Gatlin Sanders bringing improved defensive game, family legacy to Dudy Noble
It might have been a season of ups and downs for Gatlin Sanders this year, but he counted it a successful year.
Playing for former Mississippi State catcher Wes Thigpen at Jones College, Sanders dealt with a shoulder injury most of the season and battled against it all year. After diving on the shoulder early in the year, Sanders banged up that shoulder and it kept him from producing the numbers he wanted, but he powered through it.
“I had a good year. It wasn’t as great as I wanted it to be because I got banged up, but it was good,” Sanders said. “Being away from the bat helped me get a whole lot better defensively. I know that Mississippi State is really big on defense so that was good for me to show and I really improved that area.”
Despite the injury, Sanders produced a solid season. After batting .401 as a true freshman for the Bobcats and driving in 51 RBI on 73 hits with 15 doubles, a triple and six home runs, Sanders earned Second-Team All-MACCC honors.
He was named Honorable Mention this year after batting .356 with 67 hits in 55 games, 20 doubles, one triple and 32 RBI. Sanders stuck out 29 times in 188 at bats and he stole 21 bases on the year. More importantly to him, Sanders improved his fielding percentage from .860 with 14 errors last year to .992 and one error playing the middle infield.
His improvement on the defensive side of things mirrored the Bulldogs’ improvement. After being one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC in 2022, State was one of the best in the country this year.
“The defense was definitely better,” Sanders said of the Bulldogs. “They were really good this year and (David) Mershon kind of set the tone there. I know they didn’t make a whole lot of errors this year and Coach Lemonis loves a good defensive unit so I’m sure he was pleased.”
Bulldog legacy wants to shine right away in Starkville
As a JUCO signee, expectations for immediate playing time are higher for players like Sanders.
The Madison native has spoken often with the State staff about those possibilities and he understands there are jobs open next year to get those opportunities.
“They’ve been staying in touch and making sure I’m doing well and getting ready for the fall. I’m ready to get there and compete.” Sanders said. “I’m planning on stepping in and competing for the second base job right away. I think I can bring a lot to the team offensively. I really enjoyed watching David Mershon this year and I think that I can be that type of player for the program.”
Sanders has tremendous ties to the Bulldog program. A former Madison Central Jaguar, he played with State first baseman Hunter Hines and catcher Ross Highfill on a stacked MC team in high school and will have at least Highfill to reunite with next season.
On top of that, Sanders’ grandfather, Russ, played on the 1965 and 1966 SEC Championship teams in Starkville. MSU is in Gatlin’s blood and he’s looking forward to the surreal feeling of playing ball at Dudy Noble Field next year.
“It means a lot to me. It makes me want to win more and get this program back to Omaha where they should be every year,” Sanders stated. “Having always been a Bulldog fan, that winning mentality is always there and I can’t wait to put on that uniform.”
