Tougaloo, Miss. – On Saturday, October 16th during the 152nd Founders’ Week Celebration, Tougaloo College dedicated its baseball field in honor of legendary baseball great and current head coach, Earl Sanders.
As part of the dedication of the field, the newly installed Earl Sanders Field sign was unveiled by Tougaloo President, Dr. Carmen J. Walters and Athletic Director, Mr. Keith Barnes, Sr. The President made the decision to name the field after Coach Sanders because of his outstanding resume in baseball and his love and commitment to the Tougaloo College baseball program.
Sanders, a native of Moss Point, MS, was scouted by Coach Robert “Bob” Braddy, then Jackson State University Head Baseball Coach, joining the JSU Baseball team after finishing high School. After only three season at Jackson State, he was drafted in the first round of the 1986 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. During his time as a professional athlete, Sanders also played for the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros. After a shoulder injury ended his career, Sanders returned to Mississippi, eventually finding his way to Tougaloo College.
At Tougaloo College, Sanders serves as the Director of Student Activities, providing curricular opportunities to engage students in activities designed to promote leadership development, self-exploration, social interaction, student formation, and head baseball coach. Becasue of his love for baseball and his commitment to changing young men’s lives, Coach Sanders re-established the Tougaloo College baseball program in 2003. During this time, the team did not have a baseball field and all games were played on the road. Now, in 2021, the team has a full baseball field and have been making a name for themselves in the baseball world. Along with pushing his players to be great on the field, Coach Sanders also demands the best of his players in the classroom; thus having a 90% graduation rate. Coach Sanders’ work exemplifies his commitment to pushing students and the baseball team to achieve success.
Several alumni, students, players, friends and family were on hand to witness this great occasion.
Congrats big boy