STARKVILLE — Brian O’Connor stepped into the Omaha room at Dudy Noble Field on Monday with the enthusiasm of a rookie, despite his Hall of Fame coaching career and more than 900 victories. Less than two weeks before his first official game as Mississippi State’s head baseball coach, he shared his excitement during the team’s preseason media day.
“I know there’s a lot of excitement coming into this season like there is every season,” O’Connor said. “But I can tell you, for me personally, this Opening Day is one that I’m very much looking forward to. I’m excited about what this team has in front of us.”
Since his introduction as MSU’s new coach last June, anticipation has been building among fans and players alike. The addition of talented players and the preseason rankings have heightened expectations. Baseball America ranks the Bulldogs as the third-best team nationally. D1Baseball places MSU fourth, while Perfect Game has the Bulldogs sixth.
Despite the high rankings, O’Connor emphasized that his team must earn their success on the field. “If those rankings are what we are, we will have earned that on the field, and that’s earned every day,” he said. “Right now, they have their place, and it’s separate from what we do.”
He also acknowledged the pressure that comes with high expectations. “You either run to them or run away from them,” O’Connor said. “I believe this group of young men is excited about running toward it.”
O’Connor’s passion remains evident. He recalled a recent scrimmage where he was so fired up he was jumping on home plate, emphasizing the importance of the traditions and pride associated with Mississippi State baseball. “It’s got to mean everything to them,” he said.
As the season approaches, the Bulldogs will have the opportunity to demonstrate whether they’ve absorbed O’Connor’s teachings and are prepared to meet the high standards set for them. “You can’t run away from expectations,” he added. “It all comes down to playing tough, fundamental baseball—what this program was built on and will continue to be built on.”
