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Madison Today
By the People, for the People
Bryce Chance embraces new role to help Mississippi State
The veteran outfielder is focused on setting up his teammates for success.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:53am
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Bryce Chance, a five-year veteran at Mississippi State, has been one of the Bulldogs' best hitters this season, batting .436 primarily out of the nine-hole. However, he was moved up to the two-spot in the lineup for the game against Jackson State, where he had a two-RBI double and drew a walk in State's 17-1 win. Chance believes that getting on base ahead of the middle of the order is more important than personal stats, and he's learning from teammates like Aidan Teel on how to work counts and see a lot of pitches. Defensively, Chance's experience at Dudy Noble Field has made him a valuable asset, and he's also providing mentorship to younger players like Charlie Foster, encouraging them to trust their stuff.
Why it matters
Chance's unselfish approach and veteran leadership are crucial for a Mississippi State team looking to build a new culture under a new coaching staff. His ability to get on base and set up the heart of the order is a key part of the Bulldogs' offensive success, and his defensive prowess and mentorship of younger players make him an invaluable piece of the team.
The details
Bryce Chance, a fifth-year outfielder at Mississippi State, has been one of the Bulldogs' most productive hitters this season, batting .436 primarily out of the nine-hole in the lineup. However, in the team's 17-1 win over Jackson State, head coach Brian O'Connor moved Chance up to the two-spot, where he responded with a two-RBI double and a walk. Chance believes that getting on base ahead of the middle of the order, players like Ace Reese, Noah Sullivan, and Aidan Teel, is more important than personal stats. He's also learning from Teel on how to work counts and see a lot of pitches. Defensively, Chance's experience at Dudy Noble Field has made him a valuable asset, and he's also providing mentorship to younger players like Charlie Foster, encouraging them to trust their stuff.
- Bryce Chance has been batting primarily out of the nine-hole for most of the season.
The players
Bryce Chance
A fifth-year outfielder at Mississippi State who is batting .436 this season and has been a key part of the Bulldogs' lineup.
Brian O'Connor
The head coach of the Mississippi State baseball team.
Ace Reese
A player in the middle of the Mississippi State lineup.
Noah Sullivan
A player in the middle of the Mississippi State lineup.
Aidan Teel
A player in the middle of the Mississippi State lineup, from whom Chance is learning how to work counts and see a lot of pitches.
Charlie Foster
A younger pitcher on the Mississippi State team who Chance is providing mentorship to.
What they’re saying
“I believe knowing who the guys are batting behind me is very important because if I can get on ahead of Ace Reese, Noah Sullivan, and Aidan Teel, then good things will happen.”
— Bryce Chance
“I think watching other people's at-bats is something that is very helpful. Aidan does a really nice job of working counts and seeing a lot of pitches whenever he is not hitting something hard early. It is fun to watch him and learn from his at-bats.”
— Bryce Chance
“I would just tell him to keep trusting your stuff. He is an elite pitcher and creates some really tough angles for guys in the box with his release. He is a four-pitch guy, and I knew during the fall that if I missed his first fastball, then I didn't know what was coming because he can show all of his pitches. I know he is a good pitcher and he knows it as well, but he needs to believe it a little bit more.”
— Bryce Chance
What’s next
Chance and the Bulldogs will be back in action this weekend as they start a three-game series with Vanderbilt on Friday at 7. The game can be found on the SEC Network.
The takeaway
Bryce Chance's unselfish approach and veteran leadership are crucial for a Mississippi State team looking to build a new culture under a new coaching staff. His ability to get on base and set up the heart of the order, as well as his defensive prowess and mentorship of younger players, make him an invaluable piece of the Bulldogs' lineup.
