Mississippi State Baseball Blasts Its Way into History with New Home Run Record
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The bats of Mississippi State baseball have been red hot this season, and the Diamond Dawgs have officially rewritten the program’s record books. With a powerful display of offensive prowess, the 2025 Mississippi State squad has broken the single-season home run record, marking a historic achievement for the storied program.
The record-breaking blast came courtesy of Joe Powell in the third inning of a regional-opening win over Northeastern, a two-run shot that propelled the Bulldogs to their 98th home run of the season. This monumental hit surpassed the previous mark of 97, which had stood since the formidable 1998 team. Not content to stop there, Noah Sullivan added another long ball later in the same game, pushing the tally to 99, and the team has continued to add to that total, reaching 101 with two more against Florida State.
This extraordinary power surge has been a defining characteristic of the 2025 Diamond Dawgs. While the 1998 team achieved their 97 homers over 65 games, the current squad needed just 56 games to reach and surpass the record, demonstrating an even more potent offensive average of 1.77 home runs per game.
A key contributor to this historic season has been senior first baseman Hunter Hines, who earlier in the year etched his name into the individual record books by becoming the program’s all-time career home run leader, surpassing the legendary Rafael Palmeiro. Hines now sits at 69 career dingers, a testament to his consistent power throughout his collegiate career.
But the power is far from a one-man show. The Bulldogs’ lineup boasts four players with double-digit home runs, with Ace Reese leading the charge at 21 homers, placing him firmly in the top tier of single-season performances in Mississippi State history. His next home run will tie him for sixth all-time with former greats like Tommy Raffo and even Hines himself.
The collective might of this Mississippi State offense has not only delivered historic numbers but has also provided thrilling moments for the Bulldog faithful. As the team continues its postseason journey, every swing carries the potential to extend this already impressive home run record, further cementing the 2025 squad’s place in Mississippi State baseball lore
