Bill Text: MS HR78 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed

Mississippi House Resolution 78

Bill Title: Earl "Big E" Sanders, Jr.; commend upon induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Passed) 2026-03-04 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR78 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2026-HR78-Engrossed.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2026 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Hines

House Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. EARL "BIG E" SANDERS, JR., UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE COLLEGE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND RECOGNIZING HIS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AND THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has long been a fertile field from which athletic excellence has flourished, producing men and women whose discipline, resilience and championship spirit have elevated both institution and state; and

WHEREAS, on February 12, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas, Mr. Earl "Big E" Sanders, Jr., a former Jackson State University baseball standout, was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, a crowning achievement marking more than four decades of impact upon the game he has so faithfully served; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sanders' induction class included distinguished collegiate greats from Mesa College and Arizona State University, the University of Southern California and Vanderbilt University, placing him among the most elite company in the annals of college baseball history; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sanders became only the second Jackson State University Tiger to receive this prestigious honor, following his former head coach, Robert "Bob" Brady, who was inducted in 2016, and whose congratulatory remarks during the ceremony paid homage to Mr. Sanders' unparalleled athleticism and likened his rare two-way dominance to that of modern international phenom Shohei Ohtani; and

WHEREAS, the overwhelming presence of supporters, friends, family and current Tougaloo College players, who filled multiple tables in tribute to Mr. Sanders' legacy reflected not only personal admiration, but institutional pride rivaling that of the nation's most storied universities; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at Jackson State University from 1984-1986, Mr. Sanders established himself as one of the most dominant and versatile players in university history and throughout the Historically Black College and University athletic arena, excelling as both a formidable hitter and commanding pitcher; and

WHEREAS, in his final season, he achieved a .432 batting average with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs, leading the Tigers to a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship and an NCAA Regional appearance, while earning the rare distinction of being named both SWAC Hitter of the Year and SWAC Pitcher of the Year in the same season; and

WHEREAS, his extraordinary collegiate performance resulted in his selection in the first round of the 1986 Major League Baseball Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, affirming his place among the premier talents of his era, and though his professional career was shortened by injury, his influence upon the sport was far from diminished; and

WHEREAS, transitioning from player to mentor, Mr. Sanders devoted himself to coaching, making transformative contributions to the baseball program at Tougaloo College, including playing a pivotal role in re-establishing the Bulldogs' program, and in 2023, the baseball field at Tougaloo College was dedicated in his honor, a lasting testament to his leadership and investment in future generations; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sanders' legacy is further cemented through his induction into the Moss Point Athletic Hall of Fame, and his career merits continued recognition, including consideration for induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend those Mississippians whose exceptional achievements bring honor to their institutions, inspire the next generation of athletes and reflect the enduring spirit of excellence that defines our great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Earl "Big E" Sanders, Jr., upon his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, acknowledge his extraordinary contributions to collegiate athletics, and extend to him gratitude and admiration of the citizens of this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Earl "Big E" Sanders, Jr., Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.