Mississippi State’s Bryce Chance Named to Tony Gwynn Trophy Starting Nine
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance has been selected to the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy Starting 9, an honor recognizing student-athletes for their community service and volunteer efforts.
The award, now in its second year, highlights players active in community service. Chance has volunteered with the Miracle and Challenger Baseball Leagues in the Greater Golden Triangle area for four years. These leagues provide opportunities for children and adults with special needs to play baseball. Chance has assisted with camps and games, motivated by his brother Brooks, who is autistic and participates in the leagues.
In addition to his work with the baseball leagues, Chance has volunteered with the Salvation Army and makes annual visits to Batson’s Children’s Hospital in Jackson, according to Mississippi State athletics. The graduate student is the only member of the Bulldogs’ current roster who played for the team before 2025. He redshirted in 2022 after walking onto the team and has since appeared in 205 games, starting 189 as an outfielder.
Chance has maintained a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and has hit .327 with 47 doubles, two triples, 14 home runs, 132 RBIs and 35 stolen bases during his college career. He ranks second in the SEC with 18 doubles and a .372 batting average (.365 in SEC play) and leads MSU with 12 steals. He has struck out only 13 times this season and has a .371 batting average in conference games, with nine strikeouts in 110 plate appearances.
In personal news, Chance married his wife, Abby, during the offseason in July. The winner of the Tony Gwynn Trophy will be chosen by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association board, along with college coaches and media members. The recipient will be announced during the College World Series in June.
For more information, visit www.HailState.com or follow Mississippi State baseball on social media at ‘HailStateBB’ on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
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