College Podcast: Mississippi State’s Tanner Allen Talks 2021

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On this episode of the Baseball America College Podcast, presented by Rapsodo, Teddy Cahill and Joe Healy are joined by Mississippi State outfielder Tanner Allen to discuss what it was like to have the 2020 season end so abruptly, how he spent his time in the spring and summer, what it has been like to be back on the field this fall and his expectations for the 2021 season.

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With the departure of key lineup pieces like second baseman Justin Foscue and shortstop Jordan Westburg, Allen will go into next season as the player most likely to lead the Bulldogs lineup. In 2020, he had a tough season, as he was limited to just eight games and ended the campaign hitting .240, but Bulldog fans looking for reasons for optimism that he can be the type of impact hitter the team needs should look at his 2019 season, when he hit .349/.426/.516 with 23 doubles, seven home runs and 66 RBI. 

If he replicates that type of production next season, MSU would be pleased, and if he’s even better than that, he could be in for a SEC player of the year-type of season. 

Among the topics discussed on this episode are:

• Allen’s memories from the days leading up to the 2020 season ending abruptly
• How he spent his time during the spring and summer, both in terms of baseball and just generally
• What it’s been like to be back on the practice field with his teammates
• What allowed him to break through into the lineup so early in his MSU career
• His defensive versatility
• What it’s like to go head-to-head against MSU’s pitchers day after day in practice
• What it’s like to play games at Dudy Noble Field
• His high school football career at UMS-Wright Prep
• His goals and expectations for the 2021 season