Stratton, Showalter among 2026 Ring of Honor inductees

Mississippi State baseball honors new class of legends

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of maroon and white, conceptually representing the induction of new members into Mississippi State's baseball Ring of Honor.Mississippi State baseball celebrates its storied history by enshrining new legends in the program's prestigious Ring of Honor.Starkville Today

Despite a tough weekend on the field against Georgia, Mississippi State baseball took time during the final game to induct a new class into the Ron Polk Ring of Honor, recognizing some of the program's all-time greats.

Why it matters

The Ring of Honor is Mississippi State's highest athletic honor, reserved for the most impactful and accomplished players and coaches in the baseball program's history. Induction is a prestigious achievement that solidifies a player's legacy and contribution to the team's storied tradition.

The details

The new inductees included Chris Stratton, a former All-American pitcher who led the Bulldogs to the College World Series in 2013, and Buck Showalter, a legendary coach who guided Mississippi State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in the 1990s.

  • The induction ceremony took place on April 9, 2026, following Mississippi State's series finale against Georgia.

The players

Chris Stratton

A former All-American pitcher who led Mississippi State to the College World Series in 2013.

Buck Showalter

A legendary coach who guided Mississippi State to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“These players and coaches represent the very best of Mississippi State baseball, and we're honored to enshrine their legacies in our Ring of Honor.”

— John Cohen, Mississippi State Athletic Director

What’s next

The new inductees will be formally honored at a special ceremony during the 2026 season, where their names and accomplishments will be added to the Ring of Honor display at Dudy Noble Field.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's baseball program continues to celebrate its rich history and honor the players and coaches who have built it into one of the premier college baseball powerhouses in the country.