From the dusty sandlots of the Delta to the fever-pitch rivalries at Mississippi State and Ole Miss, baseball is woven into the cultural fabric of the Magnolia State. This deep-seated passion has cultivated a rich tradition of producing elite baseball talent, forging players whose grit, power, and perseverance have left an indelible mark on America’s pastime.
The definition of being “from Mississippi” can be complex. For this examination, the primary criterion is a player’s birthplace within the state’s borders. This distinction is important, as it separates this specific group from other legends deeply connected to the state. For instance, while Atlanta Braves superstar Austin Riley was born just across the border in Memphis, Tennessee, he was raised in Southaven, Mississippi, making him a true product of the state’s baseball ecosystem. Similarly, collegiate legends like Will Clark, a New Orleans native who became an icon at Mississippi State before his decorated MLB career, and Brent Rooker, a Tennessee native who also starred for the Bulldogs, are inextricably linked to Mississippi’s baseball story but fall outside the birth-state criteria for this list.
The focus here remains on the twelve men born in Mississippi who reached the Midsummer Classic. Their careers span the breadth of baseball history, from the pre-war era to the modern game, and their stories offer a compelling look at the evolution of the sport through the lens of one of its most fertile proving grounds.
The Pioneers – Forging a Legacy in a Bygone Era
The earliest chapters of Mississippi’s All-Star history are defined by two players whose careers represent starkly different, yet equally classic, baseball narratives. Buddy Myer, a product of the pre-war game, embodies the gritty longevity required to thrive in that era. In contrast, Dave “Boo” Ferriss represents the brilliant, meteoric flame of a post-war phenom whose trajectory was tragically altered by circumstance.
Buddy Myer (Ellisville)
A tough, scrappy infielder born in Ellisville, Buddy Myer carved out a long and productive 17-season career, primarily with the Washington Senators. Known as a grinder, Myer was a two-time All-Star, earning selections in 1935 and 1937. His peak came in 1935 when he won the American League batting title with a.349 average, cementing his status as one of the league’s top hitters. While detailed stats for these early All-Star Games are not readily available, his selections alone place him as the first standard-bearer for Mississippi-born talent in the majors.
Dave “Boo” Ferriss (Shaw)
The story of Dave “Boo” Ferriss is one of the great “what ifs” in baseball history. Born in Shaw and a legend at Mississippi State, Ferriss exploded onto the scene with the Boston Red Sox immediately following his service in World War II. He was an instant phenomenon, winning 21 games as a rookie in 1945 and a staggering 25 games in 1946. His dominance earned him two consecutive All-Star selections.
However, fate intervened in a way that highlights the precarious nature of a pitcher’s career. The 1945 All-Star Game was canceled due to wartime travel restrictions, denying him his first appearance. A year later, though selected again, a career-altering arm injury began to take its toll, ultimately shortening what appeared to be a Hall of Fame trajectory. While he was twice recognized among the game’s elite, Dave Ferriss never had the chance to pitch in a Midsummer Classic, leaving his All-Star legacy as a testament to his brilliant but tragically brief peak.
The Power Brokers – Mid-Century Mississippi Muscle
In the post-integration era, Mississippi produced a new archetype of superstar: the charismatic, powerful slugger. George “Boomer” Scott and Dave “The Cobra” Parker were larger-than-life figures who captivated fans not only with their prodigious talent but also with their magnetic personalities. Both were physically imposing, defensively gifted two-way players who became the heartbeats of their respective franchises. Scott’s journey with the Red Sox and Brewers established him as a premier power hitter and defensive wizard. Parker’s career followed a more complex arc of peak dominance, public struggle, and, ultimately, triumphant redemption with his election to the Hall of Fame, showcasing the full spectrum of a superstar’s journey.
George “Boomer” Scott (Greenville)
Born in Greenville, George “Boomer” Scott was a force of nature from the moment he entered professional baseball. After winning a minor league Triple Crown in 1965, he burst into the majors with the Boston Red Sox and was named an All-Star as a rookie in 1966, playing in all 162 games. Scott was a cornerstone of the 1967 “Impossible Dream” Red Sox team that won the American League pennant, and he enjoyed his peak power years with the Milwaukee Brewers, leading the AL with 36 home runs and 109 RBI in 1975.
Beyond his bat, Scott was a defensive virtuoso at first base, earning eight Gold Glove Awards. His personality was as big as his talent; he famously referred to home runs as “taters” and carried a first baseman’s mitt he called “Black Beauty”. A three-time All-Star, Scott was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame and the Brewers Wall of Honor, cementing his legacy as one of his era’s premier first basemen.
Awards and Honors
- 3x All-Star (1966, 1975, 1977)
- 8x Gold Glove Award (1967-68, 1971-76)
- AL Home Run Leader (1975)
- AL RBI Leader (1975)
- Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
- Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor
All-Star Game Performance
Scott’s All-Star experiences were varied. As a rookie in 1966, he was voted the starter for the American League. In 1975, he was selected as a reserve for the AL but did not appear in the game. His most dramatic moment came in 1977 at Yankee Stadium, where he entered as a reserve and hit a towering two-run home run in the ninth inning off future Hall of Famer Rich “Goose” Gossage.
