OVERLAND PARK, Ks. – The College Baseball Foundation and Visit Overland Park have announced the College Baseball Hall of Fame will establish its inaugural physical location in Overland Park, Ks., with support from Patrick Mahomes.
Located within the Museum at Prairiefire, the College Baseball Hall of Fame will serve as a shared community asset. According to a news release, following an extensive search to find the permanent home for the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Overland Park and the Museum at Prairiefire emerged as ideal partners for the College Baseball Foundation through “its purposeful vision and united support from the community.” Visit Overland Park estimates that the College Baseball Hall of Fame will have a multi-million-dollar impact on the local economy when its doors open in 2025.
Established in 2004 by the College Baseball Foundation, the College Baseball Hall of Fame celebrates notable accomplishments in college baseball history and inspires the next generation of players. The tradition started with the induction of the inaugural class in 2006 and continues annually, with the most recent announcement of the 16th Hall of Fame class in 2023. This institution honors players, coaches, umpires, and administrators who have contributed to college baseball history at the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels.
“Welcoming the College Baseball Hall of Fame to Overland Park marks a historic milestone for our community,” says Warren R. Wilkinson, president/CEO of Visit Overland Park. “This visionary endeavor goes beyond Visit Overland Park and the College Baseball Foundation; it seeks to etch a lasting legacy for our entire community. The Hall of Fame is set to become a pivotal cornerstone in Overland Park’s cultural tapestry, creating a timeless connection between residents, visitors, and the cherished legacy of college baseball.”
The College Baseball Foundation and Visit Overland Park aim to amplify the impact of the College Baseball Hall of Fame on the local community by launching educational initiatives tied to the sport, including K-12 STEM programming, and creating an interactive, continually evolving exhibit experience that encourages visitors to explore repeatedly.
“We are honored to serve as the storytellers and caretakers of college baseball history,” says Craig Ramsey, chair of the College Baseball Foundation Board. “The sport is our national pastime, and we can’t wait to bring the stories of the college game to life in Overland Park. The stories of thousands who have had the privilege to be part of the game and the impact they have had on their teams, their schools, their families, and their communities will be a tremendous draw. Prairiefire is the perfect home for visitors and fans to experience the game’s greatest legacies.”
At the heart of this collaborative endeavor stands the instrumental role of two-time Super Bowl champion, former Texas Tech baseball player, and Pro Bowl NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Beyond his financial support, Mahomes’ commitment mirrors a love for the game fostered by watching his father play professional baseball, a steadfast dedication to preserving the heritage of college baseball, and a genuine enthusiasm for providing space to recognize the game’s best.
“Baseball has been a huge part of my life, and I was fortunate to play the game in college,” says Mahomes. “I’m excited for the College Baseball Hall of Fame to call Overland Park home and join the community that I love so much.”
The College Baseball Hall of Fame’s forthcoming residence will be integrated within the existing Museum at Prairiefire, offering a digitally immersive experience for inductees, players, and fans to appreciate the history and significance of college baseball.
Prairiefire and Visit Overland Park will host the College Baseball Foundation’s Night of Champions, the annual recognition of college baseball’s top athletes, on Feb. 15 at The Marriott Overland Park. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships can be purchased here.
