Mississippi Sports Medicine Named Official Orthopaedic Provider of the Mud Monsters

Bringing elite athlete care—and a few curveballs—to the monsters of the mound.

PEARL, Miss. (April 24, 2025) — The Mississippi Mud Monsters are thrilled to welcome Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (MSMOC) as the official team physician and orthopaedic provider for the 2025 season. Whether it’s a sprained fin or a banged-up bat wing, MSMOC will be on call to keep our players healthy, limber, and ready to rumble.

Founded in 1984 by Drs. James Manning, Gene Barrett, and Walter Shelton, Mississippi Sports Medicine has grown into the most trusted name in orthopaedic care across the state. From youth athletes to major league stars to the fans, their team provides world-class treatment for injuries big and small—combining decades of experience with leading-edge innovation.

MSMOC operates out of multiple locations and a state-of-the-art facility in Flowood, offering everything from urgent orthopaedic care and physical therapy to a nationally recognized ambulatory surgery center. They’re pioneers in outpatient joint replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery, and they perform more than half of Mississippi’s total joint replacements. With fellowship-trained specialists in nearly every orthopaedic subspecialty, they’re equipped to handle any curveball that comes our way.

“As we built this franchise, we knew we needed a partner who could keep our athletes performing at their best,” said General Manager Andrew Seymour. “Mississippi Sports Medicine brings not only elite care, but a true understanding of what it means to serve a team and a community.”

Mississippi Sports Medicine will also serve as the presenting partner of Tales From the Bullpen—a new Mud Monsters social media feature that shines a light on our relief pitchers through storytelling, pop culture quizzes, and behind-the-scenes fun. It’s a twist on the traditional player spotlight, showcasing bullpen personalities with the same energy and weirdness fans expect from the Monsters.

MSMOC is also deeply invested in local sports, providing physician coverage to over 50 high schools and colleges as well as offering thousands of free comprehensive student physicals each year. Their impact stretches far beyond the clinic—and now it stretches right into the heart of Trustmark Park.

“Our whole team is excited to support the Mud Monsters,” said Dr. Jason Craft, Sports Medicine Specialist. “We believe in this organization, its fans, and the opportunity to make a difference in this exciting new chapter of Mississippi baseball.”

About Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is the state’s premier provider of orthopaedic care, with fellowship-trained physicians in subspecialties including foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee replacement, shoulder and elbow, spine, sports medicine, and pain management. Since 1984, they’ve combined cutting-edge treatment with compassionate care, earning a national reputation for excellence. With multiple clinics and a surgical center headquartered in Flowood, MSMOC provides comprehensive care to patients across Mississippi and beyond.

About the Mississippi Mud Monsters

The Mississippi Mud Monsters bring high-energy baseball, community engagement, and fierce competition to Central Mississippi, creating an electrifying game-day experience that blends toughness, teamwork, and tradition with the excitement of America’s pastime. Inspired by classic monster movies and driven by a passion for the sport, the Mud Monsters are set to thrill fans of all ages when they take the field at Trustmark Park for Opening Day on May 8th against the Florence Y’alls.

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