OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--Cumberland Legend Woody Hunt has been announced as an inductee to the 2024 College Baseball Hall of Fame, announced by the College Baseball Foundation.
"I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful for this incredible honor. To be recognized in such a prestigious way feels like more than I deserve, and I am truly thankful. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Cumberland University for their unwavering support throughout my career," Woody Hunt said in a statement.
"I have spent the majority of my life on this campus, and I thank God every day for placing me here to fulfill my life's work. Cumberland University is a special place—one that has allowed me to do what I love for so many years."
"However, the real credit belongs to all the players that have come through our program. I am forever grateful for their dedication and contributions. I also want to express my gratitude to the Presidents and Athletic Directors of Cumberland University who I have had the privilege to work with over the years."
"Most importantly, I want to thank my family—my wife, Irma, and my two sons, Scott and Ryan—for their endless patience, love, and support. Without them, none of this would have been possible."
Coach Hunt's induction is the culmination of an illustrious 41-year head coaching career at Cumberland, during which he established himself as one of the most respected and successful figures in collegiate baseball. Hunt ended his tenure as the head coach in 2021, leaving behind a storied legacy that includes three NAIA national championships (2004, 2010, 2014), two national runner-up finishes (1995, 2006), and an overall coaching record of 1,630-774-5. He is one of just eight coaches in all of College Baseball history to win 1,600 games and is sixth on the all-time wins list across all levels.
Under Coach Hunt's leadership, the Phoenix became a powerhouse in NAIA baseball, appearing in 12 NAIA World Series tournaments and securing 20 regular-season conference championships across multiple conferences. The program posted 24 seasons with 40 or more victories, with eight seasons exceeding 50 wins.e
Cumberland baseball flourished under Hunt's direction, producing 69 NAIA All-Americans, including 2010 National Player of the Year Matt Greener and the program's only three-time All-American, Steve Green. Additionally, 99 of Hunt's former players have signed professional contracts including major leaguers Aaron Wilkerson and Luis Martinez.
Coach Hunt's individual accolades are equally impressive. Over his career, he has garnered 17 Coach of the Year honors, including the prestigious Rawlings National Coach of the Year award in both 2006 and 2010. His coaching excellence has been recognized with inductions into six halls of fame: the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches' Association Hall of Fame, the Cumberland Sports Hall of Fame, Boyle County Baseball Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.
Hunt has been recognized for his contributions outside of the sport with numerous awards, including the Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the Fred Russell Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation.
Cumberland Vice President of Athletics Ron Pavan has high praise for Coach Hunt, "Coach Woody Hunt is a legend in the baseball community and in the State of Tennessee. He has put Cumberland University on the map with his baseball success. Coach Hunt is a great coach, but a better person."
Joining Coach Hunt in the 17th induction class is Ohio University great and 12-time MLB All-Star Mike Schmidt, University of Texas legend and seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, and Georgia Tech National Collegiate Player of the Year and three-time MLB All-Star Mark Teixeira. The class also includes five additional players, two other coaches and a former umpire with storied histories in the college game. Two inductees will be honored posthumously.
"From MLB All-Stars to College World Series legends, the 2024 College Baseball Hall of Fame class includes some of the most decorated players and coaches in the history of college baseball," said Craig Ramsey, Chair of the College Baseball Foundation Board of Trustees. "It is only fitting, as we prepare for another exciting season of college baseball, we take an opportunity to honor those who have contributed to the storied history of our extraordinary game. We look forward to honoring these greats in Overland Park next February."
Hall of Fame Class
Mike Schmidt, Shortstop, Ohio University, 1969-71
Roger Clemens, Pitcher, San Jacinto JC, 1981/University of Texas, 1982-83
Mark Teixeira, Third Base, Georgia Tech University, 1999-2001
Bill Thom, Pitcher, University of Southern California, 1957-59
Jeff King, Third Base, University of Arkansas, 1984-86
Woody Hunt, Coach, Cumberland University, 1982-2021
Murray Wall*, Pitcher, University of Texas, 1947-50
Wilbert Ellis, Coach, Grambling State University, 1977-2003
Randy Ross, Shortstop, North Park University, 1981-84
Jim Paronto*, Umpire/Administrator, 1973-2023
Mike Fox, Coach, North Carolina Wesleyan, 1983-1998/University of North Carolina, 1999-2020
* Will be inducted posthumously
The 17th induction class will be honored at the Night of Champions presented by Prairiefire on February 13, 2025 in Overland Park, Kansas, the home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The event will serve as the ceremonial start to the 2025 college baseball season, which begins on February 14, 2025.
