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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oddly enough, Broccoli Guy’s favorite part of the Women’s College World Series was parting ways with Mississippi State softball.
Broccoli Guy, whose real name is Jim Stewart Allen, became a viral sensation during the NCAA Tournament for dancing at games with broccoli.
He first drew attention at the Eugene Regional, where MSU leaned into the gimmick, bringing its own broccoli for the regional final. Allen then followed the Bulldogs to Norman, where they upset Oklahoma in the super regionals, and to Devon Park for the program’s first WCWS appearance.
After MSU was eliminated on May 29, Allen made sure to revel in his final moments with the team.
“The fact that I went out and just took the amount of time that needed to be taken to wish the team goodbye and thank them all for what they did and what they showed on that field," Allen said "... I was glad that I did."
MSU’s showing at the WCWS wasn’t what the Bulldogs expected. They lost both of their games, being shut out 8-0 by Texas Tech and 4-0 by Texas.
Even though their results weren’t ideal, they were still thankful for the opportunity to play in the WCWS and how they surprised almost everyone by making it.
“I think they were really proud of themselves,” Allen said. “… They are a team that needs to be represented in the World Series more. … It was nice to have that representation of you can get to the World Series from the ground up. With great coaching and hardworking players, you can get to the World Series.”
Allen’s support of the program throughout the postseason was greatly appreciated by the Bulldog players, coaches and parents.
As a way of saying thank you, Charles Ammon, pitcher Leila Ammon’s father, set up a GoFundMe to reimburse Allen’s travel expenses. The fundraiser received $5,475.
“There’s something so meaningful about parents, in particular, liking what I’m doing and the support I’m giving their daughters,” Allen said. “… I love supporting softball, and so when that is supported and respected by the players and by the coaches … it’s really cool to know that that work has been appreciated in that way.”
The connection Allen formed with the Bulldogs will last long beyond this season. He plans to use some of the fundraiser money to take a trip to Starkville next season to see the Bulldogs play.
“There’s something different about watching your team play at home,” Allen said. “There’s a different comfort level and a different energy, and I want to see them in that energy, and I want to be in that energy because I think broccoli dancing in Starkville, I will be able to be my full self.”
Allen isn’t wasting any time getting back to his usual antics. He planned to attend a Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby game on May 31. Then he plans to take a month-long break from broccoli dancing.
He’s also excited to get back to his day job, being a special education teacher. He says teaching his students is just as much an embodiment of his true nature as being Broccoli Guy.
“I like supporting people, and I like supporting underdogs,” Allen said. “I like showing that in different ways and teaching in a special education classroom is one of those ways, and waving broccoli around for a team that no one expected to get to the World Series … is one of those ways.”
As Allen settles back into his day-to-day life, it’ll be hard for him to forget the impact of the “life-changing experience” he’s had over the last few weeks.
“To find a team that understands my energy is so cool,” Allen said. “My thought process on sports has always been that if you’re having a lot of fun playing and you’re supporting each other, that you’re going to win a lot of games, and I think Mississippi State proved that, and it was a huge honor to be a part of that.”
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State softball WCWS run 'life-changing' for Broccoli Guy
Continue reading...
Broccoli Guy, whose real name is Jim Stewart Allen, became a viral sensation during the NCAA Tournament for dancing at games with broccoli.
He first drew attention at the Eugene Regional, where MSU leaned into the gimmick, bringing its own broccoli for the regional final. Allen then followed the Bulldogs to Norman, where they upset Oklahoma in the super regionals, and to Devon Park for the program’s first WCWS appearance.
After MSU was eliminated on May 29, Allen made sure to revel in his final moments with the team.
“The fact that I went out and just took the amount of time that needed to be taken to wish the team goodbye and thank them all for what they did and what they showed on that field," Allen said "... I was glad that I did."
Broccoli Guy isn’t done supporting Mississippi State
MSU’s showing at the WCWS wasn’t what the Bulldogs expected. They lost both of their games, being shut out 8-0 by Texas Tech and 4-0 by Texas.
Even though their results weren’t ideal, they were still thankful for the opportunity to play in the WCWS and how they surprised almost everyone by making it.
“I think they were really proud of themselves,” Allen said. “… They are a team that needs to be represented in the World Series more. … It was nice to have that representation of you can get to the World Series from the ground up. With great coaching and hardworking players, you can get to the World Series.”
Allen’s support of the program throughout the postseason was greatly appreciated by the Bulldog players, coaches and parents.
As a way of saying thank you, Charles Ammon, pitcher Leila Ammon’s father, set up a GoFundMe to reimburse Allen’s travel expenses. The fundraiser received $5,475.
“There’s something so meaningful about parents, in particular, liking what I’m doing and the support I’m giving their daughters,” Allen said. “… I love supporting softball, and so when that is supported and respected by the players and by the coaches … it’s really cool to know that that work has been appreciated in that way.”
The connection Allen formed with the Bulldogs will last long beyond this season. He plans to use some of the fundraiser money to take a trip to Starkville next season to see the Bulldogs play.
“There’s something different about watching your team play at home,” Allen said. “There’s a different comfort level and a different energy, and I want to see them in that energy, and I want to be in that energy because I think broccoli dancing in Starkville, I will be able to be my full self.”
What’s next for Broccoli Guy?
Allen isn’t wasting any time getting back to his usual antics. He planned to attend a Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby game on May 31. Then he plans to take a month-long break from broccoli dancing.
He’s also excited to get back to his day job, being a special education teacher. He says teaching his students is just as much an embodiment of his true nature as being Broccoli Guy.
“I like supporting people, and I like supporting underdogs,” Allen said. “I like showing that in different ways and teaching in a special education classroom is one of those ways, and waving broccoli around for a team that no one expected to get to the World Series … is one of those ways.”
As Allen settles back into his day-to-day life, it’ll be hard for him to forget the impact of the “life-changing experience” he’s had over the last few weeks.
“To find a team that understands my energy is so cool,” Allen said. “My thought process on sports has always been that if you’re having a lot of fun playing and you’re supporting each other, that you’re going to win a lot of games, and I think Mississippi State proved that, and it was a huge honor to be a part of that.”
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State softball WCWS run 'life-changing' for Broccoli Guy
Continue reading...
