New Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O’Connor has brought with him some memorable experiences and initiatives that reflect his unique journey in the sport, particularly stemming from his time at Virginia.
O’Connor’s history includes a rather unusual charter flight in 2015, shortly after his team, Virginia, won the Lake Elsinore Regional. While preparing to compete in the Super Regional against Maryland, the two teams shared a flight back home, creating a fascinating atmosphere aboard. Virginia players, like pitcher Alec Bettinger, shared lighthearted moments amidst the tension, contrasting their lively demeanor with Maryland’s more serious approach, ultimately leading to Virginia sweeping the series and securing their only national championship.
Reflecting on that flight, O’Connor noted his friendship with the Maryland coach, John Szefc, which helped maintain civility during the trip. As he now leads Mississippi State, he muses about potential future flights with rivals like Alabama or Ole Miss, wondering how the dynamics could play out.
Another lighthearted story from O’Connor’s past involves one of his players, Stephen Schoch, who unexpectedly found himself landscaping the coach’s yard during the COVID-19 pandemic. After transferring to Virginia, Schoch needed a job, and unbeknownst to him, he was working on the property of his future coach. O’Connor chuckled at the sight of Schoch trimming his rose bushes, and even after their shared memories, Schoch went on to achieve significant success on the mound, including reaching the College World Series, although his last outing was against Mississippi State.
In addition to these stories, O’Connor has introduced the “Iron Dawg” fitness challenge at Mississippi State, reminiscent of the “Iron Cavalier” he began at Virginia. This rigorous competition allows players to build camaraderie through physical challenges, promoting teamwork and resilience. Senior outfielder Bryce Chance noted the positive influence of such challenges, emphasizing how they help players bond through shared struggles.
Former players from Virginia fondly recall the lessons learned through the Iron Cavalier, acknowledging its toughness but also expressing satisfaction with the personal growth it fostered within them. As O’Connor embarks on this new chapter at Mississippi State, he brings a wealth of experience and a focus on both competitive spirit and player development, promising to foster a dynamic and cohesive team environment.