National Baseball Congress Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class
David Benson, Alex Gordon, and Phil Stephenson Join the Prestigious Ranks
Wichita, Kansas – November 18, 2024 – The National Baseball Congress (NBC) is proud to announce the inductees for the 2025 class of the NBC Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees include legendary players, coaches, and contributors who have impacted the NBC World Series and the game of baseball. David Benson, Alex Gordon, and Phil Stephenson will be inducted into the NBC Hall of Fame in a ceremony on January 30, 2025, at the B-29 Doc Hangar & Education Center in Wichita, Kansas.
2025 NBC Hall of Fame inductees:
David Benson – One of the most dominant pitchers in NBC World Series history, Benson made 20 appearances for the Seattle Studs in Wichita from 2008 to 2019. With a remarkable 10-3 record and a 2.85 ERA, he holds several NBC records, including most decisions, most starts, and most innings pitched in the modern wood bat era. A three-time NBC World Series Champion and four-time runner-up, as well as a two-time NBCWS All-American, Benson’s contributions to the tournament have cemented his legacy as one of the most durable and dependable pitchers to take the mound.
Alex Gordon – A standout player in the NBC World Series in 2002 for the Beatrice Bruins, Gordon went on to achieve greatness at the collegiate and professional levels. A decorated collegiate player, Gordon won the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, Golden Spikes Award, and Brooks Wallace Award before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Over his MLB career, he won eight Gold Glove Awards, was a key player in the Royals’ 2015 World Series Championship and was named to three MLB All-Star teams. Gordon was honored as the NBC Graduate of the Year in 2013 and continues to be a role model for young players aspiring to reach the major leagues.
Phil Stephenson – A multi-faceted contributor to the National Baseball Congress, Stephenson has worn many hats throughout his time with the NBC, including player, coach, general manager, and commissioner. He played for the Alaska Goldpanners and Wichita Alumni teams in the early 1980s before transitioning to coaching and leadership roles. As the manager of the Dodge City A’s and later Fairbanks, Stephenson led teams to multiple playoff appearances and helped shape the next generation of NBC talent. He also served as the commissioner of the Jayhawk League and currently manages the Kansas Cannons. In addition to the NBC, Stephenson is well known in baseball for his time at Wichita State, where he hit safely in 47 straight games in 1981 and went on to be drafted in the 3rd round by the Oakland Athletics. He played in four MLB seasons from 1989-1992. His deep commitment to the NBC World Series and the development of amateur baseball makes him a fitting inductee into the Hall of Fame.
The 2025 NBC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be a special evening featuring an appearance by Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, a former star of the Clarinda A’s and the St. Louis Cardinals as well as a 1992 National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame inductee. Smith will share his insights and stories from his legendary career, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear from one of the game’s most iconic figures.
Event Details:
Date: January 30, 2025
Location: B-29 Doc Hangar & Education Center, Wichita, Kansas
Special Guest: Ozzie Smith, NBC Hall of Fame Class of 1992
This event is a must-attend for baseball fans and will serve as a tribute to those who have shaped the NBC World Series and the sport of baseball. Tickets and table packages are available now, and with limited seating, fans are encouraged to reserve their spot early. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the NBC Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting communities through baseball and fostering a love for the game.
Tickets are available for $150 now by clicking HERE