Dave “The Cobra” Parker (Big Creek)
From Big Creek, Dave “The Cobra” Parker was one of the most feared and complete players of his generation, a fact cemented by his 2025 election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He rose to stardom with the “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates, winning back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and 1978, culminating in the 1978 National League MVP award. In 1979, he was a vital part of the Pirates’ World Series championship team and was named the All-Star Game MVP for his incredible defensive display.
Parker’s career was a complex tapestry of overwhelming success and public struggle. After signing a landmark contract making him baseball’s first million-dollar-a-year player, he battled injuries, weight issues, and a cocaine addiction that led to his involvement in the 1985 Pittsburgh drug trials, which many believe delayed his Hall of Fame induction. However, his career was reborn with his hometown Cincinnati Reds, where he returned to All-Star form. He later served as a veteran leader for the 1989 World Champion Oakland Athletics, winning a second ring a decade after his first. Parker’s journey from a feared slugger to a fallen star and finally to a redeemed Hall of Famer is one of baseball’s most compelling comeback stories.
Awards and Honors
- Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2025)
- 7x All-Star (1977, 1979–1981, 1985, 1986, 1990)
- 2x World Series Champion (1979, 1989)
- NL MVP (1978)
- All-Star Game MVP (1979)
- 3x Gold Glove Award (1977–1979)
- 3x Silver Slugger Award (1985, 1986, 1990)
- 2x NL Batting Champion (1977, 1978)
- Home Run Derby Champion (1985)
All-Star Game Performance
Parker’s seven All-Star selections showcased his all-around dominance. His 1979 performance remains iconic, where he won MVP honors not for his bat, but for his powerful throwing arm, cutting down two runners on the basepaths in a stunning defensive display. He also won the first-ever official Home Run Derby in 1985.
The Modern Archetypes – Five-Tool Talent and Bulldog Grit
The next generation of Mississippi-born All-Stars demonstrated that greatness could be achieved through different, almost opposing, paths. Ellis Burks was a sublime, physically gifted five-tool athlete whose immense talent was often tested by a career-long battle with injuries. His story is one of perseverance. In contrast, Roy Oswalt was an undersized and overlooked late-round draft pick who willed himself into an elite ace through sheer tenacity and a bulldog mentality. Together, their careers illustrate that there is no single blueprint for a ballplayer from the Magnolia State to reach the sport’s pinnacle; it can be found in both natural physical blessing and indomitable will.
Ellis Burks (Vicksburg)
Born in Vicksburg, Ellis Burks was the definition of a five-tool player. Though he moved to Texas as a youth, his Mississippi origins mark the start of his journey. He began his career with the Boston Red Sox, where he had a breakout season in 1990, earning his first All-Star selection, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger award. Burks’s immense potential was fully realized during his spectacular 1996 season with the Colorado Rockies. In a display of power and speed, he joined the exclusive 30-30 club by hitting 40 home runs and stealing 32 bases, while also leading the National League in runs scored and slugging percentage.
His career, however, was a constant battle against injuries, from shoulder surgeries to other nagging ailments that frequently sidelined him. That he played for 18 seasons and compiled 352 home runs and 1,206 RBI is a powerful testament to his resilience and dedication. In a fitting final chapter, Burks returned to the Red Sox in 2004 and won a World Series ring in his last season, bringing his career full circle.
Awards and Honors
- 2x All-Star (1990, 1996)
- 2x Silver Slugger Award (1990, 1996)
- Gold Glove Award (1990)
- Member of the 30-30 Club (1996)
- World Series Champion (2004)
- Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
All-Star Game Performance
Burks was selected to two All-Star games six years apart. He was chosen as a reserve for the American League in 1990 but did not appear in the game. In 1996, representing the National League, he made his mark by hitting a triple in his lone appearance.
Roy Oswalt (Weir)
Roy Oswalt, “The Wizard of Os,” authored one of baseball’s great underdog stories. Born in Weir, he went from Holmes Community College to being a 23rd-round draft pick by the Houston Astros in 1996. His ascent was remarkable, highlighted by winning an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA in 2000 before he even established himself in the majors.
With the Astros, Oswalt became one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Relying on a blazing fastball and a fierce, competitive spirit, he recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2004 and 2005. His crowning achievement came in the 2005 postseason, where he was named NLCS MVP after two masterful performances that propelled the Astros to their first-ever World Series. He went on to win the NL ERA title in 2006 and later joined the Philadelphia Phillies to form part of their famed “Four Aces” starting rotation. When he left Houston, he ranked second in franchise history in both wins and strikeouts, a testament to his bulldog tenacity.
Awards and Honors
- 3x All-Star (2005, 2006, 2007)
- NLCS MVP (2005)
- NL Wins Leader (2004)
- NL ERA Leader (2006)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2000)
- Houston Astros Hall of Fame
All-Star Game Performance
Oswalt was selected to three consecutive All-Star games from 2005 to 2007, but his on-field participation was limited. He won the fan “Final Vote” to make the 2005 team and pitched in that game. However, he did not play in the 2006 or 2007 contests.
