MSU picks up commitments
Mississippi State head baseball coach Chris Lemonis has recruited several players in the previous signing classes but most of the 2021 baseball recruiting classes and beyond belong to the Bulldog head man and his staff.
Since arriving at MSU, Lemonis went to work on building the 2021 class into one of the nation’s best and continuing the consistency as one of the best baseball programs in the country. All but two of the players in the class are Lemonis’ responsibilities as Jeffrey Ince and Jack Walker were committed prior to his arrival, but he has followed through with a strong group behind them.
That was strengthened over the last week as he added two players to an already balanced group.
Madison Central first baseman Hunter Hines and Ardmore (Ala.) left-handed pitcher Cole Cheatham are the latest two to join the class. Both have been having a big summer during the showcases.
Hines was the first to commit to the Bulldogs last Thursday. The big 6-3, 240-pounder is a two-sport standout as he also plays for the Jaguars’ football squad at defensive end. As a freshman two years ago, Hines played in 15 games but totaled 17 hits and a .500 average as he powered four doubles, a home run and 15 RBI.
He followed that up last year by batting .276 in a full season with 18 RBI, four home runs and two doubles.
His junior year was cut short due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but Hines’ best attributes might be on the defensive side of things where he has played both corner infield spots and catcher. First base looks to be his clear position on the next level.
For Cheatham, it’s been a strong summer on the circuit and it’s ended with him landing an offer from MSU and ultimately a commitment. The 6-2 lefty has run his fastball up into the low 90s and is sitting in the high 80s with a hammer breaking ball that has made things especially tough on hitters. The Ardmore, Ala., native is the fourth commitment from the neighboring state for the Bulldogs joining fellow lefties Pico Kohn and Maddux Bruns as well as right hander Tyler Haines.
MSU now has 14 commitments in next year’s class with seven pitchers and seven position players.