Jackson State’s Dave Clark Selected for College Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Overland Park, Kansas — Jackson State University alumnus Dave Clark has been named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, marking the second consecutive year the school has had an inductee. Clark is one of 21 players, coaches, umpires, and contributors selected for the class.

Clark’s journey from a determined young athlete to a distinguished college and professional player began at Jackson State in the fall of 1980. By his sophomore year in 1982, he had established himself as a national talent, batting .363 and earning The Sporting News All-America honors. That season, he helped lead the Tigers to a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and a historic first for an HBCU — qualifying for an NCAA Division I Regional.

His performance continued to improve in 1983, when he batted .378 with 13 home runs and was named SWAC Most Valuable Player. Clark was also a team MVP in both his sophomore and junior seasons. His collegiate success led to him being selected 11th overall in the first round of the 1983 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland organization.

Clark made his major league debut in 1986 and went on to a 13-year career with six organizations. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2002. His legacy at Jackson State and beyond is recognized as an example of perseverance and excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes from HBCUs.

The inductees will be honored at the 2027 Night of Champions, scheduled for Feb. 11 in Overland Park, Kansas. The Hall of Fame’s voting panel includes college baseball media, coaches, former players, and historians. Since its first induction class in 2006, the Hall has inducted 196 individuals in various roles that have contributed to college baseball.

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