NBC Hall of Fame Celebration

The NBC Hall of Fame Gala is an annual celebration honoring the players, coaches, and contributors who have made lasting impacts on the National Baseball Congress and the game of baseball

Save the Date!

Our 2026 NBC Hall of Fame Celebration will be held at B-29 Doc Hangar on Thursday, January 29th, 2026.

Stay tuned for more information as tickets will be available for purchase in September.

In the meantime, nominate who you think should be inducted into the 2026 NBC Hall of Fame Class.

2025 Hall of Fame Recap

The 2025 National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame Celebration took place on January 30 at the B-29 Doc Hangar and Education Center in Wichita. The event honored three new inductees—David Benson, Alex Gordon, and Phil Stephenson—each of whom has made a significant impact on the NBC World Series and the sport of baseball.

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.

 

David Benson

NBC Team:

Seattle Studs (2008-2019)

Legacy:

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

NBC Team:

Beatrice Bruins (2002)

Legacy:

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

NBC Team:

Alaska Goldpanners (1979 – 80)

Wichita Alumni Team (1995)

Dodge City A’s (Manager)

Fairbanks (Manager)

Kansas Cannons (Manager)

Legacy:

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.

BECOME AN NBC INSIDER

Stay up to date on the latest news and updates from the National Baseball Congress & College World Series