Leggett Proving He’s Ready For Anything
February 22, 2022 | Baseball, Joel Coleman
Tanner Leggett’s early production highlights MSU’s teamwide internal competition.
STARKVILLE – The ball was hit deep in the hole at shortstop. Tanner Leggett went after it.
It was the sixth inning on Tuesday and Mississippi State was well on its way to a victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. However, the Lions were threatening with a man on first and no outs. Leggett had a chance to halt any hope of a UAPB rally, but to do so, it was going to take an incredible play.
Leggett got to the baseball and backhanded it. In a fluid motion, Leggett got a handle on the ball and fired it across his body to first base. All the while, Leggett's momentum was taking him in the opposite direction. The throw just beat the runner. Those in attendance at Dudy Noble Field couldn't help but be impressed.
As for Leggett? Not so much.
"It's just years of work. Just another ball to my right," he described postgame.
Confidence. Talent. Experience.
That's this year's version of Tanner Leggett. It's shining through in everything he's done over MSU's first four games of the season. It kept up in Tuesday's 17-1 win.
For a team that's still figuring out which pieces fit best where, Leggett is the poster child for the internal competition. He hasn't started a game yet, but he's hitting .500 as a reserve (3-for-6). His two home runs are the most on the team. He's now hit a long ball in back-to-back games after going yard on Tuesday. Leggett's five RBI are tied for the club lead and – albeit a small sample size – he has a higher slugging percentage than any other State player (1.667).
Then there's the glove, which was on full display with his Tuesday web gem. That, more than the pop, is what State head coach Chris Lemonis is loving.
"He's been really good," Lemonis said of Leggett. "I'm more pleased with the defense. The two home runs are great, but the defensive plays [Tuesday] were really special."
There's only one problem with the way Leggett is playing. And – let's be honest – it's really not a problem at all. He's showing he could be deserving of even more time on the diamond.
It's like that all over the place for these Diamond Dawgs. Very little is set in stone. Basically, everyone in maroon and white is getting the chance to make a case for why at-bats or time in the field should be theirs.
"Our position players know," Lemonis explained. "Last year, we had a little more competition on the pitching staff. This year, it's a little more on the position player side. So, there's some inner battles going on between those guys. They know they have to show up every day or there's a really good guy behind them that can take their spot."
In the case of Leggett, he has the tools to compete at multiple areas on the field and he's forcing his way into his head coach's mind as Lemonis figures out lineup cards and in-game decisions.
"He can play everywhere," Lemonis said. "He can play centerfield, too. He's just one of those guys that can play everywhere. He's pushing [for more playing time] and that's probably one of my hardest decisions I'm dealing with right now is him. Really good players force your hand and he's pushing."
As Leggett makes his case, he has no preference position-wise.
"It doesn't matter to me," Leggett said. "I just do what I'm asked. I have my head down, working every day."
And we've all seen before how Leggett's work ethic keeps him ready for whatever comes his way.
Remember Omaha? Of course you do.
The Dawgs were on the doorstep of the College World Series Finals. The winning run stood at second base. Leggett delivered a walk-off base hit that'll live in Bulldog lore forever as he lined a shot into left-centerfield. Brayland Skinner sprinted home and MSU sprinted into the finals. We all know what happened from there.
"I was on cloud nine for a little bit," Leggett said on Tuesday, thinking back to his big moment in Nebraska last year.
Behind his dramatic hit was a tale of perseverance. Leggett didn't play much down the stretch, but when his number was called, he was prepared to deliver. He'd never stopped grinding and it paid off. Fast-forward to now and the work continues.
Sure, he could've moved on after last season. He could've sought out other opportunities. But nah. That wasn't for Leggett.
"I guess I put that one in God's hands," Leggett said. "As far as me – [with] the fans, the environment – I feel at home here. Just being around the team and relationships I've built; I think it's best for my sake to be at Mississippi State."
The Bulldogs are certainly glad he's here. Leggett is producing, and even when he's not active in a game, he's still helping the squad in other ways.
Lane Forsythe has been MSU's starting shortstop since early last season. Leggett says the two have a strong friendship and both push each other to get better.
"That's how it is throughout every position on our field honestly," Leggett said.
We'll see how this season shakes out and which Bulldogs land where. Perhaps Leggett finds his way into the starting lineup. Or maybe he becomes the ultimate utility player.
Come whatever, you can bet Leggett will be ready to deliver for the Dawgs, no matter the role.
"I just control what I can control," Leggett said. "I let God take the way and I just trust coach."
