NASHVILLE, TN – February 13, 2026 – Three of the most accomplished pitchers of their generation, Monica Abbott, Matt Cain, and David Price, have been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the history of sports in the state of Tennessee.
“These three pitchers represent excellence at the highest levels of their respective sports,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Monica Abbott, Matt Cain, and David Price each dominated on the biggest stages, brought championships and historic moments to their teams, and helped define an era of pitching. Their collective impact on baseball and softball is extraordinary, and we are proud to welcome them into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.”
Abbott is recognized as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of softball. A legendary career at the University of Tennessee saw her become the NCAA Division I all-time strikeout leader and the first pitcher in NCAA Division I history to record 500 strikeouts in all four years of her collegiate career. Abbott went on to represent the United States at the Olympic Games, earning two silver medals, and was a dominant force in professional and international competition. Her jersey number has been retired by the University of Tennessee in recognition of her lasting impact on the program and the sport.
Cain enjoyed a distinguished Major League Baseball career spent entirely with the San Francisco Giants from 2005–2017. A two-time World Series champion, Cain was a cornerstone of the Giants’ historic championship run during the 2010s and authored one of the most iconic moments in baseball history by pitching a perfect game in 2012, the first in franchise history and just the 22nd in MLB history. A three-time All-Star, Cain was widely respected for his durability, competitiveness, and postseason excellence.
A Murfreesboro native, Price emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in modern baseball. A standout at Blackman High School and Vanderbilt University, Price was the first overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft and went on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 2012. A five-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, Price finished his career as one of the most accomplished pitchers ever produced by the state of Tennessee.
Abbott, Cain and Price join Bubba Luckett, Charles McRae, Antone Davis, and the late Reggie Cobb as announced members of the 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class. The full class will be announced over the coming weeks.
The 2026 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket and event information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and sports administrators who have made a meaningful impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, fans, and supporters while celebrating achievements shaped through sports. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame also seeks to educate youth on the importance of healthy habits and the positive role sports play in developing character and leadership. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue generated through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $8.1 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives, and after-school programs. In addition to educational beneficiaries, players have won billions in prizes, and Lottery retailers have earned billions in commissions. For more information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the Tennessee Education Lottery on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
