The Valincius brothers have become a headline act for the Mississippi State baseball team, reuniting for the first time in college after separate journeys that began in Lockport, Illinois, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
A Dual Threat on the Diamond
Tomas Valincius, the team’s No. 1 starter, has emerged as one of the most dominant arms in the SEC. He boasts a 2.93 ERA and a 10‑2 record, leading the conference in both strikeouts and wins, and his performance earned him a spot on the All‑SEC first team and the prestigious Ferriss Trophy.
His brother Vytas, an outfielder, provides a potent bat at .379 average, having already hit five home runs and driven in 24 runs. While his draft prospects are modest, his contributions have been vital to the Bulldogs’ lineup.
What sets the brothers apart off the field is the way they pronounce Valincius. Tomas says it like “Vuh‑LINK‑cuss,” while Vytas opts for “Vuh‑lin‑SEE‑us.” Both say the choice reflects the rhythm they wanted when pairing the name with their given names.
Their Lithuanian heritage runs deep; their parents were born in Lithuania before the family settled in the Midwest. This season they share a house near campus, living together with their mother, a arrangement that has added a familial stability to their on‑field performances.
Despite his rising profile, Tomas will not be eligible for the MLB draft until 2027, while Vytas, in his final year of eligibility, is not projected as a high‑ranking draft prospect. Nonetheless, the brothers’ combined impact has already reshaped expectations for the program.
As the season progresses, the Valincius duo will look to translate their early successes into deeper runs in the SEC tournament, hoping their unique story inspires future teammates.