Drew Talley

Ten games into my senior year at Mississippi State — about a month into the season — and I still hadn’t pitched. The previous year, I logged only 4 innings. I spent the entire fall and most of the spring preseason dealing with an injury, and quiet frankly walking on thin ice on even staying on the team, if you’re not able to be productive in any way you’re gone, that’s how the SEC works, & I knew everything would have to go perfectly for me to even have a shot. This is something young players at any level should pay attention to: what to do when you’re not playing much — and how to handle it. During that time, I worked relentlessly. Every day, I prepared like my opportunity was coming tomorrow. I knew that when my name was called, I needed to be ready — not just ready to pitch, but ready to prove I belonged in the SEC. Then it happened. We were up 19–2 at Tulane in the 9th inning. They told me to get hot. I treated it like Game 7 of the World Series. I went out there, went 3 up, 3 down, 3 strikeouts. My stuff was sharp. After the game, Coach made a comment in the team meeting about how locked in I looked. He noticed. And that was all I needed. Fast forward 24 hours — we’re in a 4–4 game in the 7th, bases loaded, two outs. He puts me in. Surprised? Maybe others were. I wasn’t. I had been preparing for this moment for two years. I got to a 1-2 count and I got a flyout to right. From that point on, I went on to lead the team in ERA and appearances out of the bullpen. It became the best season of my career. The takeaway: always be ready. You don’t know when your shot will come. But when it does, you can’t afford to be surprised. You’ve got to be prepared — mentally, physically, emotionally — like it’s the opportunity you’ve been waiting your whole life for. If I hadn’t been locked in during that 19–2 game and shown Coach what it meant to me, I may have never gotten another chance. Make the most of yours. If you’re not there yet, don’t give up. Keep showing up. Stay ready. Your moment’s coming. I’ll attach a few clips of the game that changed my career.

Parents OPTIONAL is never optional. Obviously given certain conditions but If you played any sports in HS / College / Pro. You know know that. This is just a friendly tip… always be there and do the extra work. Bc in college.. if you’re not at optional work, you’ll be the only one, and you’ll be the only one packing your bags at the end of the fall.

Kids got that DAWG in him. Excited to watch him have a big spring.

The best players I played with had these attributes: •Handled adversity like a professional •Handled winning the same as their losses •Great work ethic / character •Expected to win •Wanted the moment •Outworked everyone •Relentless & Tough •Respected by everyone because their work / attitude showed for it Every day as a player at an SEC school you have to give your coach a reason to play you. There’s 50+ other talented players on the roster. Ask yourself, why you? What do you bring to the table? I would’ve never been asked to return after my 1st year at State for a second opportunity (which enabled my breakout year) if I wasn’t a good teammate & brought value to the team outside of playing time.

It’s not the coach, It’s the lack of NIL money. State used to get the players they wanted, but now it’s not possible bc other SEC schools have far more $ than us. Blame Lem if you want, but until State steps up $ wise we will continue to be behind. Don’t ask Coach Polk about NIL

Hate Coach Lemo isn’t at State anymore. Always enjoyed my time with him as a player & respected him. He always had his players back too.. did the batter swing?