Mike Kinnison: A True Statesmen in Mississippi Baseball History

He disagreed with the call at second base. So much so, then assistant coach and now head coach Mike Kinnison elected to have a face-to-face conversation with the infield umpire that made the call. He lost the argument that day in Montgomery, AL, where the Delta State University Statesmen fell to St. Joseph's (MO) in the Division II College World Series. 

Kinnison was no stranger to the Mecca of college baseball. He had been there as a player under legendary head coach Dave "Boo" Ferriss, as he was named to the All-CWS team in 1978 as a shortstop. 

Oh by the way, the second team All-American batted .343 that year and currently holds the single season record for doubles (25). 

I digress.

In both said instances, he lost. That didn't happen very often, in fact, his career would come full circle in 2004, as Delta State was crowned the National Champions with a win over Grand Valley State. 

I could bore you with gaudy statistics, honors and awards but one thing stands true; the Benton, Miss. native bleeds green_ A statement made by many of the Delta State family to describe the affection it has for each other and the university it loves.

It truly is a family.

I first met Mike Kinnison as a graduate assistant in the athletic media relations office. To be honest, I was terrified of him. I had good reason to be, frankly. Having never seen the head coach off of the field, he was the most intense coach I had ever seen. If you have ever had the opportunity to see a Kinnison led team take infield before a game, treasure that. Once, I had a lengthy discussion with now retired head coach at Mississippi State Ron Polk. In his words, infield at Delta State is an, "athletic work of art." 

Strong words from a baseball pioneer.

I would learn to appreciate the conversations we had, most having nothing to do with athletics and everything to do with family. As a father now, I have learned to appreciate the advice I was given by Kinnison, who has two daughters of his own.  

Respect? 

Win or lose, every player on the team would grab a rake or shovel and tend to his position on the field for maintenance. Eight pitchers on the roster and one mound? No problem. Tarp duty. 

While I was working in 2002, the Statesmen defeated Abilene-Christian and were crowned NCAA South Central Regional Champions to advance to the College World Series. After the brief celebration and shaking of hands, off to the field they went to do their jobs.

The lifetime Statesman, who has amassed 681 wins over his career as head coach, will probably retire in Cleveland. Why not? Very few places can you coach under the likes of Bill Merchant and "Boo" Ferriss, who's name you will see adorned on the DSU home stadium. Anytime a coaching job opens, you will hear the name Mike Kinnison pop up.  Not surprising, as Kinnison ranks No. 1 in NCAA Division II with a (.764) winning percentage among active head coaches. Like clockwork, it always goes away and I am sure there is good reason for it. He has no desire to leave, while the legacy and script continue to be written. 

The 2010 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee doesn't appear to be handing over the lineup card just yet. The 2013 Statesmen are 27-5 and 12-2 in the GSC and poised to make yet another run at a National Championship and make a would be fifth appearance in the CWS.

Forgive me if I am not surprised in the least.

College baseball in Mississippi? Hop in the car and we'll take a ride West on Highway 8 to the Delta and we can talk about the winningest program in recent history.