Bobby Richardson

Bobby Richardson joined the New York Yankees at the age of 19. Over the next twelve years, he played in more than 1400 games while the Yankees were winning American League pennants in nine of his first ten years.

Named the Most Valuable Player in the 1960 World Series (still the only player from a losing team to be so named), Richardson still holds numerous World Series records, including runs-batted-in in a game, runs-batted-in in a series, and hits in a series. He also holds the record for having played in 30 consecutive World Series games.

Richardson finished as runner-up to Mickey Mantle in the voting for American League MVP in 1962. He was a member of seven American League All-Star teams and won five consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove awards.

After retiring from the Yankees at the age of 31, Richardson became the baseball coach at the University of South Carolina. In 1975, his team compiled a record of 51-6, losing to Texas in the final game of the College World Series. Richardson left South Carolina after the 1976 season, finishing his tenure with a 221-92-1 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He is considered the father of Gamecocks baseball and is credited with having set them on their path to becoming one of the elite college baseball programs in the NCAA.

Richardson also coached at Coastal Carolina College and Liberty University, and served as Athletic Director at Liberty until 1990. He is still active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served for ten years as the president of Baseball Chapel.

Richardson has received many honors over the years, including two honorary doctorates and the prestigious Gold Gavel Award from Toastmaster International. He has also spoken at numerous military installations, including in Okinawa.

His 2012 book, "Impact Player," chronicles his life, including his years with the Yankee dynasty.