Lettermen Including 1990 Champs Set For Recognition in 2021

ATHENS-----The annual Georgia Baseball Lettermen's Day would've been this Saturday as part of Alumni Weekend at Foley Field prior to another Southeastern Conference series.

Along with recognizing lettermen from as far back as the 1950s, a few Bulldogs were scheduled to receive an award while one team would've been highlighted for their achievement. While the 2020 campaign was limited to 18 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we'd still like to pay tribute to those individuals and a team this year, and announce they will be honored next season too during Alumni Weekend.

The Charley Trippi Distinguished Letterman Award goes to a Bulldog in recognition of his generous support, interest and special commitment to UGA Baseball. This honor is awarded to a former student-athlete who made his mark on the playing fields and has carried those lessons into life as an extraordinary, contributing and successful citizen. There are two recipients for 2020: Tom Jordan and Leroy Mann.

Tom Jordan: A native of Winter Park, Fla., Jordan was a two-way standout from 1965-67 for Coach Jim Whatley. His 1.57 ERA in 1966 ranks third best in school history as he posted a 6-1 mark in 57.1 innings covering nine starts. Also of note that season, he pitched in and had the game-winning RBI in the inaugural game at Foley Field, a 7-6 triumph over Kentucky. After graduation, he began a seven-year professional career at Ralston Purina in Gainesville, Ga., and then worked for Georgia Power for 26 years in marketing and development. He and his wife Nancy have been married for more than 50 years, and they have two children.

"I've been truly honored and humbled by being nominated for this award," said Jordan. "College baseball in the 1960s was a different sport than today, and it seems like they were the 'good old days.' We played only 25 games and enjoyed college life during a wartime with a coach like 'Big Jim Whatley.' As a pitcher, I think my biggest takeaway was that it didn't matter who got the credit, but whether the Team won the game. It's been great camaraderie to see many of the players from those days through alumni events and the Payne Hall reunions that Boot Hunt has organized. That's how I met Charley Trippi, and that has really boosted the honor of receiving this award."

Leroy Mann: A native of Macon, Mann was a four-year contributor as a second baseman from 1962-65 for Coach Whatley. He was the second baseman during the 1963 perfect game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He served in the United States Air Force for five years and then entered the banking business. He rose to the rank of senior vice president at both C&S National Bank in Augusta and the Bank of America. He and his wife Bonnie reside in Macon where they remain active in the community, helping organizations such as the Optimist Club, Boys and Girls Club, the American Heart Association, the United Way and the American Cancer Society.

"I'm proud to be a Bulldog and honored to receive this Letterman's Club Award," said Mann. "Presently, my wife and I are hunkering down to avoid COVID-19 and looking forward to normal times when we can return to the Classic City. Go Dawgs!"

The Tom Cousins Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award goes to a Bulldog who has distinguished himself on the playing field, and his performance, leadership and integrity inspires present and future players to give their all to win at the highest level. The 2020 recipient is Tom Reid.

Tom Reid: A native of Macon, Reid was a three-year letterman as a third baseman/shortstop from 1963-65 for Coach Whatley. He was captain of the 1965 squad, led the team in almost every offensive category and was named to the All-Southeastern Conference Eastern. Division team. Additionally, he earned the team's Jim Umbricht Award given annually to the player considered the "most competitive" by the coaching staff. Reid helped turn a triple play in 1963 against Florida State. In 2001, he came from four strokes back to capture the Georgia Senior Amateur Golf Championship at West Lake Country Club in Augusta. In 2006, he was inducted into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame for baseball and golf. A retired comptroller, he and his wife Susan reside in Macon.

"When I received a phone call from Lamar Lewis, I was so excited and honored to be receiving the Tom Cousins Athletic Achievement Award," said Reid. "It's especially rewarding to be honored with my teammate, Leroy Mann, who was my roommate all four years at Georgia. What a special blessing."

Also on Saturday, the 1990 team would've been celebrating the 30-year anniversary of winning the national championship, the first by a Southeastern Conference baseball team. In the College World Series (CWS) title game, the Bulldogs defeated Oklahoma State 2-1.

Georgia pitcher Mike Rebhan was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 1990 CWS. The team featured three All-Americans (pitcher Dave Fleming, designated hitter Brian Jester and shortstop J.R. Showalter) and two Freshman All-Americans (pitcher Stan Payne and outfielder Ray Suplee). Coach Steve Webber's 1990 Georgia squad finished with a 52-19 record. In 2021, Georgia will honor the 31^stanniversary of the national championship and also the memory of the late Rebhan, whose jersey number was 31.

University of Georgia Athletics

Lettermen Including 1990 Champs Set For Recognition in 2021

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