Bulldog freshman Chance gets SEC honor
It was a long wait for Bryce Chance to get back on the field but the first weekend of 2023 made it all worth it.
After redshirting with Mississippi State last season as a true freshman, Chris Lemonis gave him his chance on opening weekend against VMI. The designated hitter responded about as well as anyone on the roster in the first three games and the Southeastern Conference honored him as a Co-Freshman of the Week.
"It meant everything," Chance said after his first game. "I've had that date marked down on my calendar for a long time. Since summer ball, I've been (getting there) early and staying the whole time."
The former MRA player pounded out seven hits in those three games with two three-hit performances. He had seven RBI, his first career home run and two walks as he batted .583 in three starts.
Chance started the opening game of the season in an 11-2 rout and was 3-of-5 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs. He followed that up by delivering a 3-for-4 game with four RBI and a run scored, then on Sunday's series finale win, he was 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk.
It wasn't much of a surprise to Lemonis. Chance was starting over several players that are capable of entering the lineup and there was a reason for it.
“He's been playing like that every day in our scrimmages,” Lemonis said. “He's a special kid. He's not real big. He's probably not my best thrower or runner, but he really hits and loves the game of baseball. He puts his heart and soul in it. I redshirted him last year and he attacked some of his weaknesses, but he's a really good player.”
Chance came to Starkville from MRA after a great career with the Patriots. Collegiate Baseball selected him a firstteam All-American when he finished off a monster senior year with a .481 average and 14 doubles, nine home runs and 47 RBI.
His competitive nature made for a tough season waiting his turn, but now that he's here, it's going to be difficult to keep him out of the every day lineup.
"Last year was probably the toughest year I have ever had baseball wise," Chance said. "I wouldn't trade it for anything. It gave me a chance to get my body right. I got to work on what I was doing. I became a good defender. It just gave me a chance to have a spot in the field. It was difficult, but it's one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
"I talked with coach Lemonis about it and I joked with him about it. I would have hit last year, but he did it to help me and protect me. I am really thankful for that."