By Fred Liggett
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College baseball fans gathered in Overland Park, Kansas for an evening to remember some of the best to play the game and to meet some of the current stars of the game. The event, held on February 13th, was the annual College Baseball Night of Champions. The highlight of the evening was the induction of the 2025 Hall of Fame class. For local sports fans it was a chance to see the 2024 first round pick for the Kansas City Royals receive his first major award of his young career. Jac Caglianone who starred for the Florida Gators before getting drafted by Royals last summer was a first baseman/pitcher in college.

Jac called the award experience “a great event.” Jac added, “I love it, helps how much I can get to see the city.” Jac commented he “feels the Hall of Fame being in Overland Park” will make “college baseball more and more popular.” College baseball fans pour into Omaha, Nebraska each year for the College World Series. Jac calls Omaha “a really cool environment.”

Regarding being named an award winner at this year’s ceremony Jac says “super thankful to be honored, wanted to receive this award.” The John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award is named after Olerud who spent time playing for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox during his 16 year major league career.

In addition to a current KC Royals player in attendance, the team was well represented by having alumni attend the event. Former Royals Brian McRae, John Wathan and Jamie Bluma were also on hand to enjoy the event.

In addition to Caglianone being honored at the dinner and award ceremony so was this year’s class of inductees. The 2025 class was highlighted by pitcher Roger Clemens from Texas, third baseman Mike Schmidt, first baseman Mark Teixeria and former KC Royals first baseman Jeff King.

This award ceremony is expected to get bigger and bigger especially once the Hall of Fame opens its doors at the Museum at Prairie Fire in South Overland Park. Rick Greenspan with the College Baseball Foundation says the group serves as the umbrella for the hall of fame. Greenspan, who served as an athletic director at four different NCAA schools, now is leading a volunteer board that meets monthly over the phone. Greenspan states the boards goal is to “raise $10 million dollars” to help pay for a 10,000 square foot baseball museum.

Greenspan says the group looks forward to making “its PITCH” for the game of college baseball. PITCH stands for, “Preserve, Inspire, Teach, Celebrate and Honor.” The board is working with KC based group Populous on the design of the building. In the near future the group will be done with phase one which includes exhibits and technology surfaces.

No matter when the College Baseball Hall of Fame is finally added to the list of Kansas City sports attractions for fans to enjoy one can expect the venue to keep an eye on the current stars of the game as they honor its rich past.