SEC Storied: Thunder & Lightning to Premiere Monday

As a part of the SEC Storied series on SEC Network, the latest film “Thunder & Lighting” will premiere Monday, May 4, 2015 on SEC Network. Thunder & Lightning were the nicknames for Mississippi State Baseball legends Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro during their time in the maroon and white. The documentary done by ESPN studios will feature interviews from both players, and others that were around the Mississippi State baseball program at the time.

Rafael Palmeiro was born in La Havana, Cuba in 1964, and attended Jackson High School in Miami, FL. Out of high school, Palmeiro was drafted in the 8th round by the New York Mets, but declined the Major Leagues to play in Starkville for Ron Polk’s Mississippi State team. During his tenure at Mississippi State, he became the only SEC player to ever achieve the batting Triple Crown (Highest Batting Average, Most RBIs, and Most Home Runs), and was named an All-American in 1985. He was drafted as the 22nd pick in the first-round of the 1985 MLB Amateur Draft by the Chicago Cubs organization. He played for 20 seasons, and amassed a career batting average of .288, 3020 hits, 569 Home Runs (12th All-time), and 1835 RBIs. He was inducted into the Mississippi State Hall of Fame on October 11, 2008, and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Will Clark was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1964, and went to Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Following high school, Will Clark committed to Mississippi State and became one of the best players in college baseball at the time. While at Mississippi State, Clark was selected to be a part of the 1984 United States Olympic Baseball team. During the five-game tournament, Clark hit .429 with three home-runs and 8 RBIs. He was named an All-American in 1985, along with the Golden Spikes Award winner by The Sporting News. Will Clark was selected as the second-overall pick of the 1985 MLB Amateur Draft by the San Francisco Giants. He played for 15 seasons, and amassed a batting average of .303, 284 Home Runs, 1205 RBIs, and 2176 hits. He was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame on April 26, 2007, and the Mississippi State Hall of Fame on August 1, 2008.

The film can be seen on SEC Network on Monday, May 4, 2015, at 8 PM CDT. It is directed by Rory Karpf, and should be a great watch for all Mississippi State, and SEC Baseball fans. If you wish to watch the trailer, here is the video.