A Diamond Legacy: The History of Missouri Southern State University Baseball

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) boasts a rich athletic history, and its baseball program is no exception. From its humble beginnings in 1965 to the present day, the Lions have carved out a significant place for themselves in the world of collegiate baseball. This article explores the history of the MSSU baseball program, highlighting key moments, influential figures, and the program's impact on the university and its community.

Early Years and Program Development

The Missouri Southern State University baseball program started in 1965, marking the beginning of an era for Lions athletics. The early years focused on establishing a foundation for the program, building a competitive team, and fostering a culture of sportsmanship and excellence.

Warren Turner's Enduring Influence

Warren Turner's name is synonymous with MSSU baseball. As the long-time coach, Turner left an indelible mark on the program. His dedication and leadership shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. To honor his contributions, Warren Turner Field was opened in 2015. This marked the first time the MSSU Baseball Program played on campus in more than 40 years, symbolizing a new chapter in the program's history. The first game played on the field was February 14, 2015, against Upper Iowa University.

A New Home on Campus: Warren Turner Field

The opening of Warren Turner Field in 2015 was a pivotal moment for the MSSU baseball program. For over four decades, the team had played off-campus, creating a disconnect between the program and the university community. The new field provided a state-of-the-art facility for the team and a central location for fans to gather and support the Lions.

Notable Alumni: From MSSU to the Majors

The MSSU baseball program has produced talented players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level. Two former Missouri Southern State University ballplayers made it to the majors, both were pitchers. This accomplishment reflects the quality of coaching and player development within the program. While no former MSSU Lion position player has yet to reach the big leagues, the program continues to strive to develop well-rounded athletes capable of competing at the highest levels.

Key Figures in MSSU Athletics

Beyond the baseball field, Missouri Southern State University has a number of important people who have contributed to the athletic program. Rob Mallory currently serves as the Athletic Director, guiding the overall direction of the university's athletic programs. Fred G. Hughes (1913-1994), former Joplin Globe publisher and Missouri Southern board of regents member (1965-1981), was a key figure in the university's history. Fred G. Hughes Stadium (opened in 1975) is named after him. Robert Ellis Young (1919-1995), who represented the area in the Missouri House of Representatives, is the namesake of Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium (opened in 1968).

Facilities Supporting Athletic Excellence

Missouri Southern State University has invested in facilities to support its athletic programs:

Fred G. Hughes Stadium: Named after Fred G. Hughes, this stadium has been the home of the MSSU football team since 1975. Due to a large financial donation by the Robert W. Plaster Foundation, the stadium is expected to be renamed in his honor in the near future, though the plaza at the entrance to the stadium may be named after Hughes.
Leggett & Platt Athletic Center: Opened in 1999 and named for Leggett & Platt, a major manufacturing firm located in Carthage, Missouri, this facility seats more than 3,200 for basketball and other indoor sports. Leggett & Platt was a major donor for the construction of this facility.
Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium: This 1,700-seat gymnasium was home to the university's basketball teams from 1968 until 1999, when they moved to the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The school's volleyball team currently uses the facility.

The Roar of the Lions: Mascot and Fight Song

The Missouri Southern Lions are represented by their mascot, Roary the Lion. As of 2012 the Mascot's official name has become Roary the Lion. He made his debut at the October 6, 2012, Homecoming game against the South Dakota Mines. The Southern Fight Song is the official fight song for Missouri Southern State University. The MSSU Fight Song lyrics were selected during a contest conducted in late 2012 and early 2013. Until the winner was announced at the Lions vs. These symbols embody the spirit and pride of the university and its athletic programs.

Over the Years: a Summary of Team Matchups

The Missouri Southern State University baseball team has a long history of competing against a variety of institutions. These matchups reflect the program's commitment to challenging itself against diverse competition and building a strong reputation within the collegiate baseball landscape. Here's a summary of their performance against various teams:

