Feb. 9, 2007

By Shawn Davis
Mizzou Athletic Media Relations

There is a certain mystique to a baseball hat. The logo, in many cases, represents the past and everyone who has played under the steamy summer skies. It represents the players, coaches and administrators who have dedicated themselves to that team, and that organization.

Forty-six years ago, Gene McArtor sported on an old black hat with a gold stitched "M" and saw his chance to represent the University of Missouri and all that is stood for. Today, each player that puts on the same hat represents the legacy that McArtor has left behind at Ol' Mizzou.

As a player, coach and administrator, McArtor has arguably been one of the most well-known names in sports throughout the state of Missouri. Now, Mizzou's all time baseball win leader is being honored by the state in which he has spent his entire life. McArtor will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, Feb. 11.

"To get recognized by your state organization is great," McArtor said. "It's even more special because a lot of people who have provided opportunities for me along the way are in this organization. Whether it is Dan Devine, Don Farout, my former coach John Simmons or Norm Stewart, to be able to join them is also really special."

McArtor has been a part of Missouri athletics for 46 years. Earning all-conference and all-district status as a first baseman from 1961-63, He led the Tigers to two appearances in the College World Series. McArtor did not let his love for the game and the University diminish easily, as he would return to Mizzou as an assistant coach in 1969.

"I think that for a person to be satisfied you have to believe in the things that you are involved with," McArtor said. "I think the University of Missouri was very good to me as a student-athlete, so the opportunity to come back first as an assistant coach and then as head coach, it was a chance for me to convey that to other people, and hope you can give back to a university that provided you with so many chances."

Giving back may be an understatement to McArtor's legacy at Mizzou. Through his 21 years of coaching, McArtor was able to give all of his players the same things that he got from Mizzou. McArtor was more than a coach to most players. He was a teacher and a mentor.

"That's what I tried to do," McArtor said. "I hopefully have impacted young people positively. I have a great belief in athletics and the game of baseball and how it should be respected. Hopefully, I have been able to convey that over the years."

Teaching was just one part of coaching which McArtor enjoyed. Watching and aiding in the development of young players and students is the top reason that McArtor was so intrigued and enthralled by coaching. By setting developmental goals for his team and players, McArtor compiled a 733-430-3 record, coaching 13 All-Americans and earned two Big Eight titles.

"I think that anyone in athletics gets involved in setting goals," McArtor said. "You have goals for the team, you have goals for the players and the program, and it is really rewarding to see that happen. You see players develop and improve and overcome weakness and mature. Then collectively the team will have success, and that is when the real joy from coaching comes in."

Those rewards were not enough for McArtor, as he now works within the athletic administration at Mizzou. Heading many of the building projects, from Mizzou Arena to the new Mizzou Athletic Training Complex, McArtor continues to give back to the university that gave him so much. His continuous contributions and hard work have earned him a spot with his peers in the Hall of Fame.

"Along the way we had some great years and had some great teams," McArtor said. "I've had a lot of fun here at the University of Missouri, we've created a winning atmosphere and winning attitude, and it is great to see the rewards that come from that."

Not only has the University of Missouri been rewarded by McArtor's contributions, but the entire state has as well. Earning his place in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will honor McArtor as one of the greatest people to ever sport the old black and gold.