If there’s one thing that West Marion is known for on the baseball diamond, it’s pitching. Plenty of talented arms have come through The Swamp, and Trace McDonald is no different. The senior became yet another Trojan to further his baseball career at the next level, as he signed with Pearl River Community College Nov. 8.
The 6-foot-4 flamethrower gained attention early in his baseball career, and an 88 mph fastball made him – and college scouts – realize that there was something special at hand.
“About my sophomore year, I got it up to 88. I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re about to see what this year does,’” McDonald said. “And then I got it up to 93, 94 last year. I’m excited for high 90s this year.”
Not only has his velocity improved each year, but so has his command and ERA. He fanned 83 batters in 2024 with a 1.74 ERA, helping the Trojans reach their first state championship in program history. The senior continues to get better, and his coaches are proud to see what he’s turned into.
“I knew from the very first time we saw him play in junior high for us that he was going to be a really good player for us, a special athlete,” West Marion head coach Derrick Jerkins said. “And it’s been rewarding as a coach over the years seeing him develop into the player that he is today.”
Pearl River was one of the first schools to offer McDonald, which meant a lot to him. The school’s loyalty led to loyalty reciprocated, and McDonald said he’ll feel right at home in Poplarville.
“It’s a nice campus, it’s close to home and they’ve got a good program. Coach (Michael) Avalon knows his stuff. Coach (Brandon) Pennington, the pitching coach, he knows his stuff. I feel like that’s the best fit for me,” McDonald said. “Student-wise, a bunch of people from West Marion go there, so I’ll know a bunch of people.”
At the signing ceremony in the West Marion library Friday, assistant coach Greg Sanders added that while the Trojans may not see it this year, McDonald will be reaching “triple digits” with his fastball in the next few years. Jerkins and Avalon agree, as the Trojans coach recalled a phone conversation with the Pearl River skipper.
“A couple of weeks ago, coach Avalon called me, and we were talking for a while. We were talking about Trace, and one thing he did mention was he thought Trace would be a one-and-done guy at Pearl River and will have decisions to make after that. So that tells you that he’s not the average guy signing with junior college baseball,” Jerkins said. “He has extraordinary talent, and hopefully, this time next year, he signs with somebody – or maybe even professionally through the draft.”
McDonald said he’s looking forward to one last ride with his West Marion teammates, and he hopes to savor every last moment with his friends during his senior season.
