HOOVER, AL – MAY 23: The SEC logo is displayed on the back of the mound with SEC baseball before the SEC Baseball Tournament Semifinal game between Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators on May 23, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mississippi native and lifelong baseball player Josh West helped deliver one of the biggest moments in Mississippi State University athletics history when his catch against Louisiana State University secured the SEC Tournament championship in 2001.
A multi-year outfielder for the Bulldogs, West was also part of the program’s 1998 College World Series team and finished his senior season as Mississippi State’s RBI leader.
Now, the former college baseball standout is being remembered after his sudden death.
“Former Mississippi State baseball player Josh West died on Sept. 10,” Sam Sklar reported for the Clarion-Ledger. “He was 47 years old. A cause of death was not given.”
Late Mississippi State Outfielder Played Hero In 2001 SEC Championship Season
West’s career at Mississippi State included several memorable accomplishments, but his 2001 season was particularly notable. As the Bulldogs captured the SEC Tournament title, he earned a spot on the All-SEC Tournament Team and played a key role in the team’s run through the postseason.
“He led the team in RBIs in 2001 with 49 while batting .282 with five home runs,” Sklar added. “The Bulldogs won the SEC Tournament that season, with West making the All-SEC Tournament Team. They went on to sweep the Columbus (Ohio) Regional in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Cal State Fullerton in the Fullerton Super Regional.”
The SEC’s official tournament record also lists West among the 2001 All-Tournament Team selections. And a local obituary noted that West made a championship winning catch against the rival LSU Tigers.
His connection to Mississippi State went back several seasons. West made an immediate impression after arriving in Starkville, hitting a home run in his first collegiate at-bat. He was then part of the Bulldogs’ 1998 College World Series team before becoming one of the team’s leading offensive contributors.
Former Mississippi State University Outfielder Dies At 47
“Almost from the time he could walk and barely hold a baseball, he was in the yard with his dad throwing a baseball,” West’s obituary read. “Josh had an instant impact by hitting a home run in his very first collegiate at-bat at MSU which set the bar for his college career.”
Before Mississippi State, West starred at Hamilton High School, winning a Class 1A state championship in 1997 and earning local All-Area Player of the Year honors. He later earned a degree in kinesiology from Mississippi State..
According to his obituary, West was also remembered for his love of fishing, woodworking and music. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a Josh West Memorial Baseball Scholarship to be established at Hamilton High School.
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