Lebanon, Tenn. (WSMV) – The College Baseball Hall of Fame will forever display the name Woody Hunt.
Not bad for a ball coach from Lebanon, Tennessee.
”Back in the older days, we were just fighting to exist and now we’re a thriving small college. And I’m proud of that,” said Hunt.
Woody Hunt has a lot to be proud of. In 41 years as Cumberland University’s baseball coach, his teams won 1630 games.
He led the Phoenix to 12 NAIA World Series tournaments, won three national championships and was runner-up twice.
There’s a reason he belongs in the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
“As I look at the award, it’s not for me, it’s for the program and all the people who helped me get that award. Our players, of course. All the people I’ve worked for.”
But, it’s his work that’s being recognized along with 10 other members who make up this year’s Hall of Fame class…members you’ve likely heard of before: Mike Schmidt, Roger Clemens and Mark Teixeira.
“It’s just overwhelming that I’m in that group. Why do I belong with those guys? I saw those guys play on TV and all that stuff. I’m gonna hope to get some autographs, because I’m a collector of stuff like that. I’m a little bit nervous to ask them.”
His humility is undeniable, but Hunt belongs with them. When you talk about traits that earn you a spot in the Hall of Fame, sure wins and championships are up there. But, impact and legacy are as well.
We saw that five years ago when friends and former players’ friends showed up to help out when a tornado ripped through Hunt’s home.
“It was overwhelming that day, but that’s just the way this community is. They just reach out to help people.”
Just as Hunt has helped so many others. Nearly 100 of his former players signed professional contracts.
And the 74-year-old worked to build the field that years later bears his name.
“This little plot of land is part of me and I get to see it every day.”
And from now on, any visitor to the College Baseball Hall of Fame will get to see the name Woody Hunt as they pass through.
“I’ll get to keep the award, but it’s for all the players and coaches that helped me coach and everybody that’s been involved.”
2025 College Baseball 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
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