Ole Miss baseball’s Dallas Woolfolk to step away from baseball

In a statement released from Ole Miss Athletics, junior closer Dallas Woolfolk has decided to remove himself from Mike Bianco’s club at this time. The ruthless relief pitcher has been a dominant figure on the mound for the Rebels for the past three seasons, but will step away to focus on a team of one for now.

“Over the past three years, it has been an honor to be a member of the Ole Miss baseball team,” Woolfolk said. “As much as I love my teammates, coaches and the game itself, I need to focus on my own personal health. With that being said, after much thought and prayer, I have decided to leave the team at this time.

“It was a special feeling to step on the mound wearing that Ole Miss uniform. The support from my teammates, coaches and Rebel Nation is something I will never forget. I will always be a Rebel.”

The preseason All-American from Southaven, Miss. wasn’t his usual dominant self this season, going 1-1 on the bump with a less-than-stellar 2.51 ERA in 14.1 innings. But, over the course of his three years at Swayze Field, he made 60 career appearances in an Ole Miss uniform. This past season Dallas collected 12 saves, a single season record at Ole Miss, and represented Team USA the following summer.

During his record setting 2017, he struck out 41 batters and only walked five in 26 appearances and 37.2 innings. He ends his career among the top six all-time in saves in school history.

Mike Bianco echoed the affirmation of Woolfolk stepping away at this time, saying that he respects and supports Dallas’ decision.

“Dallas Woolfolk is a terrific individual who provided an impact both on and off the field,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “After sitting down and talking with him, I completely respect his decision to step away from our program. The health of our student-athletes is always of the upmost importance. We will still be here to support Dallas, and we thank him for his contributions to our team.”

We at The Cup wish Dallas well during this time of reflection to seek stability. Hopefully he can find what he is looking for and be better than ever, on (if it comes to that) and off the field.

Stay up, Wolf.