OVERLAND PARK, Kan. | The College Baseball Foundation (CBF) has announced 21 standouts who will be inducted as part of the 2025 class of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The class is comprised of players, coaches and other builders of the game – all who have positively impacted college baseball including former Jackson State player Earl Sanders.
Sanders starred at Jackson State for three years before he was drafted in the first round of the 1986 Major League Baseball Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. While at Jackson State, Sanders was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hitter of the Year and the Pitcher of the Year. Before he was drafted, Sanders hit .432 with 17 homers and 60 RBI in 1986 leading the team to the NCAA Regionals hosted by LSU and a SWAC championship.
He becomes the second selection from Jackson State, joining former head coach Robert Braddy was inducted in 2016.
"This year's class includes legendary players, iconic coaches, a revered umpire, and – for the first time in Hall history – a sports agent whose impact helped define the modern era of college baseball," CBF Board of Trustees Chairman Craig Ramsey said. "From game-changing players to pioneering leadership, their achievements capture the spirt and evolution of college baseball. We are especially proud that this class honors contributions from every division and aspect of the game – including our first sports agent inductee – whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped elevate college baseball as a pipeline to greatness."
The 18th induction class will be honored at the 2026 Night of Champions presented by Prairiefire on February 12, 2026 in Overland Park, Kansas, the home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The event will serve as the ceremonial start to the 2026 college baseball season, which begins on February 13, 2026. For more information regarding the 2026 Night of Champions and to reserve your tickets, please visit the CBF website.
To be eligible for the College Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, players must be out of college for 15 years and have completed one year of competition at a two-year institution in the CCCAA, NJCAA or a four-year NCAA (Division I, II or III) or NAIA institution. Ballot-eligible coaches must be retired for two years or be active and no less than 75 years old.
Each year, more than 200 representatives nationwide vote on the College Baseball Hall of Fame induction class. The voting body is comprised of national and regional college baseball media, active and retired coaches, former players, former inductees, college baseball historians and members of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) collegiate baseball committee. The College Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 2006. Since that time, 175 players, coaches, umpires, administrators and contributors have been selected for induction. Click here for a full list of College Baseball Hall of Fame classes.
This year's class includes Gene Ammann (Pitcher, Florida State University, 1968-70), Kris Benson (Pitcher, Clemson University, 1994-96), Scott Boras (Agent, University of the Pacific, 1974-77), Kip Bouknight (Pitcher, University of South Carolina, 1998-2001), Hubie Brooks (Shortstop, Mesa College/Arizona State University, 1976-78), Norm DeBriyn (Coach, University of Arkansas, 1970-2002), Clint Evans (Coach, University of California, 1930-54), Ray Fisher (Third Baseman/Pitcher/Coach, Middlebury College 1907-09/1910; Third Baseman/Pitcher/Coach) / University of Michigan / 1921-59 (Coach)), Paul Guillie (Umpire - 1990-2014/SEC Coordinator of Baseball Umpires - 2014-current), 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), Les Murakami (Coach, University of Hawai'i, 1968-97), 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), Ray Tanner (Coach, North Carolina State, 1988-96/University of South Carolina, 1997-2012), Joe Thomas (Pitcher/First Baseman, Marietta College, 1994-97), Jerry Weinstein (Coach, Sacramento State College, 1975-98).
About the College Baseball Foundation
The purpose of the College Baseball Foundation (CBF) is to preserve, elevate, and advance the game; to inspire the next generation; to teach those who love college baseball about its rich history and traditions; to celebrate those who make college baseball special; and to honor those who have come before us, and built the foundation upon which college baseball thrives today.
The College Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Support for the College Baseball Hall of Fame will help preserve the rich history of the sport for future generations. All donations to the College Baseball Hall of Fame are tax deductible and can be made via this link on the organization's website.
The CBF presents the Brooks Wallace Award (Nation's Most Outstanding Shortstop), the National Pitcher of the Year, the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year, the Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year, the George H.W. Bush Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence.
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