One of the best hitters in Southern Miss history lets us know if he’ll be back for 2021
Matthew Guidry was given one more season of eligibility with the Southern Miss baseball program after the COVID-19 pandemic cut his redshirt senior season short, but he has decided to call it a career.
Guidry, a sweet-swinging second baseman, announced Friday that he has decided to move on from baseball.
“I have decided that I am ready to start the next chapter of my life,” Guidry said in a statement. “My family and close friends have been so supportive in this decision making process and I can’t explain how much I appreciate them for that. Though I won’t be competing on the field, Southern Miss baseball will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He ends his career having reached base in 72 consecutive games — a program record at USM.
The left-handed hitting Guidry finishes his time at USM with a career batting average of .321, 17 home runs and 119 runs batted in.
His career on-base percentage is an impressive .459.
The former Oak Grove star was batting .313 when the 2020 campaign came to a close after 16 games due to the novel coronavirus.
“The positive impact that USM made on my life cannot be explained,” Guidry said. “I have been given the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players and friends. I have received great advice from an unbelievable coaching staff, and without them I have no idea where my career could’ve ended up. Being voted team captain twice is my greatest accomplishment and is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to spring athletes who had their seasons cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior right-handed reliever Hunter Stanley, who had a 1.42 ERA and three saves in eight appearances in 2020, has announced that he will be back for one more year.
Alex Nelms, a senior from Gulfport, has also decided not to return for the 2021 season.
