from NEMCC…
BOONEVILLE, Miss. – Representatives from two of the last four NCAA Men’s College World Series (MCWS) champions will help Northeast Mississippi Community College unofficially begin its new diamond seasons. Mississippi State University’s Tanner Allen and Kirby Connell from the University of Tennessee will serve as the keynote speakers for Northeast’s annual First Pitch Mingle on Monday, January 20.
“It’s gonna be a really fun night,” said Tigers head coach Richy Harrelson. “It’s going to be a chance to listen to some guys that have been in the biggest moment of college baseball that you can be in.”
Tickets for the First Pitch Mingle, which begins at 6 p.m. at Booneville’s First Baptist Church, and its accompanying meal are on sale for $25. Members of Northeast’s Diamond Club will receive complimentary admission.
For more information about joining the Diamond Club or to purchase individual tickets for the First Pitch Mingle, contact either Harrelson at 662-720-7344 or by email at rwharrelson@nemcc.edu or softball head coach Jody Long at 662-720-7305 or by email at jwlong@nemcc.edu.
Allen was an impact performer for the Bulldogs from his very first day on campus. He started in 68 games as a true freshman on the way to playing in more than 200 contests for the maroon-and-white. The Theodore, Ala., native was well decorated throughout his four-year stint at Mississippi State. He was a three-time All-American, three-time all-conference selection and was voted to six different all-tournament teams.
His senior campaign in 2021 will be remembered by Bulldog faithful for years to come. He was a consensus first-team All-American and obtained both national and Southeastern Conference (SEC) player of the year awards. Allen set several new career-high marks offensively that season. They include a .383 batting average, .456 on-base percentage, 162 total bases, 100 hits, 72 runs scored, 66 RBIs, 11 home runs and five triples. He saved some of his biggest moments for the postseason. Allen was named to the NCAA Starkville Regional all-tournament team after posting multiple hits in all three games along with four RBIs and two stolen bases.
Allen, who also captured the C Spire Ferriss Trophy as the top college baseball player in the Magnolia State, then reached safely five times in 11 plate appearances in the super regionals against the University of Notre Dame (Ind.). He had nine hits over seven games at the MCWS. Allen was 2 for 5 with a run and a walk as Mississippi State defeated Vanderbilt (Tenn.) University by a 9-0 score to wrap up its first national championship in any sport. Allen played two years at first base and two in the outfield for the Bulldogs. His cumulative stats at Mississippi State include a .336 batting average, 281 hits, 62 doubles, 23 homers and 182 RBIs.
He was selected with pick number 118 in the fourth round of the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) First-Year Player Draft by the Miami Marlins. Allen competed for Team USA’s collegiate national program during the summer of 2019 as well.
Connell was perhaps the most beloved and widely recognized figure for the Volunteers over the last several seasons. He earned the nickname “Vollie Fingers,” which references MLB Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers and the signature handlebar mustache that the two shared. There was good reason past the trademark look for Tennessee fans to take notice of Connell. He became the iron man of the Volunteers’ pitching staff by leading the team in appearances for three consecutive seasons.
The Johnson City, Tenn., product made a career-best 36 trips out of the bullpen for Tennessee during its 60-win 2024 campaign. Connell also set new season-highs of 49 innings, 49 strikeouts and four saves. He concluded his tenure with the Volunteers by throwing in each contest of the MCWS finals. Connell struck out two of the three batters that he faced in Tennessee’s decisive 6-5 game three victory over Texas A&M University.
Connell compiled a 4-1 record as a senior. One of those wins was a wild 16-11 decision at home versus the University of Georgia in which he tossed a career-long five innings and 94 total pitches.
His overall stats with the Volunteers include a 10-2 record and six saves in 151 innings with a 3.04 earned run average (ERA). Opponents batted just .240 against Connell, who struck out 148 compared to 27 walks. Connell did not allow a walk in 105 of his 129 appearances at Tennessee. He was a four-time Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and a member of the SEC Community Service team following his sophomore campaign.
Allen and Connell helped their respective teams reach the MCWS three times apiece during their illustrious careers. One of Connell’s older brothers, Kevin Connell, is an assistant softball coach at Northeast.
The Columbia State Chargers baseball squad will kickoff the 2025 campaign on Saturday February 1, 12noon home opener at Dave Hall Field. TennesseeSportsNet will carry the games live. Watch FREE on the TSN Columbia State Page Here.