Hujsak Stepping Into A Huge Role
October 11, 2023 | Baseball
STARKVILLE - From his explosive bat to his veteran presence in the locker room, Connor Hujsak has everything it takes to lead Mississippi State baseball to success in the 2024 season.
The senior outfielder is already showing off just how much he's grown as he enters his second year in the Maroon and White. As a standout player for Team Goat in Mississippi State's Fall World Series, Hujsak made big plays and propelled his team to a series victory.
In the team's 9-2 win over Team Cheese on Sunday night, Hujsak blasted two home runs over the outfield wall in just seven innings of action while also holding down the fort in center field.
"It was a good day," Hujsak said. "I stuck to an approach all night and the team won. The team had a great night."
Hujsak has much to attribute to his growing success, and it all starts with the work he tirelessly put in over the summer. For the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder, there was no such thing as an offseason when the Diamond Dawgs wrapped up another year at Dudy Noble Field in the spring. Once the beaming stadium lights were turned off for the final time, he made the trip down to the Sunshine State to join the Sanford River Rats in the Florida Collegiate Summer League.
The Goffstown, New Hampshire native put the entire college baseball world on notice with an incredible showing for the River Rats. In 28 games, Hujsak posted a batting average of .319 with 16 RBIs, seven doubles and five home runs. He showed increased discipline and awareness all around the diamond, drawing 16 walks and stealing 11 bases. As a testament to his performance and hard work, Hujsak earned a spot on the All-Florida League First Team in August.
According to Hujsak, the extra effort that he put in while in Florida made a big impact on his collegiate baseball career in multiple ways.
"It was a good summer," Hujsak said. "Playing every day obviously helped, and I was with great people down there so it was awesome."
However, there's plenty more work to do this year. Hujsak is expected to fill a sizable role for Mississippi State as a key piece of their starting lineup. He fared well in his appearances for the Diamond Dawgs in 2023 — recording 10 hits, nine RBIs and two home runs through 46 at-bats — but there's not just one part of his game that he hopes to build on before the season starts.
"Honestly, [I want to improve] in all aspects of the game," Hujsak said. "At the plate, being more consistent and on the defensive side, just making every play I can."
Hujsak is also looking to be more than just a consistent force that fills the stat sheet en route to plenty of team victories. Mississippi State's roster is filled with many young faces, all of whom want someone to look up to as they look to make an early mark on the program. As he enters his fourth year of college baseball, he brings a well-respected, experienced presence to the locker room  and he's embracing that responsibility.
"[I] try to lead by example every day, you know, work hard," Hujsak said. "I want be that guy that people go to and try to fill a big role for us."
The countdown to February is on, but for now, there's plenty of fall baseball left for Hujsak to train and continue showing off his skills. When the smell of smoke first fills the air and the crack of pregame batting practice echoes across Dudy Noble Field, he will give it his all for the Diamond Dawgs.
"I'm just going to go out there and play hard every day," Hujsak said. "Hopefully, the results will come from that and the work behind the scenes."
          Â
