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Posted by
Ryan Bradley
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Tue, Jan 26, 2010
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Baseball
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Bobby Richardson met with the Hillcat baseball team Monday on the RSU campus.
New York Yankee legend Bobby Richardson paid a special visit to the Rogers State University baseball team Monday afternoon in Claremore Okla.
Richardson took time to speak to the Hillcats while in town for the fifth annual Claremore Field of Dreams baseball banquet at the RSU Centennial Center. The seven-time World Series participant and five-time Gold Glove winner shared stories from his illustrious career and challenged the players to lead a life of values and strong faith.
"Just to be standing in the same room with him was an amazing experience," said Rob Rodriguez, RSU's senior first baseman and a native of Bronx, N.Y. "I was focused in on everything thing he said and it was unreal to get to hear him speak here on our campus."
Richardson played second base for Yankees from 1955-1966. He was elected to the Major League All-Star team seven times and was named Most Valuable Player of the 1960 World Series after driving in a record 12 runs.
A close friend and mentor to the late Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle, Richardson retired following the 1966 season and became a college coach. He led the University of South Carolina to the College World Series finals in 1975 and later served as the athletics director at Liberty University and president of Baseball Chapel.
Richardson played in a record 30 consecutive World Series games from 1960 to 1964 and helped the Yankees capture three World Series titles during his career. He now travels the country speaking to churches and baseball fans about his life and testimony.
"It was a special treat for our players to be inspired and challenged by a baseball legend right before the start of our season," said Ron Bradley, RSU head baseball coach. "We are so appreciative to Mr. Richardson for taking the time to meet with our club. It was an experience many of our kids will remember for the rest of their lives."
The RSU baseball season opens Sat. Feb. 6, as the Diamond Cats host Kansas Wesleyan in a doubleheader at the Hillcat Complex.
For more information on Hillcat Baseball visit www.rsuhillcats.com.