Ron McNeely (1990) - M Club Hall of Fame - University of Memphis Athletics

Ron McNeely

Induction:
1990

Ron McNeely enjoyed one of the most decorated baseball careers in University of Memphis history. From the time he burst onto the scene stealing 11 bases with 35 hits as a freshman until the time he left as a two-time All-American, McNeely excited Tiger crowds. McNeely still holds The University of Memphis single game records for most hits (5 against Tulane in 1976) and most steals (4 against Milliken in 1975). During his three years, the Tigers posted records of 24-22, 30-8, and 32-11. In 1975, with McNeely batting .411 with 29 RBIs, Memphis won its first Metro Conference Championship behind a 5-5 performance from McNeely in the title game. That same season McNeely set school records at the time for fewest strikeouts in a season (1), most runs scored in a season (43), and most stolen bases in a season (24). In 1976, McNeely’s average was up to .462, a school record that still stands, and his 67 hits were also a school record at the time as Memphis advanced to their first NCAA Tournament. McNeely’s .395 career batting average is third all-time for a Tiger. Following McNeely’s playing career at Memphis, he was drafted by the Oakland A’s, and got as high as AA in their organization.