Senate Resolution 6

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SPECTACULAR FIRST BASEMAN BRENT ROOKER FOR WINNING THE 2017 C SPIRE FERRISS TROPHY, AS THE FIRST BULLDOG NAMED SEC PLAYER OF THE YEAR, FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN BASEBALL AMERICA PLAYER OF YEAR AND FIRST SEC PLAYER TO SET TRIPLE CROWN STATISTICAL RECORDS.

WHEREAS, on May 22, 2017, Mississippi State University "Bulldog" slugger First Baseman Brent Rooker was named the recipient of the 2017 C Spire Ferriss Trophy as the best college player in the Magnolia State, and later became the first Bulldog to ever be named SEC Player of the Year, in addition to being named First Team All-SEC. Rooker thanked God, his family, his coaches and teammates in his acceptance speech for the Ferriss Trophy at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum; and

WHEREAS, less than 24 hours removed from being named a USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist, Brent Rooker was named a National Player of the Year and First Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Rooker's season has been one of the best in Mississippi State baseball history. Rafael Palmeiro was the last player to capture the SEC Triple Crown. The former big-leaguer with more than 3,020 career hits and 569 home runs pulled off the rare feat in 1984 while playing at Mississippi State. Now, 33 years later, another Mississippi State slugger has joined Palmeiro in the exclusive club. The Germantown, Tennessee, native led the conference in homers (20+), RBIs (73) and batting average (.415) entering SEC Tournament action. He also led the SEC in slugging, on-base percentage, doubles (30+), hits and total bases; and

WHEREAS, Brent Rooker's 2017 Honors include:

· SEC Player of the Year;

· Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year;

· Collegiate Baseball First Team All-American;

· First Team All-SEC;

· Ferriss Trophy Winner (Best Amateur Baseball Player in the State of Mississippi);

· Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist;

· Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist;

· SEC Player of the Week - February 27, April 3 & April 10;

· National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) National Hitter of the Week - February 28 & April 11;

· NCBWA Player of the Month (March);

· National Player of the Week - Feb. 27 & April 10;

· Perfect Game/Rawlings Player of the Week - April 11; and

WHEREAS, Brent Rooker is doing things in the SEC that haven't been done in this league in a very long time or ever," MSU Coach Andy Cannizaro said. "It is just a testament to the baseball we have in the State of Mississippi this year," Southern Miss Coach Scott Berry said. "Brent has had an outstanding season. He is very deserving of the honors"; and

WHEREAS, the redshirt Junior First Baseman might look back at Super Bulldog Weekend as his signature performance. He hit three homers, including a grand slam, and went 4 for 4 with six RBIs in a 10-6 win over Kentucky. Rooker started the season batting cleanup but moved up because he was getting pitched around. Rooker, who has six multi-homer games in his career, became the first Mississippi State player to hit three in a game since 2010. The feat was enhanced because it happened on Super Bulldog Weekend, the annual three-day extravaganza when all the spring sports teams play at home and the spring football game is held; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi university athlete who has brought great honor to his university, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate Mississippi State University First Baseman Brent Rooker for winning the 2017 C Spire Ferriss Trophy, as the First Bulldog named SEC Player of the Year, First Team All-American Baseball America Player of the Year and First SEC Player to set triple crown statistical records, and we extend our best wishes to Brent and his "Bulldog" family on this high honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Brent Rooker, Coach Andy Cannizaro and Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.