Mississippi State Bulldogs: 50 Greatest Athletes in School History
Aug 30, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders run the flags across the field after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeat the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 49-0. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
#49 Bobby Thigpen, Baseball Pitcher and Outfielder (1985)
Thigpen didn’t play a ton for the Bulldogs because he transferred to Mississippi State from Seminole Community College. But the team he transferred to was one of the best ever in Mississippi State history. Thigpen played right field and was the closer for the famed 1985 team. He recorded seven saves in 1985 and hit .305. But Thigpen is likely most remembered for his exploits in the post season of 1985. In the semifinal elimination game against Miami, the Bulldogs were trailing 3-0 when Thigpen stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. He proceeded to hit a grand slam that put the Bulldogs up 4-3. Sadly, Thigpen went crashing into the outfield wall later in the game trying to track down a fly ball. Many believe that collision hurt his effectiveness when he gave up a two run home run in the bottom of the 9th to propel Miami to the Championship.
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