Thursday, June 18, 2009
Former Wildcat Hogue selected in MLB draft
Mississippi State speedster gets shot at the pro ranks thanks to Houston Astros’ selection in 35th round

      POPLARVILLE — Former Pearl River Community College outfielder Grand Hogue, a Mississippi State Bulldog standout, was selected in the 35th round — 1,061st overall — by the Houston Astros in last weeks Major League Baseball draft.
      Hogue, a Hattiesburg native who prepped at Oak Grove High School, was the starting centerfielder for the Bulldogs the past two seasons after redshirting in 2007. He earned All-Region 23 and All-MACJC honors while starting for the Wildcats the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
      “Grant is one of the best players to ever suit up in a Pearl River uniform,” said Wildcat head coach Jamie McMahon who coached Hogue during his two years at The River. “He’s very deserving of being selected and I wish him all the luck in the world.”
      Hogue was a two-year starter for the Bulldogs, batting an impressive .315 this past season, including 10 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs. His team-high 29 stolen bases this past year ranked third in the Southeastern Conference and is the second-highest total in MSU history. All told, Hogue sole 54 bases over his two-year stint in Starkville, which is tied for the fourth-highest total in Bulldogs annals.
      He played his junior season under former head coach Ron Polk and his senior season under first-year head coach John Cohen. Mississippi State posted a 25-29 record this past spring.
      His MSU teammate Ricky Bowen, a pitcher, was drafted in the 43rd round by the Cincinnati Reds — the same team that drafted Hogue in the 46th round in 2008, while first baseman Conner Powers was selected in the 11 th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.