A Numbers Game

Let's talk numbers. Baseball is a game of numbers. Whether it be runs scored, pitch count, or the number of the back of the jersey. For some baseball players, a jersey number is just that, a number. For Mississippi State's Riley Self, it is much more.

The No. 14 is part of him. Growing up a Mississippi State fan, Self watched big time student-athletes like Jonathan Holder while sitting in the stands at Dudy Noble Field.

Holder played for the Bulldogs from 2012-14, and now pitches for the Chicago Cubs. The All-America closer was one of the most successful in the history of NCAA baseball. Holder finished his career with a 1.59 ERA in 81 relief appearances and went 11-2 with 191 strikeouts in 135.2 innings pitched. In 2013, Holder was one of nine players in NCAA history to record 21-plus saves in a single season.

When it came time to pick his own jersey number in high school, Self went with his favorite player's number.

"In high school, I got to pick my number, that was the first year I got to pick my own number for baseball and football. Jonathan Holder was the closer at the time and he was by far my favorite. It just had to be 14 and I kept it all throughout high school," said Self.

Years later when Self joined the Mississippi State baseball program, 14 was in his sights.

"When I got here, I actually had to call [Cole] Gordon to see if he would give me the number 14," he said.

Gordon obliged, and Self was the proud owner of the number 14 entering his freshman season.

Watching the Bulldogs for years growing up, the opportunity to play at MSU was always something Self dreamed of. Dudy Noble Field was a familiar place but getting to put on the maroon and white jersey was surreal for Self. Being a part of something that was so close to his childhood meant a lot for him.

"Growing up watching [Mississippi State] you always hope you would become a Bulldog, but when it really happened it was still a dream," said Self. "It didn't even seem real when I got here. It was like nothing I have ever experienced in my life to come here and play."

Self has contributed his talents to the team over the past four years and has seen Omaha twice. The right-hander holds a 3.87 ERA and 112 strikeouts with a 13-2 record. As Self's career has flourished, he currently ranks number five on the MSU career charts in relief appearance, right in front Holder (No. 6; 81 appearances).

One of the most experienced student-athletes on the roster, Self has a true passion for Mississippi State, his teammates and the game of baseball.

"Having 40 other guys that are ready to battle right there with you is great," said Self. "The culture is extremely hard-nosed, gritty kind of guys who never give up and are always willing to sacrifice for the team. Having that culture in the program every year is something special."

As Self continues to leave his mark at Mississippi State, he is reminded of where it all started; A boy watching the Bulldogs play.

"It's been crazy watching the progress that I have made during my time here," said Self. "The names I've passed or possibly am going to pass. Growing up watching them and now to be a part of that history is crazy."

Now a Mississippi State graduate, Self encourages young athletes to continue to chase their dreams, just as he has.

"Take school very seriously," Self said. "Stay true to yourself and don't change your game for anyone else. Be coachable and remember it is a game, and things happen that you can't control."

Self is a Bulldog through and through and will leave a huge mark on the history of the program, just as the players he watched growing up left on him.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Riley Self

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