The annual alumni celebration at Mississippi State’s baseball venue will return to Starkville this fall.
Alumni showdown set for Nov. 6
Mississippi State confirmed on July 22 that the 2026 Diamond Dawg Classic will be staged at Dudy Noble Field on Friday, Nov. 6, positioned the day before the Bulldogs’ home football game against Vanderbilt. The event will again split former players into Team Thunder and Team Lightning.
Notable baseball figures to lead squads
Former Major League Baseball names will headline the rosters in leadership roles. Will Clark is listed as the general manager for Team Thunder, while Rafael Palmeiro will be the general manager for Team Lightning. On-field leadership includes Mitch Moreland as manager of Team Thunder with veteran outfielder and MSU alum Jake Mangum serving as that team’s captain. Team Lightning’s manager will be former reliever Jonathan Papelbon, with Tanner Allen taking a coaching role.
Tickets and rosters
The full player lineups will be released at a later date. Fans eager to secure seats can purchase tickets starting July 27. Organizers point to the event’s strong debut in 2025, which drew a crowd of 10,172 and featured a star-laden cast of former Bulldogs.
- Date: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
- Location: Dudy Noble Field, Starkville
- Teams: Team Thunder vs. Team Lightning
- Tickets on sale: July 27
| Role | Team Thunder | Team Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| General manager | Will Clark | Rafael Palmeiro |
| Manager | Mitch Moreland | Jonathan Papelbon |
| Captain / Coach | Jake Mangum (captain) | Tanner Allen (coach) |
Why the event matters locally
The Diamond Dawg Classic functions as both a reunion for former Bulldogs and a community celebration that draws alumni back to Starkville, bringing economic activity to local businesses during an already busy football weekend. The 2025 edition’s attendance underscored the appetite among fans for high-profile alumni games featuring recognizable names from MSU’s baseball history.
What’s left unknown
Mississippi State has not announced when fall baseball practices will begin under coach Brian O’Connor, who will be in his second season. Organizers also have not published full rosters or details on schedule kickoff times and ticket pricing; those specifics are expected with the roster release.
Fan planning
Supporters planning to attend should mark Nov. 6 on calendars and consider purchasing tickets when sales open July 27. Given the turnout for the inaugural game, early purchase may be advisable for those seeking premium seating or group blocks for visiting alumni parties and fan gatherings.
The Diamond Dawg Classic remains one of the university’s signature alumni events, promising a blend of nostalgia, competition and community engagement at one of college baseball’s most storied parks.
