Gehrig Frei is headed to Starkville. The former North Alabama third baseman led the Lions in nearly every offensive category in 2024. With 15 home runs to his credit, Frei was the power source for the UNA offense.
Earlier this season, Frei had the chance to play at famed Dudy Noble Field in a midweek game during the final week of the regular season. While many other programs canceled those nonconference affairs, the Bulldogs did not. Frei believes that said something about the people in charge of Mississippi State baseball.
"That told me that program does things the right way," Frei explained. "They play the game the right way and that's what I try to do every single time that I go out there. That was a big thing for me. Just going there and seeing that environment and playing in that environment in front of those fans was good even though I was on the other the other team. It was great experiencing all of that.
"After the game, I was talking to my dad down the line and a guy came up and gave me a huge thing of steak and mashed potatoes. It was pretty sweet to be able to take that on the bus. It was a great experience."
Speaking of experiences, Frei had another novel event happen in his life when he entered the NCAA transfer portal. Lightly recruited out of high school, Frei has developed into a serious college baseball talent. After some consultation with family, Frei made the difficult decision to transfer from North Alabama. As soon as the news made the rounds, Frei barely had time to do anything other than talk to coaches.
"Oh, my goodness. It's crazy," Frei shared. "I was on the phone 24/7 it felt like. It was hard even finding time to eat a meal. Coaches reach out anyway they can. It was Twitter DMs, Instagram DMs and some found my number or e-mail. It's just a crazy process. It's nothing like I have ever experienced before.
"Mississippi State was one of the first ones that reached out. I've built a relationship with them this past week. I really connected with their staff. That was a cool thing to experience."
Frei had some thinking to do, but ultimately felt that Starkville was where he wanted to continue his playing career. As a redshirt sophom*ore, Frei has two years of eligibility remaining should he elect to use them. The Bulldogs have an opening at third base, which fits Frei's skill set.
"One of the reasons I entered the portal is that I wanted to play at a higher level," Frei explained. "Mississippi State is one of the biggest stages in the country. I want to play, I want to perform and I want to succeed at that level. The culture was a big part of it. People love baseball in Starkville. I want to play for those fans. That was a huge factor in my decision.
"Coach (Chris) Lemonis and Coach (Jake) Gautreau were just great throughout this process. They didn't specifically where they want me to play, but I am expecting to play third. That's where I'm the most comfortable. Honestly, I can play anywhere in the infield and I am willing to do so. Wherever they need me, I will play."
It has been quite the ride for Frei who committed to North Alabama fairly early during his prep career. As he matured as a player, things changed. Now, the Cumming, Georgia product will be taking the field at college baseball's greatest cathedrals.
"I always thought it was possible that I could play at a program like Mississippi State," Frei said. "I felt I had the talent too. It was just a matter if I wanted to go into the portal or not. Our of high school, I was super underrecruited. I was a little undersized and Covid played a part, because coaches weren't able to see me. My senior year, I put on some weight and a bunch of muscle. I kind of had a break out senior year of high school. I went to UNA to honor my commitment to them. I had a couple of good years there and now I am excited to play on a bigger stage."
Cumming, Georgia has been good to Mississippi State. Former ace reliever Landon Sims is also a product of South Forsythe High School. In fact, Frei and Sims were teammates.
"We're buddies and we played a couple of years together in high school," Frei said. "He's an amazing leader and role model. That's really when my connection to Mississippi State started. I watched him throughout the national championship run. I got to see how electric that environment was and how much those fans cared about Mississippi State baseball."
Unlike Sims, Frei will not take the field to Whitesnake. A self-proclaimed county music guy who is well aware of State's connection to super star Hardy, Gehrig is not really into 80's Hair Metal. No matter which song he uses as his walkout, Frei promises to give his all for the Diamond Dawgs.
"I can't wait to compete for those fans," Frei said. "I am super excited and super blessed to have the opportunity compete in front of them and for them."
