Mississippi State baseball: Hunter Hines shows leadership with important statement

Leaving the disastrous 2023 Mississippi State baseball season behind him, Hunter Hines has showcased his leadership by issuing an important statement.

One of the best players on the Mississippi State baseball roster has made a pretty notable statement that’ll excite MSU fans. Hunter Hines has made it clear that he, and his teammates, aren’t satisfied with the way things have been lately.

And they’re intent on turning this program around.

In a public statement released through The Bulldog Initiative, Hines notes that he “[wants] to win championships.” And while it initially seemed like he was announcing a desire to transfer, Hines makes it clear that he and his teammates are invested in improving things in Starkville.

“That is why I woke up today, and why I will wake up again tomorrow, doing everything I can to improve as a player and as a leader,” Hines’ statement reads. “It’s time to get Mississippi State baseball back to playing in regionals, hosting super regionals, and returning to Omaha.”

This is big. Read the full statement:

https://twitter.com/BulldogNIL/status/1667558933962141706?s=20

While that initially seemed like it may have been some sort of announcement that Hines was leaving, it’s exactly the opposite.

In his statement, Hines is clearly highlighting his dedication to significantly improving the MSU baseball program. Because it’s clear to everyone that the last two seasons haven’t been anywhere near the expectations for this program.

Hunter Hines seems set to lead Mississippi State baseball in 2024

And this statement is important from a few different angles. First, it’s worth noting the leadership that Hines has demonstrated here.

Making this statement publicly, when Hines has clearly been one of the best players that MSU has had over the past two seasons, puts him in a leadership role in a more public light. While it’s possible he’s been a leader in the locker room, this shows that he’s willing to be a leader publicly as well.

And given that the Mississippi State baseball team has been a shell of itself over the past two seasons, any and all good leaders that want to step forward to help make things right are more than welcome.

After winning a national title, the Mississippi State Bulldogs have fallen off the map. Once considered a blue blood in college baseball, MSU has been a mess. And it’s been incredibly disheartening to see.

That certainly has been weighing on the fans. And there’s no doubt that it’s been weighing on the players.

Hines even notes in his statement that he wants to win championships. The Bulldogs have had the talent to contend, but they’ve underachieved. Here’s to hoping that these guys can turn it around this coming season.