House Concurrent Resolution 118

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH ROBERT "BOB" BRADDY UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE NATIONAL COLLEGE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, on Thursday, March 31, 2016, the National College Baseball Hall of Fame announced its 2016 inductees, including former Jackson State University Baseball Head Coach Robert "Bob" Braddy, who will be officially inducted as part of the annual Night of Champions celebration of college baseball, held July 1-2, 2016, in Lubbock, Texas; and

WHEREAS, over the course of Coach Braddy's exceptional 28 seasons at Jackson State University, his team won a Southwestern Athletic Conference record of 824 games, earning three trips to the NCAA Tournament and 12 conference championships in the process; and

WHEREAS, among Coach Braddy's countless accolades, he has earned the Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year eight times and has been named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics District Coach of the Year on two occasions; and

WHEREAS, in 2003, Coach Braddy became the first African-American coach inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding career and dedication to America's pastime; and

WHEREAS, at home in Mississippi, Coach Braddy earned high acclaim and induction into the Jackson State University Tigers Hall of Fame in 1985, and induction into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Coach Braddy's incomparable leadership and expertise is evidenced in more than just wins in the record books and over the course of his coaching career, he mentored and led 52 Jackson State Tigers to live out their dreams as professional baseball players; and

WHEREAS, Coach Braddy is a living legend, committed to the needs of all student athletes at Jackson State University, where he also served as the Athletic Director for his beloved institution where the baseball field bears his name; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the outstanding contributions of leaders like Coach Robert "Bob" Braddy, who has shaped the lives of countless Mississippians and made immeasurable contributions to Jackson State University, bringing great honor to his school, his community and the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coach Robert "Bob" Braddy upon his induction into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Robert "Bob" Braddy, Jackson State University Director of Athletics Wheeler Brown and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.