Pat Sanders
Class of 2015
Pat Sanders built his reputation in baseball first as a dominant pitcher and later as one of the most feared power hitters in college baseball.
Sanders first gained attention as a standout at Lee High School in Huntsville, where his talent on the mound quickly made him one of the top pitchers in the region. During his junior season he delivered one of the most impressive performances in school history, throwing a no-hitter and striking out 57 batters in just 45 innings.
As a senior he continued to improve, lowering his earned run average to 1.72 while also demonstrating his ability at the plate. That year he batted .379 and hit 10 home runs, showcasing the power that would later define his collegiate career.
Following graduation, Sanders signed with Faulkner University before transferring to Cumberland University, where he developed into one of the most productive hitters in NAIA baseball.
At Cumberland he posted a .351 batting average and launched 17 home runs while driving in a school-record 92 runs. His remarkable offensive production earned him NAIA All-America honors and established him as one of the top players in the country at the small-college level.
His success attracted professional attention, and in 1993 Sanders was selected in the 19th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics organization.
He spent three seasons playing in the A’s minor league system, continuing his pursuit of a professional career in baseball.
After his playing career concluded, Sanders returned to Huntsville and remained involved in the game. He served as a graduate assistant at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and later coached baseball at Lee High School, helping guide young players in the same program where his own career began.
Sanders later built a career in public service and now serves as a captain with the Huntsville Fire and Rescue Department. He often credits his parents, coaches and lifelong friends for supporting him throughout his athletic journey.
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