Three-Year Wait Set To End For Simmons
February 15, 2025 | Baseball, Joel Coleman
Bulldog hurler set for first appearance since 2022.
STARKVILLE – March 5, 2022. That's the last time pitcher Stone Simmons stepped on the mound for Mississippi State in a game that counts.
Since then, it's been three years of injuries. Three years of rehab. Three years of ups and downs. But also, three years of incredible resilience and resolve that'll culminate with an emotional return on Sunday at 1 p.m. when Simmons finally toes the slab at Dudy Noble Field again for a start in the opening weekend series finale against Manhattan.
"I was just talking with my fiancée about it the other day," Simmons said. "What am I going to react like when I'm on the mound? I have no idea. I might cry. I might not. I don't know. But I'm excited about it for sure."
There is no crying in baseball, at least according to Tom Hanks' character, Jimmy Dugan, in the classic movie, A League of Their Own. Forget that come Sunday. If Simmons, his family, his teammates, his friends or his fans feel the urge to shed tears of joy, let them fall.
It's more than understandable after Simmons' tale of perseverance. So many in Simmons' cleats would've given up. The list of college baseball players that've gone three full years between games isn't a long one. There's a reason for that.
Very few have the grit to keep going with obstacle after obstacle in the way. It's easy to throw in the towel when, just as you think the clouds are clearing, the storms return. Most fold.
But as for Simmons? He seemingly never wavered. He knew he'd pitch again in a meaningful ballgame.
Simmons' reasons are many, but he makes no secret of what's been the foundation of his strength through everything.
"I've just had the willpower to [come back]," Simmons said. "That's not me. That's [my faith]. I'm very faithful and I trust in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. That's how I do it."
Fueled by his faith, Simmons' passion for the game and the MSU fans' never-ending support carried the big right-handed hurler the rest of the way through his journey.
"I just love baseball," Simmons said. "I love the game. I love what it does for me in terms of growing me mentally and as a person. I think it prepares me [for life].
"And just being around the fans and being around the sort of environment of Mississippi State baseball kind of keeps me going too. Even though I haven't been playing, every single time I go and do a fan event or see people around [Starkville], somebody recognizes me. That just reminds me like, 'Man, I love playing here.' I love what baseball at Mississippi State is about. I love what our core values are."
Simmons knows more than most about the backbone of MSU baseball. He is the lone member of the roster that was with the club when State dogpiled in Omaha as 2021 national champions. That makes this year Simmons' fifth in Maroon and White.
Though he hasn't been an active Diamond Dawg since 2022, he's remained present – whether it was passing on his wisdom as a veteran or directing traffic as a first-base coach.
Simmons has relished his chances to stay involved over the last couple of seasons. But all the while, his eyes have been on one moment.
Sunday, when the ump yells, 'Play ball', it will at long last be here.
"Playing baseball here is a dream," Simmons said. "I want to go out there and help the team win.
"I have a lot of confidence in myself…I know I'm going to make it count."
