NASHVILLE, TN – February 23, 2024 – The late W.S. “Babe” Howard, a longtime Millington business owner and philanthropist, has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Howard’s posthumous induction was announced Friday at USA Stadium in Millington in advance of the Babe Howard Classic. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Babe Howard gave of his time and his resources to ensure that baseball players in the Memphis area were getting a chance to continue playing the game that they loved,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “His investment in USA Stadium in Millington not only paved the way for their growth in the sport, but also made Millington the headquarters for the USA Olympic Baseball team. We’re proud to honor the legacy of W.S. “Babe” Howard with a posthumous induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Perhaps best known in Millington as the President of Millington Phone Company, Howard built Millington Legion Field in 1982. His goal was to give more visibility to North Shelby County and Tipton County baseball players by giving them a facility to utilize. That stadium would begin to host the Team USA Olympic Baseball Team as a training facility in 1986 and was renamed to USA Stadium. Team USA called Millington home from 1986-1996. During that time, the 1988 team captured gold, and the 1996 team won the bronze medal. Over 500 future Major League Baseball players have played at USA Stadium over its lifespan.
Howard joins ETSU Golf Coaching legend Fred Warren, the late Charlie Bayless, longtime basketball coach at Happy Valley High School, Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The full 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket 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, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational
beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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