Jackson State's Dave Clark and Alcorn State's Shirley Gibbs Walker are to be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

[bernard]

JACKSON, Miss. – October 22, 2026 – The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2027 today at a press conference held at the Museum. The eight-member class includes an Olympic gold medalist, professional baseball veterans, college football standouts and leaders in women’s basketball.

“Each of these honorees has elevated Mississippi athletics on a national and even international stage,” said Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Andrea Patterson. “Their impact extends beyond their wins and records. They represent the perseverance, leadership, and integrity that define Mississippi sports.”

• Dave Clark – A Shannon native and Jackson State standout, Clark was the 11th overall pick in the 1983 Major League Baseball draft. He played 13 major league seasons before building a long coaching and managerial career. He guided minor league teams to championships in Hickory and Corpus Christi and currently serves as the Houston Astros’ first-base coach.
• Shirley Gibbs Walker – The Bude native led Alcorn State’s women’s basketball program for 30 seasons, compiling 493 victories, 12 SWAC regular-season championships and six conference tournament titles. Walker guided Alcorn to its first three NCAA tournament appearances. The basketball court at Alcorn’s Davey L. Whitney Complex was named in her honor in 2015.

The Class of 2027 will be formally enshrined during Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, July 30–31, 2027. The annual event supports the nonprofit organization that operates the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and celebrates those who have brought fame and honor to the state.

MS Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2027

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