Lifelong Bulldog Jack Gleason Living Out Dream with Mississippi State

Gleason comes from a family of Mississippi State alumni and is now making his own mark as a pitcher for the Diamond Dawgs.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Jack Gleason is living out his dream of playing baseball for Mississippi State, the school his family has supported for generations. After sitting out last season as a greyshirt, Gleason has emerged as a reliable bullpen option for the Bulldogs in 2026, already pitching in high-leverage situations and impressing coaches with his ability to pound the strike zone.

Why it matters

Gleason's story highlights the deep connection some athletes have with their college programs, especially when it's a family legacy. Mississippi State has long been a source of pride for the Gleason family, and Jack is now getting to represent that tradition on the field as a Bulldog.

The details

A native of Germantown, Tennessee, Gleason is making the most of his opportunity after sitting out last season. He's become the Bulldogs' "fireman" out of the bullpen, coming in to put out fires in high-leverage situations. Though he doesn't light up the radar gun, Gleason's fastball plays up and he's shown the ability to pound the strike zone and get key outs for Mississippi State.

  • Gleason sat out the 2025 season as a greyshirt, using the time to get stronger and focus on his pitching.
  • In the 2026 season-opening series against Hofstra, Gleason came in to get the Bulldogs out of a bases-loaded jam and has continued to be a reliable bullpen option.

The players

Jack Gleason

A pitcher for the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team, continuing a family legacy at the school that spans generations.

Justin Parker

The pitching coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Brian O'Connor

The head coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team.

Bettye Bradley

Jack Gleason's grandmother, who was the first Miss MSU and a runner-up for Miss Mississippi in 1960.

Gary Gleason

Jack Gleason's father, who played tight end for the Mississippi State Bulldogs football team in the late 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up a huge State fan my whole life, that was pretty difficult. When I had the meeting with (pitching coach Justin) Parker about it, I was thankful for him doing that for me. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I got a year of getting stronger and bigger and focusing on my stuff. Being out there is a dream come true.”

— Jack Gleason, Mississippi State Pitcher (on3.com)

“I don't know if Jack Gleason is necessarily a pleasant surprise to his teammates and coaches, because that's what we've been seeing. That's what we saw in the fall, that's what we saw in the preseason. He's not going to light the radar up from a velocity standpoint, but it's a fastball that gets on the hitters. It's only 90-91 miles per hour, maybe touching 92, but it appears to them at 95-96.”

— Brian O'Connor, Mississippi State Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Gleason will continue to be a key part of the Mississippi State bullpen as the Bulldogs look to build on their 9-0 start to the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jack Gleason's journey to the Mississippi State baseball team is a testament to the power of family legacy and following your dreams. As a lifelong Bulldog fan, Gleason is making the most of his opportunity to represent his school and continue his family's proud tradition.