Richmond, Virginia — Coach Chris Lemonis of Mississippi State baseball typically keeps his feelings under wraps when on the field or in press conferences after games, unless he’s expressing his disapproval with an umpire.

But after host and top-seeded Virginia eliminated No. 2 seed MSU with a 9-2 loss in the Charlottesville Regional final on Sunday, it was difficult for him to hide his emotions.

He declared, “I’m proud of my guys.” “I lead a hard-working group.”

As he struggled through his opening remarks, Lemonis attempted to say more. Rather, he chose to pass the ball to shortstop David Mershon, who was seated next to him.

That’s all Lemonis had to offer.

Lemonis took the floor back after Mershon spent three minutes fielding questions about everything from his doubts about his future to Mississippi State’s performance in its first postseason trip since 2021.

For the better part of the following eight minutes, Lemonis described an important offseason that had a question hanging over it.

Did Mississippi State (40-23) perform well enough in 2024 to attract the best players in the nation this summer?

Things Chris Lemonis needs to mention on the transfer website
Hunter Hines, a first baseman, enrolled at Mississippi State in 2022. The following season, Mershon and outfielder Dakota Jordan joined him, giving MSU a core that was hoping to get the Bulldogs back to the postseason.