Chris Lemonis did Something He's 'Never Done' Before Facing Air Force
The Mississippi State baseball team opened the season on the right note on Friday, as the Bulldogs defeated the Air Force Academy 8-4.
In addition to cheering on the team donning maroon and white, the largest opening day crowd in Mississippi State's history (11,216 fans) also commended the Air Force. Bulldogs head coach Chris Lemonis was very appreciative of Starkville's appreciation for the military and commended Mississippi State for its support as well.
"Our athletic department has done an unbelievable job setting everything up this weekend," Lemonis said during the postgame press conference. "We've had planes, paratroopers and all kinds of stuff."
Lemonis said during Wednesday's press conference that he and Air Force head coach Mike Kazlausky have known each other for quite some time. Lemonis said that his relationship with Kazlausky helped give him the courage to do something before the game that he barely ever does.
"I actually know their coach well, but asked if I could talk to his team," Lemonis explained. "I never come and talk to the other team, but last night I came out and did."
Another reason why Lemonis stepped outside of his comfort zone was due to his own military background.
"My grandad was in the Air Force, my dad was in the Air Force, I was born near Keesler Air Force Base, I went to the Citadel, which I don't know is as military as these guys," Lemonis said. "But I just spoke to them for a while and we talked about how (Mississippi State) is a military community and a lot of my players have military families. We do a great job for military families here, so I thought it was really cool."
Lemonis and Mississippi State will face Air Force once again on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT on SECN+ in the second of three games this weekend.
