LUBBOCK, Texas - Former University of Hawai`i pitcher Derek Tatsuno is one of six players, to go along with five coaches, that make up the 2007 class of the College Baseball Hall of Fame, announced Tuesday.
Tatsuno pitched three years for the Rainbows from 1977-79, carrying a career record of 40-6 with a 2.04 ERA and 541 strikeouts. He led the nation in strikeouts in all three seasons and became the first collegiate player to record 20 victories in 1979. Tatsuno also had 10 career shutouts and 34 career complete games. He was named the Collegiate Baseball Co-Player of the Century and to Baseball America's All-Century Team.
Also being inducted in this class were legendary coaches Jim Brock of Arizona State, Chuck "Bobo" Brayton of Washington State, Bibb Falk of Texas, Jerry Kindall of Arizona and Dick Siebert of Minnesota, in addition to standout former players Jim Abbott of Michigan, Pete Incaviglia of Oklahoma State, Fred Lynn of USC, John Olerud of Washington State and Phil Stephenson of Wichita State.
Four veteran selections previously announced will be celebrated and officially inducted with the Class of 2007. This first-ever Veteran Class of pre-1947 candidates includes legendary players Christy Mathewson of Bucknell, Lou Gehrig of Columbia and players-turned-coaches Joe Sewell of Alabama and John "Jack" Barry of Holy Cross.
The collegiate legends will be officially enshrined during a three-day celebration of college baseball in July, which will feature the theme `The Past Meets Present'. The CBF will kick off the festivities on Monday, July 2rd with the Mayor's First Pitch Breakfast/Opening Ceremonies and Alumni Golf Tournament, followed on July 3rd by the fourth annual Brooks Wallace College Baseball Player of the Year Award dinner to be held at the United Spirit Arena, on the campus of Texas Tech University.
Members of the 2007 Hall of Fame Class will be in attendance and recognized during these events. On Wednesday, July 4th, the Inductees will participate in the annual 4th on Broadway Parade, and will be accessible to attendees during a `Fan Fest' following the event. The coaches and players will then make their official Acceptance Speeches at the Lubbock Civic Center as part of the annual 4th on Broadway Festival, considered the "Largest Free Festival in the State of Texas." The events will be will be carried nationally by the Fox College Sports Networks (Atlantic, Central and Pacific), as well as select Fox Sports Network regional affiliates.
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