Baseball in Mississippi
North Mississippi is known as a cultural center as the birthplace of the blues and Elvis Presley. It is also known as the center of agriculture with cotton fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. In the fall, the universities alumni bases tailgate and come together to watch sports on the gridiron. In February, however, the state turns its attention to its most cherished sport of baseball. Baseball brings the boys of summer back to the diamond. In Mississippi, diamonds of all sizes come to life. From the small town high schools and rec fields to the two meccas for college baseball in Starkville and Oxford, the nostalgia of the perfect game comes alive once again so that fans across North Mississippi can be transported back to their childhood love. College baseball in Mississippi is more than a game or a pasttime. Instead college baseball is a religion. One that demands dedication and mandates attendance at its everimproving and ever-expanding cathedrals. Over the years, the players have changed because of graduation or the MLB Draft, but the next coveted baseball star is just waiting to take the league by storm and announce to the college baseball world that this is his year. As is the norm, expectations are high for both ballclubs as both Ole Miss and Mississippi State anticipate a return to the postseason with their sights set on hosting a NCAA Regional. It's that time of year for baseball to take centerstage once again.