The Carnegie Hall of college baseball
Two days ago, John Cohen’s wife Nelle had a conversation with her sister. The obvious topic of conversation dealt with Cohen taking a new job at Mississippi State. And Nelle Cohen’s response to her sister summed up a major reason for her husband to leave the University of Kentucky.
“I heard my wife telling her sister over 48 hours ago,” said Cohen, who was accompanied by Nelle, two daughters, mother and mother-in-law at the press conference. “Her sister asked why go back to Mississippi State. My wife told her that every musician wants to play at Carnegie Hall. And Dudy Noble Field is the Carnegie Hall of college baseball.
“This is home to me. The amount of support has been overwhelming, through the phone calls, the emails and the support last night at the airport.”
On Saturday afternoon, Cohen was introduced as the new Mississippi State baseball coach, replacing former Bulldog coaching legend Ron Polk.
Cohen was greeted by a standing ovation, applause, cheers, and then given a maroon sports coat by MSU athletic director Greg Byrne.
Cohen then was given a MSU baseball hat, which he put on, at least for a moment. Taking off his hat wasn’t a negative thing, however. It was out of respect and something he learned from former college football coaching icon Bear Bryant.
bulldawgjunction.com
6/7/08
