Shane’s Drivel

A coaching legend announced his retirement today. At the end of this season, Ron Polk is stepping down as the head coach of Mississippi State Baseball.

Minus the a gaudy number of national championships, Ron Polk is for college baseball what Bear Bryant was for college football. Polk is winningest coach, by far, in SEC history. Like Bryant, he also leaves a legacy of hall of fame players and successful coaches who learned the game under him. He is also the author of Baseball Playbook, the widely recognized bible on coaching baseball.

Needless to say Mississippi State Baseball is Ron Polk. Thanks to Polk’s legacy, fan support for MSU baseball is second to none. MSU has a virtual monopoly on NCAA baseball attendance records. The atmosphere and tradition at Polk-DeMent Stadium is legendary.

Polk’s retirement came a bit too slow for some. Despite making the College World Series in 2007, Polk’s last handful of years didn’t match the success that he has spoiled MSU fans on throughout his career.  Yet State fans should remember it is Polk himself who brought the tradition of consistent success that fans would like to see again.

And we will. Head Baseball Coach at MSU is an attractive position. The list of applicants for the nation’s best supported baseball program will be long. There will be no problem filling Polk’s slot with a top notch coach.

Let’s just not forget we have Ron Polk to thank for that.

Thanks for the memories, Ron.