Ethan Lege, an Ole Miss infielder turned outfielder and previous transfer from Delgado Community (La.) College, just signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who selected him in the fifth round and 444th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft a few weeks ago.
The @Pirates have signed 3B Ethan Lege, their 15th-round pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft.
Welcome to the family, Ethan! 👏 pic.twitter.com/DsGURErq2s
— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) July 26, 2024
Lege was one of the bright lights in Ole Miss’ otherwise disastrous 2024 baseball season.
Lege batted.323 in 43 games, with 40 runs, 53 hits, 13 home runs, and 38 RBI before sustaining a fractured hand against Mississippi State. That kept him out of commission for nearly the entire month of May. He was still a finalist for the 2024 Ferriss Trophy, which is awarded annually to Mississippi’s greatest collegiate baseball player.
“Obviously a great kid who’s had a great year this year,” head coach Mike Bianco remarked about Lege in May. “… (The injury) was unfortunate.” Injuries occur. That is a shame. But he’s been an excellent leader. Even after being injured, he has become a stronger leader. He’s been really vocal. Many people would withdraw into themselves after something like that, but not (Lege). We’ve gone two weeks without him (playing), and a lot of it is simply the emotional impact he’s had on this club, the dugout, and the locker room.”
Lege came to Ole Miss in 2023 as a JUCO transfer from Delgado Community College. In 2023, he started 49 games at third base and only struck out 16 times in 181 at-bats. Despite a rough start, he finished the season strong. He batted.243 by the conclusion of the season, with 44 hits, three home runs, 11 extra base hits, and 20 RBI. He fielded.925 defensively.
In his final season at Delgado Community College, Lege batted.399 with 50 runs on 71 hits, four home runs, and 36 RBI. He also contributed 16 extra-base hits (15 doubles and one triple). He stole 13 bases on 16 attempts and had 49 putouts and a.921 fielding percentage. His squad concluded 2022 with a 37-16 record, earning the NJCAA South Central District Championship. Lege began his college career at Nicholls State.
