Hampton, VA- The Hampton University Athletic Department and President William R. Harvey will honor the 1972 CIAA Baseball Championship team during the Alumni Weekend Brunch on Saturday, May 7, 2022 on the campus of Hampton University.
A ring ceremony will take place during the event, as Saturday symbolizes a day the team has waited a long time for.
1972 marked the end of the Hampton Institutes baseball program. The team had just experienced their most successful season going 10-2 in conference play, highlighted by head coach Bobby Martin earning CIAA Coach of The Year. Despite having so much to be proud about, the fate of the program was still on shaky grounds as university administration proceeded with cutting the program as promised prior to the start of the season.
However, the student-athletes fought hard, believing they could also save the program if they could win a championship.
It took nearly 50 years for Hampton University and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) to confirm that the Pirates were indeed the conference champions after defeating Virginia State in the conference championship. Unfortunately, records had indicated that VSU won the league, possibly due to the fact VSU represented the conference in post-season play at the NAIA Tournament.
The historic 1972 forgotten final season of Hampton Pirates Baseball was legendary but lost in time due to the team never receiving the recognition they rightfully deserved.
"We had a purpose other than just playing and winning; we thought if we win the CIAA Championship, which had never been done before…they can't get rid of the team," said second baseman Douglas Palmer. "When you talk about the players and the very significant contributions that we all made, what was worse was that our beloved institution didn't recognize us, but we also weren't recognized by the CIAA."
Palmer shared that the team is excited about Saturday and not looking back but, more importantly, focused on the opportunity to relive this moment in a better light.
Nineteen young men embarked on a journey at the start of that 1972 season. Playing with a heavy chip on their shoulders, one that Palmer remembered vividly. The tumultuous news of the university proceeding with its plans to gut the program hit the players hard and altered the course of their collegiate athletic careers.
The failure to be recognized and compete in post-season play simply added insult to injury.
"I've had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Palmer and candidly discuss the season, the hardships of being a minority team playing baseball during those times, the championship, the blow of not being recognized, and the program's demise," said Sports Information Director Shalyn Moore. "Saturday's ceremony is precious because it illustrates that Pirates past, present, and future have a legacy to build, protect, and take pride in once they embark on their collegiate careers and life beyond HU and their respective sports."
Palmer still holds several Hampton Baseball records and went on to serve as the first African American Mayor of his hometown Trenton, NJ, until he retired.
This Saturday's celebration will be a joyous occasion long overdue for the 1972 Baseball team, alumni, their families, and friends.
After all, the journey to right this wrong began two years ago when a championship team member took his grandson to the University Museum and his son inquired about the alleged championship. Wondering why they didn't see proof of such a pivotal moment led the men and Palmer down the path to proving what they already knew, which was that the Hampton University Pirates 1972 Baseball team were CIAA Champions.
Roster of the Hampton University 1972 CIAA Championship Team
- Doug Palmer (Tri-Captain) Second Base
- Larry Glover (Tri-Captain) Utility
- David Neverson (Tri-Captain) Center Field
- Ted Breeden Left Field
- Quintin Smith Short Stop
- Richard Turner Catcher
- Al Barley Pitcher
- Ron Woolfolk Pitcher
- Herb Breeden Third Base
- Richard Booker Third Base
- Charlie Brown Catcher
- Michael Stewart Pitcher
- Vaughn Walker Outfield
- Charles Turner Outfield
- Al Elliot First Base
- Tai Thompson Pitcher
- Ron Thompson Pitcher
- J.C. Crews Third Base
- Fred Cook Outfield
- Bernard Mathis Trainer
- Bobby Martin Head Coach
