VALDOSTA, Ga. – In recognition of a legendary career that spanned 40 years as the head coach of the Valdosta State baseball program, Tommy Thomas' name will be now be attached in a very permanent way to Blazer baseball. As announced on Friday by Valdosta State Athletics, the name Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park will forever be emblazoned at the home facility of Valdosta State Blazer baseball.
 
"Tommy is a treasure for our university and our community," stated Valdosta State Athletic Director Herb Reinhard. "His outstanding coaching career has been chronicled extensively and been recognized by his induction into four Hall of Fames. But what those of us that know Tommy realize is that he is an even better person than coach. Tommy will always be "Blazer Baseball" and to add his name to that of Billy Grant on the facility is a fitting and well deserved tribute."
 
Following approval of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and a series of generous monetary donations in support of the renaming project, Reinhard joined VSU President Dr. Richard Carvajal to make the exciting announcement on Friday evening at a celebration banquet in Thomas' honor. Valdosta State's legendary coach, in attendance with a host of former players, coaches, friends, and colleagues, expressed his appreciation of the honor with a heartfelt response.
 
"First of all, I want to thank everyone who played such an integral role in making this happen," said Thomas. "I'm overwhelmed, and the thing I want to say in sincerity tonight, is that I'm only here because of all of you. All of this - and I thank you for this great honor of the naming of the field - is because of you. I couldn't have done it without the players, and I have friends who played with me here tonight as well both, at Valdosta State or in the summer leagues, who are also a part of these honors."
 
The storied career of coach Thomas came to its conclusion in 2007, when he finished his time at the helm of Blazer baseball with 1,308 victories. At the time of his retirement, the impressive number earned him the title of NCAA Division II baseball's winningest coach and placed him 18^th among NCAA coaches regardless of division. Only one Division II coach, Joe Roberts of Armstrong State, has surpassed his mark since 2007.
 
During his tenure, which included 25 years as a member of the GSC, Thomas led Valdosta State to two GSC Championships and a 1979 National Championship. He ranks third all-time in the conference record books with 759 league wins, and he led VSU's baseball program to winning seasons in all but six of his 40 years at the helm.
 
Since retiring, Thomas' has been inducted into the Valdosta State Hall of Fame, the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and most recently, into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I have a nice trophy room with many awards in my home now," continued Thomas. "I share those awards with you, and they would not be there were it not for all of you. I'm not going to stand up here and be overly humble about all of the things that I've accomplished, but in spite of all the awards, believe me when I tell you that the greatest thing that I have gotten out of my career are the friendships made. I love all of you, and I hope you love me back."
 
For more information on Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park, be sure to check out Valdosta State Athletics' facilities tab at the top of the page.