forward to most during the week.
Smith, who has previously played in Arizona and Utah, said playing in Mississippi has been rewarding, with family able to attend nearly every game. “Being back here has been great,” he said. “I’m right next to the house, and they’re able to come watch a bunch of games. You get to enjoy each step along the way with your family and friends being close by.”
Despite the friendly rivalry, both players expect their friendship to remain intact once the series concludes. Smith noted, “When we went to their place, we went out and had dinner one night. I’m sure we’ll do more of the same when they get here. It’ll be fun.”
Both Townes and Smith credit Mississippi Christian for helping prepare them for professional baseball. Townes recalls the relationships he built during the 2025 season, while Smith highlights the trust placed in him by his coaches during his final years at MC.
As the series begins Tuesday, the players will temporarily set aside friendship to focus on winning for their respective teams. Still, their story is unique among Division II alumni, representing the Choctaws on opposing sides of a professional diamond. The series runs through Sunday, Aug. 2, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
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