Mississippi State's baseball program celebrated a double milestone this week as D1Baseball announced its 2026 All-America teams, placing junior third baseman Ace Reese and sophomore pitcher Tomas Valincius on the second team.
A Legacy in the Making
Reese, who has become a cornerstone of the Diamond Dawgs over the past two seasons, earned his tenth All-America nod. He capped the year with a .336 batting average, 24 home runs and 74 RBIs, while also leading the SEC in doubles. His back-to-back 20-plus home run seasons place him among the program's elite, marking him as only the third player in school history to achieve that feat.
Valincius, meanwhile, turned in a stellar pitching campaign, finishing 11-2 with a 3.50 ERA across 16 starts. He struck out 134 batters while walking just 20 in 97 2/3 innings, a performance that helped him lead the SEC in conference strikeouts and secure the eighth-highest single-season strikeout total in Mississippi State lore.
The recognition extends beyond individual statistics. Both players were also honored by other national outlets, with Valincius earning first-team All-American status from the NCBWA and second-team selections from the ABCA, Baseball America and Perfect Game. Their achievements add to the university's rich tradition, bringing the total count of All-Americans to 87 and 179 honors in program history.
Coach Chris Lemonis praised the duo, noting that their work ethic sets a standard for the next generation. "Ace and Tomas embody the relentless spirit we strive for at Mississippi State," he said. The program, which opens its next season in Starkville, looks to build on this momentum as it aims for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Mississippi State's baseball pedigree stretches back decades, with legends like Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro and Tommy Raffo paving the way. The recent honors echo their own storied careers, reinforcing a lineage of excellence that continues to attract top talent.
Fans and alumni alike are celebrating the accolades, confident that the Diamond Dawgs will carry this energy forward. As the team prepares for the upcoming campaign, the spotlight remains on Reese and Valincius, whose performances promise to keep Mississippi State at the forefront of collegiate baseball.