Don’t be surprised to hear “Hail to the Chief” instead of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the new College Baseball Hall of Fame to be built in Overland Park, KS. That’s because Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is being hailed as a champion of leading the project to the end zone.

Mahomes, a two-time Super Bowl champion, played college baseball at Texas Tech, following in the footsteps of his father who played professional baseball. The quarterback provided financial assistance to bring the Hall of Fame to Overland Park (a Kansas City suburb), according to a press release distributed by Visit Overland Park. His stature as a community leader is also cited as a contributing factor to winning the project.

“Baseball has been a huge part of my life and I was fortunate to play the game in college,” said Mahomesefs. “I'm excited for the College Baseball Hall of Fame to call Overland Park home and join the community that I love so much.”

The College Baseball Foundation established the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, but there is not currently a physical site for fans to visit. Visit Overland Park estimates the facility will open in 2025, and bring with it a multi-million dollar economic impact. It will be located within the iconic Museum at Prairiefire, according to Visit Overland Park.

"Welcoming the College Baseball Hall of Fame to Overland Park marks a historic milestone for our community,” said Warren R. Wilkinson, President & CEO, Visit Overland Park. "This visionary endeavor goes beyond Visit Overland Park and the College Baseball Foundation; it seeks to etch a lasting legacy for our entire community. The Hall of Fame is set to become a pivotal cornerstone in Overland Park's cultural tapestry, creating a timeless connection between residents, visitors, and the cherished legacy of college baseball."

Overland Park is already known as a family-friendly destination popular with youth and amateur sports teams and their respective parents. Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex is considered one of the best facilities of its kind. Local attractions include the renowned Kansas City Zoo, not to mention the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. The destination is also a three-hour drive to Omaha, NE., home of the College Baseball World Series.

Hall of Fame classes have been inducted since 2006, honoring star athletes from a range of levels, including NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. 

Expect to see The College Baseball Foundation and the local community launch educational components, including STEM-related programming, at the Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: Visit Overland Park