The 21st Century – Power, Professionalism, and Perseverance
The most recent class of Mississippi’s All-Stars reflects the evolving nature of 21st-century baseball. This group includes a specialized power-hitter from the middle infield in Brian Dozier, a consummate professional journeyman in Corey Dickerson, and a steady, reliable veteran presence in Mitch Moreland. Their careers showcase a shift from the singular, franchise-defining icon to the highly valuable, often specialized, modern star, demonstrating how talent from the Magnolia State has adapted to the analytics-driven, role-specific demands of today’s game.
Brian Dozier (Fulton)
Fulton native and a product of the University of Southern Mississippi, second baseman Brian Dozier emerged as one of the premier power hitters at his position during his prime with the Minnesota Twins. From 2014 to 2017, Dozier was a force, culminating in a spectacular 2016 season where he blasted 42 home runs, the most ever by an American League second baseman in a single season. His offensive prowess was complemented by excellent defense, earning him a Gold Glove Award in 2017. Dozier’s career reached its zenith in 2019 when he played a key role for the World Series champion Washington Nationals.
His lone All-Star selection in 2015 was memorable. Added to the roster as a replacement, Dozier entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and promptly hit a solo home run, becoming just the 16th player in history to homer in his first All-Star at-bat.
Awards and Honors
- All-Star (2015)
- World Series Champion (2019)
- Gold Glove Award (2017)
Corey Dickerson (McComb)
Corey Dickerson, a native of McComb, represents the quintessential modern professional hitter. After attending Meridian Community College, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies and embarked on an 11-year career that saw him provide a valuable left-handed bat for eight different franchises. His peak season came in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he was voted the American League’s starting designated hitter for the All-Star Game after a torrid first half. The following year, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he showcased his defensive skill by winning a Gold Glove Award in left field. In 2025, he was recognized for his journey by being inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honors
- All-Star (2017)
- Gold Glove Award (2018)
- Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame
Mitch Moreland (Amory)
A steady presence at first base for 12 seasons, Amory’s Mitch Moreland built a career on reliability and clutch performance. Another standout from Mississippi State, Moreland spent the majority of his career with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He was lauded for his left-handed power and his exceptional defense, which earned him an American League Gold Glove Award in 2016. In 2018, he achieved two career milestones: his first All-Star selection and a World Series championship as a key contributor for the Boston Red Sox.
Awards and Honors
- All-Star (2018)
- World Series Champion (2018)
- Gold Glove Award (2016)
The New Wave – Carrying the Torch
Mississippi’s influence on Major League Baseball is not merely a historical footnote; it is a vibrant, ongoing legacy carried by a new generation of stars. The current crop of All-Stars from the state includes an MVP-caliber cornerstone, an established power-hitting veteran, and an emerging flamethrowing ace. Their success demonstrates the unbroken chain of talent flowing from the Magnolia State, proving the region remains a vital source of baseball’s best.
Austin Riley (Southaven)
While born in Memphis, Austin Riley was raised in Southaven and honed his skills on Mississippi diamonds, making him a true product of the state’s baseball culture. As the star third baseman for the Atlanta Braves, he has become one of the most feared hitters in the game. A two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Riley was a central figure in the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship and is a perennial MVP candidate, serving as a cornerstone for a modern dynasty.
Hunter Renfroe (Crystal Springs)
Hailing from Crystal Springs and another alumnus of Mississippi State’s powerhouse program, Hunter Renfroe has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier right-handed power threats. Known for his prodigious home runs and a cannon-like throwing arm from the outfield, Renfroe earned his first All-Star nod in 2022, recognizing his status as an impact player.
Garrett Crochet (Ocean Springs)
The latest Mississippian to join the All-Star ranks is Garrett Crochet from Ocean Springs. A hard-throwing left-hander, Crochet made a rapid ascent to the majors after being a first-round draft pick. After beginning his career as a dominant bullpen weapon, he successfully transitioned into a starting role, where his electric stuff earned him his first All-Star selection in 2024, marking him as one of the game’s most exciting young pitchers.
A Lasting Imprint on America’s Pastime
The collective story of Mississippi’s twelve Major League Baseball All-Stars is a rich and diverse history of American baseball itself. From the gritty pioneers like Buddy Myer and the meteoric talent of “Boo” Ferriss, the state has consistently produced players who define their eras. The mid-century saw the rise of charismatic power brokers in George Scott and Dave Parker, whose talent and personalities were larger than life. The modern era brought forth archetypes of perseverance and grit in Ellis Burks and Roy Oswalt, and the specialized professionalism of Brian Dozier, Corey Dickerson, and Mitch Moreland.
Today, the new wave of stars like Austin Riley, Hunter Renfroe, and Garrett Crochet ensures the state’s legacy is not just preserved but actively growing. While there is no single mold for a Mississippi ballplayer, a common thread of toughness, resilience, and an undeniable passion for the game runs through each of their stories. And with the next generation of talent, such as MLB Futures Game selection Konnor Griffin, already on the horizon, it is clear that the Magnolia State’s contributions to the national pastime are far from over.
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