Published: March 12, 2007 08:07 pm         

Hamilton honored

The first athlete to ever pitch in Major League Baseball’s World Series, play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament and National Basketball Association’s Championship series will be honored by his alma mater, for which he served more than 20 years as athletic director and head baseball coach.

Morehead State University’s 2007 Founders Day Award for University Service will be given posthumously to Steve A. Hamilton of Morehead.

He will be honored during the annual Founders Day Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 13. The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Crager Room of the Adron Doran University Center.

“Steve Hamilton embodied the sprit of Morehead State University. He was a fierce competitor, but was one of the most respected and honorable men to don the blue and gold as an athlete and administrator,” said MSU President Wayne D. Andrews. “We invite you to join us to play tribute to Coach Hamilton for his dedicated service to MSU.”

A standout athlete during his college days, he played on Ohio Valley Conference championship teams in baseball, basketball and track.

After an 11-year major-league pitching career, he coached in the minors before returning to MSU in 1976 to become baseball coach. He held that position for 13 years and accumulated a 305-275 record and led the Eagles to five divisional champions and two OVC crowns. In NCAA tournament competition, his 1983 squad was runner-up in the Midwest Regional.

He was named director of athletics in July 1988, a post he served until his death in 1997.

As the A.D., Hamilton led the program to success on the field, in facilities and in the classroom. During his tenure, a weight room was built, an academic counselor for athletes was added, graduation rates of student-athletes improved and the University won the OVC Academic Achievement Banner four times.

Hamilton earned a bachelor’s degree from MSU in 1958 and a master’s degree in 1963.

Among his honors include spots in the Morehead State University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1999, the OVC honored him with the establishment of the “Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award.” It is given annually to an OVC male or female student-athlete of junior or senior standing who best exemplifies the characteristics of Hamilton. Criteria includes significant athletic performance along with good sportsmanship and citizenship.

Most everyone who knew the “old left-hander” has an enjoyable story to tell or can recall his graciousness, contagious laughter and respect for others. As part of the Founders Day planning, everyone is invited to share their “Steve Stories” by sending an e-mail to giving@moreheadstate.edu. Stories also may be mailed to Mindy Highley, Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351-1689.

Also during the luncheon program, new members will be inducted into the Society of MSU Fellows and new Visionaries will be honored.

Morehead State will celebrate its 120th year of higher education and its 84th anniversary as a public institution with a Retirees Breakfast and Memorial Brick Dedication.

The day will begin with the recognition of faculty and staff members, beginning at 8:30 a.m., also in the Crager Room, ADUC. President Andrews will offer congratulations to those retiring this year.

Former faculty and staff members will be remembered at the memorial brick dedication beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Little Bell Tower. The tolling of the bell will follow the reading of the names and years of service of the departed individuals.

Tickets for the luncheon, at $10 per plate, must be ordered and purchased in advance. Deadline is Friday, March 2.

Visitors attending Founders Day events are encouraged to park at the Academic-Athletic Center where a shuttle bus will carry them across campus with stops at the Little Bell Tower and ADUC.