College Baseball Hall of Fame Welcomes Six ACC Legends in 2025 Class
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A significant chapter in college baseball history unfolds as the College Baseball Foundation (CBF) announces the induction of 21 exceptional figures into the 2025 College Baseball Hall of Fame Class. This esteemed group, comprising players, coaches, and builders of the game, has left an indelible mark on the sport, enriching its legacy with skill and dedication.
A Glimpse into the 2025 Class
Among the distinguished inductees are six individuals with direct ties to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). These remarkable athletes and coaches include:
- Gene Ammann (Pitcher, Florida State, 1968-70)
- Kris Benson (Pitcher, Clemson, 1994-96)
- Gene Hooks (Third Baseman, Wake Forest, 1947-50)
- Mike Loynd (Pitcher, Florida State, 1982-84)
- Clint Evans (Coach, California, 1930-54)
- Ray Tanner (Shortstop/Third Baseman/Coach, NC State, 1977-96)
Honoring Legacy and Achievement
Ray Tanner claims the title of 1990 ACC Coach of the Year, while Kris Benson was heralded as the 1996 ACC Player of the Year. The 11 Major League seasons shared by Benson and Loynd notably include Benson’s impressive tenure with teams like Arizona, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh, underlining their journey from collegiate stars to professional legends.
Night of Champions: A Celebration of Excellence
The 18th induction class will be celebrated during the 2026 Night of Champions, set for February 12, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, the proud home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. This event marks the official start of the 2026 college baseball season, launching the excitement of a brand new year of competition.
But that’s not all! The Night of Champions will also recognize the winners of the 2025 College Baseball Foundation awards, spotlighting standout performances across the nation. Award recipients include:
- Roch Cholowsky, UCLA – Brooks Wallace Award
- Jake Knapp, North Carolina – National Pitcher of the Year
- Evan Dempsey, Florida Gulf Coast – John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year
- Brad Neffendorf, LSU Shreveport – Skip Bertman Coach of the Year
- Larry Lee, Cal Poly – Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence
Eligibility Criteria: A Journey to Induction
To join the ranks of the College Baseball Hall of Fame, players must have completed their college careers for at least 15 years and participated in one year of competition in recognized collegiate leagues like the NCAA or NAIA. For coaches, the path to induction requires either two years of retirement or an active role while being 75 years or older.
The 2025 Inductees: A Closer Look
Players
- Gene Ammann, Pitcher, Florida State University, 1968-70
- Kris Benson, Pitcher, Clemson University, 1994-96
- Kip Bouknight, Pitcher, University of South Carolina, 1998-2001
- Hubie Brooks, Shortstop, Mesa College/Arizona State University, 1976-78
- Gene Hooks, Third Baseman, Wake Forest University, 1947-50
- Mike Loynd, Pitcher, Florida State University, 1984-86
- Mark McGwire, First Baseman/Pitcher, University of Southern California, 1982-84
- Phil Nevin, Third Base, Cal State Fullerton, 1990-92
- David Price, Pitcher, Vanderbilt University, 2005-07
- Earl Sanders, Pitcher, Jackson State University, 1984-86
- Mike Stenhouse, Outfielder, Harvard University, 1977-79
- Stephen Strasburg, Pitcher, San Diego State University, 2007-09
- Joe Thomas, Pitcher/First Baseman, Marietta College, 1994-97
Coaches
- Norm DeBriyn, University of Arkansas, 1970-2002
- Clint Evans, University of California, 1930-54 (Posthumous)
- Ray Fisher, Middlebury College and University of Michigan, 1907-59 (Posthumous)
- Les Murakami, University of Hawai’i, 1968-97
- Ray Tanner, North Carolina State and University of South Carolina, 1988-2012
- Jerry Weinstein, Sacramento City College, 1975-98
Builders and Umpires
- Scott Boras, Agent, University of the Pacific, 1972-76
- Paul Guillie, Umpire, 1990-2014
Celebrating the Spirit of College Baseball
The College Baseball Foundation is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of college baseball. It inspires future generations to appreciate the traditions and development of the sport, while honoring those who have significantly contributed to its growth.
Support for the Hall of Fame helps ensure that the legacy of these remarkable athletes continues for years to come. Contributions are fully tax-deductible and can be made here.
Conclusion
With the induction of these iconic figures, college baseball not only celebrates their achievements but also renews its commitment to nurture the next generation of talent. As we look forward to the 2026 season, the spirit of baseball reminds us of the incredible journeys that begin at the collegiate level.
