Honoring the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s inductees each represented a different facet of the NBC’s rich legacy:
David Benson – A standout pitcher with the Seattle Studs from 2008 to 2019, Benson made 20 appearances in the NBC World Series. With a 10-3 record and a 2.85 ERA, he set several NBC records, including most decision, most start, and most innings pitched in the modern wood bat era. Benson’s career highlights include three NBC World Series Championships and two NBCWS All-American honors.
Alex Gordon – Gordon, who played in the 2002 NBC World Series with the Beatrice Bruins, went on to a successful career in both college and professional baseball. He earned accolades such as the Dick Howser Trophy, Golden Spikes Award, and Brooks Wallace Award before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Gordon won eight Gold Glove Awards, was a key contributor to the Royals’ 2015 World Series win, and made three MLB All-Star appearances. He was named the NBC Graduate of the Year in 2013.
Phil Stephenson – A versatile figure in the NBC, Stephenson has played multiple roles over the years, including player, coach, general manager, and commissioner. He played for the Alaska Goldpanners, winning an NBC Championship in 1980, and was part of the Wichita Alumni team in 1995, which played in front of a record crowd. As a coach, he led the Dodge City A’s and Fairbanks teams to several playoff appearances and helped develop many future NBC talents. Stephenson also had a standout career at Wichita State Univerisity and played four season in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.
Special Guest: Ozzie Smith
The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of Ozzie Smith, a Hall of Fame shortstop and former Clarinda A’s player. Smith, who was inducted into the NBC Hall of Fame in 1992, shared stories from his legendary career and spoke about the importance of giving back to the game. His insights were a highlight of the evening, offering a unique perspective from one of baseball’s most respected figures.
A Celebration of Baseball and Community
Alongside the inductions, the event featured a silent auction, photo opportunities with Ozzie Smith, great food, and plenty of chances to reconnect with baseball legends and fans. The turnout was strong, and the evening served as a reminder of how the NBC continues to bring communities together through the love of baseball.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Hall of Fame Celebration
With the success of this year’s event, we’re already looking forward to the next NBC Hall of Fame Celebration in 2026. As we continue to honor the history of the NBC World Series, we invite everyone to join us this summer as we celebrate its 90th anniversary, from July 24 to August 2, 2025. Thank you to all who attended, supported, and helped make this event a memorable evening celebrating baseball’s rich history.
