A Legacy Forged in Purple and Gold: The History of Lipscomb University Baseball

The Lipscomb Bisons baseball team represents Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a varsity intercollegiate team. Since 1991, their home games have been played at Dugan Field, a facility holding 1,500 spectators. This field is named in honor of Ken Dugan, who coached Lipscomb baseball from 1960 to 1996 and achieved over 1,000 wins.

Early Years and the Dugan Era

Lipscomb baseball traces its roots back to the 1920s, marking it as one of the university's earliest sports programs. Several coaches led the Bisons in these formative years. The program was temporarily suspended during World War II, making its return in 1946-a significant year, as Lipscomb transitioned from a two-year to a four-year institution.

The arrival of Ken Dugan in 1960 ushered in a new era for Lipscomb baseball. Dugan, an alumnus and former player, transformed the program. In 1966, the Bisons clinched their first District Championship, narrowly missing a spot in the NAIA World Series. The team reached the NAIA World Series in 1971 after winning the District and Area Championships, ultimately finishing second.

Triumphs and Tragedy in the 1970s

The 1970s were a decade of both triumph and sorrow for the Lipscomb baseball family. In 1974, James R. Byers, Chairman of the Lipscomb Board, tragically passed away while en route to watch the Bisons at the NAIA World Series in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Under Coach Dugan, the Bisons achieved national prominence in 1977 and 1979, winning the NAIA National Championships. The 1977 championship was especially memorable, held in St. Joseph, Missouri.

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To commemorate Dugan's contributions, the school's baseball field, previously known as Onion Dell, was renamed Ken Dugan Field in 1982. Onion Dell, located near Belmont Boulevard on the site of the current Ezell Center, had been the program's home since the late 1940s.

Continued Success and Facility Upgrades

The Lipscomb baseball program continued to thrive, and in 1984, the team achieved a remarkable feat by winning 34 consecutive games. In 1991, the Bisons inaugurated the current Dugan Field, a $1 million facility. The field was further dedicated as Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium on March 17, 2005.

In the fall of 2007, Dugan Field underwent significant renovations, costing over $50,000. These upgrades included a new artificial turf halo around home plate, measuring 45 feet tall and 60 feet wide, featuring a 12-foot Power "L" in purple, gold, and black.

Hall of Fame Inductees and Notable Players

Lipscomb University's Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding athletes who have contributed to the university's sports programs. Several baseball players have been inducted, including:

Larry Breedlove: Played from 1981-1984, compiling a .358 career batting average with 47 doubles, 15 triples, 21 home runs, 182 RBIs, 146 walks, and 229 runs scored. He was named Lipscomb’s Most Valuable Player in 1982.
Phillip Dickens: Known for his exceptional hitting ability and power.
Glenn Eddins: Played from 1976-1979, achieving a decorated career.
Trey Hartman: Named Lipscomb’s Most Valuable Player in 1986, hitting .353 with 15 doubles, eight home runs, 53 runs scored, and 48 RBIs.
Wayne Wright: Played from 1952-1955, hitting .300 during his career. He led the Bisons to their first Volunteer State Athletic Conference Championship.

Transition to NCAA Division I and Recent Achievements

Lipscomb transitioned to NCAA Division I before the 2001 season. Since then, the Bisons have competed in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), achieving several All-Conference selections:

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Atlantic Sun All-Conference Team

2019: Chris Kachmar (First Team), Tevin Symonette (First Team)
2018: Lee Solomon (Second Team)
2017: Michael Gigliottie (Second Team), Zeke Dodson (Second Team), Hunter Hanks (Second Team), Jeffrey Passantino (Second Team), Jake Perry (Second Team)
2016: Brady Puckett (First Team), Adam Lee (First Team), Lee Solomon (Second Team), Michael Gigliotti (Second Team)
2015: Grant Massey (First Team), Ian Martinez-McGraw (First Team), Jonathan Allison (Second Team), Nick Andros (Second Team), Michael Gigliotti (Second Team), Chucky Vazquez (Second Team), Jeffrey Passantino (Second Team)
2014: Grant Massey (Second Team), Ian Martinez-McGraw (Second Team)
2013: Drew Adams (Second Team)
2012: Josh Cotham (Second Team)
2011: M.L. Williams (Second Team)
2010: Josh Smith (First Team)
2009: Rex Brothers (First Team)
2008: Caleb Joseph (First Team), Brandon McClurg (First Team)
2007: Caleb Joseph (First Team), Rex Brothers (Second Team)
2006: Zac Miller (Second Team)

Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team

2019: Tyler Guilfoil
2018: Maddux Houghton, Noah Thompson
2016: Kyle Kemp, Cade Sorrells, Zeke Dodson, Tevin Symonette, Von Watson
2015: Michael Gigliotti, Jeffrey Passantino, Brady Puckett
2014: Tyler Bethune
2010: Lee Wilson
2009: M.L. Williams

In 2015, the baseball team claimed the A-Sun title.

Coaching Staff

Throughout its history, Lipscomb baseball has been guided by a number of dedicated coaches:

Jeff Forehand (2007-Present)
Wynn Fletcher (2000-2006)
Mel Brown (1997-2000)
Ken Dugan (1960-1996)
Archie Crenshaw (1958-59)
Charles W. Morris (1956-1958)
Elvis Sherrill (1952-1956)
Axel Swang (1951-1952)
Herman Waddell (1946-1951)
Robert G. Neil (1937-42)
Pinkey Berryhill (1936-37)
Robert G. Neil (1933-36)

NAIA Records

Prior to transitioning to NCAA Division I, Lipscomb established several impressive NAIA records:

Single Season Batting Records

Batting Average: .456 - Ken Dugan
Runs Scored: 82 - Trey Hartman
Hits: 99 - Bobby Parsons
RBI: 78 (twice) - Benton Patton & Phillip Dickens
Doubles: 20 (twice) - Miguel Ramirez & J.D. Young

Bisons in the Pros

Four former Lipscomb University ballplayers have made it to the major leagues. Don Blasingame and Rick James also attended Lipscomb, but neither played baseball for the Bisons. Josh Smith is another notable alumnus who has pursued a professional baseball career.

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