Arkansas Tech University: 8-6 (Home: 3-1, Away: 5-5)
Central Methodist University (Mo.): 7-3 (Conf: 4-2, Home: 6-1, Away: 0-2, Neutral: 1-0)
College of the Ozarks (Mo.): 22-2 (Conf: 10-2, Home: 17-0, Away: 5-2)
Columbia College (Mo.): 3-1 (Home: 2-0, Away: 1-1)
Drury University: 13-12 (Conf: 5-2, Home: 8-5, Away: 5-7)
East Central University: 2-0 (Home: 1-0, Away: 1-0)
Emporia State University: 40-40 (Conf: 35-32, Home: 27-17, Away: 10-19, Neutral: 3-4)
Evangel University (Mo.): 18-10 (Conf: 10-6, Home: 11-2, Away: 6-8, Neutral: 1-0)
Fort Hays State University: 44-14 (Conf: 42-13, Home: 24-3, Away: 19-10, Neutral: 1-1)
Harding University: 3-0 (Home: 2-0, Neutral: 1-0)
Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.): 3-1 (Home: 2-0, Away: 1-1)
Henderson State University: 8-3 (Home: 1-0, Away: 5-3, Neutral: 2-0)
John Brown University (Ark.): 3-7 (Conf: 1-1, Home: 2-2, Away: 1-5)
Lincoln University of Missouri: 21-5 (Conf: 18-4, Home: 12-3, Away: 9-2)
Lindenwood: 13-10 (Conf: 11-9, Home: 10-2, Away: 2-8, Neutral: 1-0)
Lindenwood University: 2-1 (Conf: 2-1, Away: 2-1)
Little Rock: 5-3 (Home: 2-0, Away: 3-3)
Mid-America Christian University (Okla.): 1-3 (Home: 1-1, Away: 0-2)
Minnesota State University, Mankato: 2-7 (Home: 2-4, Away: 0-1, Neutral: 0-2)
Mission University: 5-0 (Home: 2-0, Away: 3-0)
Missouri S&T: 23-8 (Conf: 11-4, Home: 16-1, Away: 7-7)
Missouri State University: 6-22 (Home: 4-8, Away: 2-14)
Missouri Valley College: 4-0 (Conf: 4-0, Home: 2-0, Away: 2-0)
Missouri Western State University: 60-34 (Conf: 45-30, Home: 29-13, Away: 25-17, Neutral: 6-4)
Newman University: 15-3 (Conf: 13-2, Home: 12-1, Away: 3-2)
Northeastern State University: 37-22 (Conf: 22-17, Home: 23-12, Away: 13-9, Neutral: 1-1)
Northwest Missouri State University: 40-25 (Conf: 33-23, Home: 20-10, Away: 17-14, Neutral: 3-1)
Northwestern Oklahoma State University: 4-3 (Home: 1-2, Away: 2-1, Neutral: 1-0)
Oklahoma Baptist University: 2-1 (Home: 1-0, Away: 0-1, Neutral: 1-0)
Oral Roberts University: 2-13 (Home: 1-1, Away: 1-12)
Ouachita Baptist University: 4-5 (Home: 3-0, Away: 0-4, Neutral: 1-1)
Pittsburg State University: 42-36 (Conf: 33-30, Home: 17-16, Away: 21-20, Neutral: 4-0)
Rockhurst University: 10-3 (Conf: 9-1, Home: 5-0, Away: 5-3)
Rogers State University (Okla.): 12-6 (Conf: 12-6, Home: 8-2, Away: 4-4)
Southern Arkansas University: 4-2 (Home: 1-0, Away: 1-2, Neutral: 2-0)
Southwest Baptist University: 61-18 (Conf: 41-12, Home: 39-6, Away: 22-12)
Southwestern Oklahoma State University: 2-3 (Home: 1-0, Away: 0-2, Neutral: 1-1)
St. Cloud State University: 7-5 (Home: 7-3, Neutral: 0-2)
Truman State University: 28-8 (Conf: 20-6, Home: 22-4, Away: 6-4)
University of Arkansas: 1-10-1 (Conf: 0-1, Home: 1-1, Away: 0-9-1)
University of Arkansas Fort Smith: 4-1 (Conf: 3-0, Home: 4-1)
University of Central Missouri: 17-66 (Conf: 13-55, Home: 8-27, Away: 5-35, Neutral: 4-4)
University of Central Oklahoma: 26-23 (Conf: 21-16, Home: 12-12, Away: 14-10, Neutral: 0-1)
University of Illinois Springfield: 5-4 (Home: 4-1, Away: 1-3)

Challenges and Triumphs

Like any athletic program, MSSU baseball has faced its share of challenges and triumphs. These experiences have shaped the program's identity and fostered a sense of resilience and determination among its players and coaches.

The Legacy Continues

The history of Missouri Southern State University baseball is a testament to the dedication, passion, and talent of the individuals who have been a part of the program. From its early beginnings to its current standing, MSSU baseball has consistently strived for excellence, both on and off the field. As the program moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to build upon its rich history and make a positive impact on the university and the surrounding community.

Other Notable MSSU Alumni

Besides the baseball program, other notable Missouri Southern State University alumni include: Allen Barbre (NFL Player), Lonny Chapman (Actor), Janet L. Kavandi (NASA Astronaut), J.

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