From Booneville to Professional Baseball

Written By: Carter Smith

For as long as anyone can remember, Ben Davis has been known around Booneville as a competitor.

Whether it was on the baseball diamond wearing the Blue Devil uniform or later pitching against some of the nation’s best hitters, Davis built his reputation on hard work, determination and a relentless drive to improve.

Now, that journey has reached another milestone.

On Saturday, former Booneville Blue Devil standout Ben Davis was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft with the 104th overall pick. 

For the Booneville community, the moment is about much more than hearing a hometown player’s name called during the MLB Draft. It is the culmination of years of dedication and a source of pride for a town that has watched Davis grow from a championship-winning Blue Devil into a professional baseball player.

Davis first made his mark at Booneville High School, where he helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2021 MHSAA Class 3A State Championship. That championship team remains one of the most memorable in school history, and Davis was a major reason why.

Known for his versatility, Davis contributed both on the mound and at the plate during his high school career. His leadership, competitive spirit and ability to perform in big moments helped establish Booneville as one of the premier baseball programs in North Mississippi.

Those who watched him during his Blue Devil days could see the potential. His fastball continued to develop, his confidence grew, and every season he seemed to take another step forward.

Following graduation, Davis continued his baseball career at Itawamba Community College, where he quickly developed into one of the top junior college pitchers in Mississippi. Over two seasons with the Indians, he compiled a 10-5 record, struck out 104 batters, and logged more than 104 innings while continuing to sharpen his game against elite competition.

His success at ICC earned him the opportunity to transfer to Mississippi State, one of college baseball’s premier programs and a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference.

Facing some of the best hitters in the country every weekend, Davis continued to elevate his game. During the 2026 season, he became one of the Bulldogs’ most dependable relief pitchers, appearing in 26 games, recording 57 strikeouts in 47 innings, posting a 3.64 ERA, and earning five saves. His performances throughout the season caught the attention of professional scouts and solidified his place among the top pitching prospects in the draft.

On Saturday, that hard work paid off.

When the Colorado Rockies selected Davis with the 104th overall pick, another chapter began—not only for Davis, but for Booneville baseball.

For young players growing up in Booneville, Davis has become proof that dreams can become reality. The same fields where he learned the game, celebrated victories and won a state championship have now produced a professional baseball player.

His path wasn’t built overnight. It was built through countless hours of practice, long bus rides, offseason workouts and years of competing at every level. From Booneville to Fulton, from Starkville to professional baseball, Davis has embraced every challenge placed before him.

While his professional career is just beginning, his legacy at Booneville High School is already secure.

He will forever be remembered as a state champion Blue Devil whose baseball journey inspired an entire community.

Now, Booneville will have another reason to follow professional baseball, as one of its own begins chasing the dream of pitching in the Major Leagues.

The Blue Devil family—and the entire Booneville community—will undoubtedly be cheering every step of the way.