Dedication Set for Dickins-Scoper Baseball Stadium at Mississippi College

Dickens-Scoper Stadium entrance rendering

Back in 1905, Theodore Roosevelt served as America’s president, the average annual wage in the USA was $432 and a baseball team was born at Mississippi College.

More than a century later, history continues to be made for MC’s first intercollegiate sport.

President Lee Royce, Athletic Director Mike Jones and other school leaders will attend the dedication of the Dickins-Scoper Baseball Stadium on the Clinton campus February 4.

Dedication is set for 2:30 p.m. at the stadium entrance that Saturday. In addition, Dickins-Scoper family and friends will be recognized after the 2^nd inning of the MC Choctaws baseball game with Florida Tech.

Leaders at 191-year-old Mississippi College are thrilled to welcome the family and recognize another important milestone in MC baseball history.

“This beautiful new entrance is a wonderful addition to our baseball facility,” Jones said. “We are extremely grateful to the Dickins-Scoper family for their generous contribution, and we are excited to dedicate the stadium in their name.”

The stadium entrance will enhance MC’s already attractive venue for the Choctaws baseball team that plays in the Gulf South Conference.

Head coach Jeremy Haworth leads the squad that opens the 2017 season with seven straight home contests including four against Florida Tech at Frierson Field. It will be followed by a three-game series with Lindenwood University of Missouri. Players on the NCAA Division II team come from nearby cities like Madison and Vicksburg, Mississippi and as far away as Kansas, Texas and Canada. MC will play 21 Division II opponents as well as several non-conference games.

The Dickins-Scoper family dates back to the early era of baseball for the Blue & Gold at America’s second oldest Baptist college.

John William Dickins of Greenwood began playing baseball as a freshman at Mississippi College in 1920. The Mississippi Delta native played catcher on the varsity baseball team in 1921 through 1923. He served as assistant baseball manager and was named team captain in 1923. A bright student, John served as MC student body president, was secretary of the Athletic Council, and president of the "M" Club. He was a member of the Senior Honor Society on the Clinton campus.

During his final year on the diamond, MC defeated teams like Louisiana State University in a series on the road in Baton Rouge and knocked off Union University. MC won 17 of 28 games that season. MC also played three Major League teams including: the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns.

Dickins also suited up for three years as a center and end on the MC Choctaws football team. The 1923 Mississippi College graduate died in 1977. He was married to the late Ruth Thompson Dickins, who passed away in 1996. Their daughter is Dell Thompson Dickins Scoper, a 1956 Mississippi College graduate.

Prior to the dedication, President Royce will host family members and honored guests at a luncheon at the Phillips House on the Clinton campus.

MC supporters can purchase bricks leading to the Dickins-Scoper Stadium entrance at a cost of $125 each. For additional information, contact Tim Fritts, assistant athletic director for development at 601-925-7826 or tfritts@mc.edu