On Thursday, July 31, the Mississippi Mud Monsters will pay tribute to one of the most legendary figures in Mississippi baseball history—Coach Hill Denson—by hosting their first-ever bobblehead giveaway at Trustmark Park in Pearl. The evening, dubbed “SMTTT Night,” will honor the former Southern Miss head coach whose impact on baseball in the Magnolia State spans generations. With 1,081 career wins between his time at Southern Miss and Belhaven University, Denson’s coaching résumé is as iconic as it gets. Not only is the playing field at Southern Miss named in his honor, but his influence helped shape the program into a nationally respected contender.
Fans attending Thursday’s game will have the opportunity to take home a limited-edition Hill Denson bobblehead, the first collectible item ever produced by the Mud Monsters organization. The promotion is presented by Cline Tours and is limited to just 450 bobbleheads, making it one of the most exclusive giveaways of the season. Fans can choose between a $25 ticket package that includes game admission and the bobblehead, or upgrade to a $75 ticket that also includes an all-you-can-eat ballpark food option. In true Thirsty Thursday fashion, fans 21 and over can also enjoy $2 beer specials throughout the game.
The evening is not only a celebration of Coach Denson’s legacy, but also a milestone for the Mud Monsters as they continue building a strong connection with local sports history and community pride. Denson’s career was marked by his ability to inspire players and elevate programs, and his ties to both Southern Miss and Trustmark Park—where his Belhaven teams often played—make this tribute all the more fitting. Whether you’re a longtime Southern Miss fan, a supporter of Mississippi baseball, or just looking for a fun night at the ballpark, SMTTT Night promises to deliver a memorable evening full of baseball, nostalgia, appearances by Seymour and Hill Denson throwing out the first pitch.
(Two coaching legends. Hill Denson on the left and Mississippi State coach Ron Polk on the right)
Fowler Signs with the Brewers Organization
In recent roster news, former Southern Miss pitcher Michael Fowler—who appeared in seven games for the Mud Monsters this summer—recently signed a free-agent deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on July 29, making him unavailable for Friday’s game. In his brief stint with the Mud Monsters, Fowler posted a 2–1 record, a 1.92 ERA, and struck out 15 batters in just 9.1 innings, before departing for professional ranks.
(Former Southern Miss pitcher Michael Fowler was signed by the Brewers organization on Tuesday after seven appearances with the Mud Monsters this summer.)
Because Fowler has moved on to the Brewers organization, there will be no Southern Miss alumni on the field during SMTTT Night. Despite this, the evening remains a meaningful celebration of Mississippi baseball heritage, as fans come together to honor Southern Miss and Hill Denson’s impact on the game and university.
Gates open at 5:30p.m. with first pitch at 6:35p.m. Coach Hill Denson will be throwing out the first pitch.
SMTTT Night at Trustmark Park
Who:
Mississippi Mud Monsters 🆚 Schaumburg Boomers
When:
Thursday, July 31
🕕 First Pitch: 6:35 p.m.
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Where:
Trustmark Park – Pearl, MS
Promotion:
🎁 Hill Denson Bobblehead Giveaway (for fans who purchased the $25 ticket package. Limited to 450 fans)
🍔 All-You-Can-Eat Ticket Option Available
🍻 $2 Beer Specials for Thirsty Thursday (21+)
TV:
📺 HometownLive
Presented By:
🚌 Cline Tours
About The Author
