‘I want to do it for the state of Mississippi’: McCallie baseball’s Hudson Calhoun and his continued legacy at Ole Miss
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. —For thousands of kids across Mississippi, Ole Miss’ sports programs are treated as professional teams throughout the state. So, when Hudson Calhoun, a Tupelo, Miss. native, got the chance to play baseball in Oxford, it was too good to pass up.
“I grew up an Ole Miss fan,” Calhoun said. “Of course I wanted to put on the Powder Blues at Swayze.”
After talking with his mom, who played golf at the university, and the rest of his family, it was clear for him to make the decision to pick the Rebels over Alabama.
“I just wanted to continue the legacy at Ole Miss,” Calhoun said.
I’m excited and grateful to announce I’ll be committing to Ole Miss to continue my athletic and academic career. I’d like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their continued support. Can’t wait to be apart of #RebsBSB #HYDR @GAScorpions @OrlandoScorps @PerfectGameUSA pic.twitter.com/nfEx0xv42i
— Hudson Calhoun (@H_Calhoun2) July 21, 2021
The high school junior stands 6-foot-3, 170 pounds and can hit 90 miles per hour on the bump. But before he knew he was going to get the chance to play in the SEC, it was all about just falling in love with the game.
“Just being 7 years old and going out there and having fun,” Calhoun said. “Learning how to slide and learning the basics of baseball. Those were definitely my favorite moments growing up.”
Prior to getting the attention of college coaches, he was piquing the interest of boarding school programs across the country. This route was a natural fit as his father and brother also went the prep route. When McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. offered both him and his best friend, Hall Sumner, he was sold.
“It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Calhoun said.
Despite only being there a short period of time, Calhoun has made relationships at McCallie that will last a lifetime.
“McCallie’s whole thing is just being a brotherhood,” Calhoun said. “Everyone on this campus has my back and of course I have theirs. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Calhoun arrived in Chattanooga his freshman year and immediately got into the weight room. After a fall of getting bigger and stronger, he would earn a spot on the varsity team. This is when Calhoun realized he may have a shot at collegiate ball.
After spending the past couple of years playing for McCallie and in showcases, Calhoun started hearing from more and more colleges this June. This is when he would receive his offer from Ole Miss. But, just because he’s already committed does not mean he is going to cruise for the next two years, as Calhoun still craves the opportunity to get better.
“No one ever really sees the cage work at 11 p.m.,” Calhoun said. “Even the recovery aspect of missing bonding time because you need to sleep eight hours or ten hours.”
His dedication to become the best shows his elite competitiveness, which Calhoun considers his biggest strength.
“In baseball, you’re failing at least seven out of ten times,” Calhoun said. “Just being able to bounce back from that is what changes you as a player. It separates you from being a good player to a great player.”
One player in the MLB with this attitude that Calhoun admires is Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who also grew up in Tupelo.
“The stuff I’ve heard about him, with how humble he is and his humility off and on the field, I think that’s truly incredible,” Calhoun said. “I’d love to model myself off of him.”
While Calhoun is fully focused on the rest of his high school career, the pipe dream of bringing a championship to Oxford is in the back of his mind.
“Growing up, I’ve seen Ole Miss get so close,” Calhoun said. “I want to do it for the state of Mississippi.”
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