Brian O’Connor, Mississippi State’s head baseball coach, will receive the John Robert Arnold Champion for Scouting Award at a luncheon Nov. 25, 2026, at Mississippi State to benefit the Natchez Trace Council, SuperTalk Mississippi reported.
SuperTalk Mississippi said the “Thankful for Scouting” luncheon and reception will raise money for Scouting in northeast Mississippi and give sponsor attendees an opportunity to meet, photograph and speak with O’Connor before the event. The luncheon is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. at The Mill in Starkville.
The John Robert Arnold Champion for Scouting Award recognizes leaders who guide Mississippi youth through communities that offer the Scouting program, the report said. Natchez Trace Council president Sid Salter of Starkville is quoted in the report praising O’Connor’s commitment to leadership development and noting the event will benefit local Scouts and Cubs.
O’Connor’s coaching record and résumé cited by SuperTalk Mississippi include a 917-388-2 overall record at Virginia, 18 NCAA tournament appearances, nine super regionals, seven College World Series appearances and a 2015 national championship. The report notes O’Connor was named the 19th head baseball coach at Mississippi State in June 2025.
The report says O’Connor’s first season at Mississippi State produced a 43-19 record and a No. 14 national seed; the Bulldogs hosted a regional at Dudy Noble Field for the first time since 2021, advanced from the regional and then lost two games to Georgia in the Athens Super Regional.
Individual tickets start at $250 per couple for two tickets. For tickets or information, SuperTalk Mississippi gives Natchez Trace Council President Sid Salter’s contact numbers as (662) 325-3442 and (601) 507-8004, and the email sidsalter@sidsalter.com.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
