UTRGV announced on Tuesday plans to officially retire the #6 jersey worn by former baseball student-athlete Jody Ramsey’s at the home opener on February 17 at 6:30 p.m. against Houston Christian at UTRGV Baseball Stadium.
On February 24, 1973, Ramsey, who was a student-athlete on the baseball team, was working on the construction of the new baseball stadium being built on campus. As one of the laborers, he spent many hours on the site of the ballpark and, in an unfortunate turn of events, was killed in an electrical accident before the stadium had reached completion.
After his death, the #6 was never again handed out by any of the head coaches of the baseball program, including Al Ogletree (1968-97), Reggie Tredaway (1998-02), Willie Gawlik (2003-08), Manny Mantrana (2009-17), and Derek Matlock (2018-Present). However, it had never been officially retired. Now the #6 and the name “Ramsey” will forever be enshrined on the UTRGV Baseball Stadium outfield wall.
“Jody was a dedicated Christian athlete and was called to his forever home way too soon,” said Kenneth Ramsey, Jody’s brother. “He exemplified how an athlete should represent his team and school. Jody admired Pan American coach Al Ogletree and his Broncs team. Speaking on behalf of his departed parents, Johnny and Cue Bell Ramsey, and departed sister, Nina, we appreciate the honors and generosity the university has bestowed upon Jody since his tragic accident. The retirement of Jody’s #6 just exemplifies the generosity and appreciation UTRGV has for its student-athletes.”
A 2013 inductee into the Athletics Hall of Honor, Ramsey has long been remembered by the university, as students petitioned the Pan American University Board of Regents to name the park he had been working on in Ramsey’s memory. The recommendation was accepted unanimously, and in 1974, the baseball team took the field to play their first season in Jody Ramsey Memorial Stadium.
The baseball team played in Jody Ramsey Memorial Stadium from 1974-2001 before moving to what is now known as UTRGV Baseball Stadium. Jody Ramsey Memorial Stadium was removed in 2003 to allow for the construction of the College of Education building. The Jody Ramsey Memorial Plaza was dedicated on April 28, 2007 on the site of the former stadium.
Additionally, the baseball team is restarting the Jody Ramsey Memorial Award this year. The award is given to a senior baseball player and is considered the top award that can be earned. The memorial award goes to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the standards set by Ramsey, meaning they must show superior athletic ability, character, leadership, and dedication to excellence on and off the field.
“We’re excited to be able to honor Jody this way,’ Matlock said. “I’ve heard what a great human being he was in addition to being an outstanding baseball player. This award will allow us to keep Jody Ramsey’s spirit alive while instilling his values within our team.”
Ramsey was also previously honored through the Jody Ramsey Tournament every year from 1980 through 1995.
On the field, Ramsey was the baseball team’s leading hitter and co-captain during the 1972 season. He led the team in eight statistical categories, including hitting (.346), games played (56), at-bats (185), runs scored (47), hits (64), triples (four), stolen bases (17) and walks. He also earned NCAA All-District VI honors.
While he was very impressive on the field, Ramsey was equally outstanding in his character and standards of living. He was twice elected president of the Pan American University Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ramsey lived an outstanding moral existence and had a brief, but brilliant career with the baseball team.
