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Thursday, July 23, 2026

Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro Headline 2026 Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic as Mississippi State Baseball Legends Return to Dudy Noble Field

State 1878 announces the Nov. 6 Diamond Dawg Classic, featuring Team Thunder vs. Team Lightning with Bulldog greats, MLB stars and fan favorites set to reunite in Starkville.

STARKVILLE, Miss. | Mississippi State baseball fans will once again witness a reunion of Bulldog legends as State 1878 announced Wednesday that the 2026 Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic presented by State 1878 will return to the iconic Dudy Noble Field on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

The annual showcase has quickly become one of college baseball's premier alumni events, bringing together former Mississippi State standouts, Major League Baseball veterans and Bulldog icons for a competitive exhibition celebrating one of the nation's most storied baseball programs.

Bulldog Legends Lead the Teams

Once again, two of the greatest players in Mississippi State baseball history will headline the event as Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro return as general managers for opposing squads.

The fan-favorite matchup will feature:

Team Thunder

  • General Manager: Will Clark
  • Manager: Mitch Moreland
  • Team Captain: Jake Mangum
Team Lightning
  • General Manager: Rafael Palmeiro
  • Manager: Jonathan Papelbon
  • Team Captain: Tanner Allen

The combination of Hall of Fame-caliber talent, former Major League stars and recent Bulldog standouts promises another highly competitive evening inside one of college baseball's most recognizable venues.

Building on a Record-Setting Tradition

The 2025 Diamond Dawg Classic demonstrated the event's growing popularity among Mississippi State supporters.

Last year's exhibition featured 51 Diamond Dawg alumni competing before a crowd of 10,172 fans at Dudy Noble Field.

Team Lightning claimed victory after a dramatic swing-off competition in which former MLB All-Star Hunter Renfroe defeated Team Thunder manager Mitch Moreland, providing one of the event's most memorable finishes.

With another star-studded roster expected in 2026, organizers anticipate another strong turnout as Bulldog faithful gather to celebrate Mississippi State baseball's rich tradition.

More Than an Alumni Game

Beyond the competition, the Diamond Dawg Classic has become an annual celebration of the Mississippi State baseball family.

The event provides former teammates an opportunity to reunite while allowing fans to reconnect with generations of Bulldog greats whose careers have spanned the SEC, professional baseball and Major League Baseball.

The showcase also highlights the continued impact of State 1878, Mississippi State's official Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) collective, which continues to support current student-athletes while strengthening connections among alumni, fans and the baseball program.


Ticket Information

Fans won't have to wait long to secure their seats.

Tickets for the 2026 Farm Bureau Diamond Dawg Classic presented by State 1878 will go on sale Monday, July 27.

Complete player rosters, additional event details and promotional activities are expected to be announced in the coming months.

With Bulldog legends returning to Dudy Noble Field and another memorable evening of baseball on tap, the Diamond Dawg Classic continues to establish itself as one of the premier offseason events in college baseball.

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-- By Andréa Mochida

© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.

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Location: Starkville, MS 39759, USA

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