Mississippi State Bulldogs: 50 Greatest Athletes in School History
Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Fans tailgate before the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
#8 Jeff Brantley, Baseball Pitcher (1982-1985)
Jeff Brantley was a great pitcher throughout his four years at Mississippi State. In 1985, he went to a completely different level for the Bulldogs. Jeff Brantley was the ace of the legendary 1985 Mississippi State Baseball team. He was an All-American that year and won 18 games which is the most ever in a single season by a Mississippi State pitcher. Brantley struck out 136 hitters in 1985 which is 5th in school history. He won 90% of his games in 1985 which is the 9th best season ever. His career overall was just as impressive. Brantley holds school record for wins (45), innings pitched (145.2), games started (73), and his 364 strikeouts are good for second best. Brantley was drafted by the San Francsico Giants of the 1985 Amateur Draft and spent 14 seasons in the Major Leagues. Despite being one of the best starting pitchers in Mississippi State history, Brantley spent most of his time in the Major Leagues as a closer or middle reliever. Brantley’s best season in the pros was 1996 when he recorded 44 saves for the Cincinnati Reds.
Next: Number 7