Rivalry Respect: Former Mississippi State Baseball Star Praises Tim Elko, Ole Miss Ahead of Omaha Appearance

Former Mississippi State Diamond Dawg Tanner Allen fueled his college’s rivalry with Ole Miss whereas enjoying school baseball, however he was the primary to supply assist to 1 Insurgent pal after the crew punched its ticket to Omaha.

In a tweet shared on Sunday night, Allen sang excessive praises for Ole Miss first baseman Tim Elko. He spoke very extremely of Elko’s character and the best way that the Rebels continued to struggle by way of a tough stretch of video games earlier than wishing them luck. 

Do not be fooled — Allen has all the time been one to voice his opinions concerning the faculty in Oxford. He even took time throughout final yr’s Nationwide Championship celebration to make a fast dig at followers of the rival faculty. The previous right-fielder definitely has the resume to struggle again in opposition to critics: he was named the SEC Participant of the Yr in 2021 and was a serious half in touchdown Mississippi State its first championship in class historical past. 

Elko has made a reputation for himself at Ole Miss as effectively. The crew captain tore his ACL in the course of the 2021 season however defied the chances, ultimately blasting seven residence runs and recording 19 RBI as an injured designated hitter. This season, Elko has posted a .302 batting common with 71 RBI, 57 runs scored and 22 residence runs whereas having a .995 fielding proportion.

Allen is now enjoying professionally with the Beloit Sky Carp, the Excessive-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. His days of enjoying in Omaha are over, however now he has the possibility to see what Elko and his Ole Miss crew can do when given the chance. 

Allen and Elko’s friendship offers followers a glimpse into the human facet of a rivalry that has been extremely bitter over the previous few years. It serves as proof that above all, most school baseball gamers have unbelievable respect for each other and wish to have fun these whose actions and attitudes result in success. Ultimately, regardless of the ultimate report or end-of-season stats, that sense of camaraderie amongst gamers is strictly what school baseball must proceed rising for years to come back.