By Curtis Ford, Grambling State Associate AD for Athletic Communications
Legendary former head Grambling State Baseball coach Wilbert Ellis is set to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 Induction Class, with a ceremony set for Saturday in Natchitoches, La.
Ellis will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, becoming only the second person to be honored with this recognition. The Ambassador Award was created by the Hall’s parent organization, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and was first presented to network broadcaster Tim Brando as part of the LSHOF Class of 2020. The award honors long-term exemplary contributions to the perception of Louisiana by an individual who has ties to the state’s sports landscape.
Ellis spent 43 years coaching the Tigers, assuming the head coaching role in 1977 upon the retirement of R.W.E. Jones. Ellis amassed a 701-478-2 career record in 26 seasons as head coach, retiring following the 2003 season. Ellis, who had his No. 31 jersey retired last season, led GSU to three SWAC Championships and guided the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
“Coach Ellis is an Icon; he is a living legend and it’s an honor to be able to have his presence around our baseball program and university. He’s a great baseball coach but an even better man,” said Grambling State baseball Head Coach and former player Davin Pierre. “His values and his love for Christ is an example for us to follow. He’s a winner on and off the field, he’s a community leader, he’s a husband, father and he’s Grambling. Having the ability to call him whenever I need him or just to talk about anything has been amazing for me. I’m extremely proud of his induction to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and can’t wait to share in the moment with him. Congratulations Coach Ellis ‘HELL BABY, WE GRAMBLING'”
Previously, Ellis has been inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the SWAC Hall of Fame and the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame.
He has been a trusted advisor for generations of presidents, athletic directors and coaches at Grambling, and in community and governmental affairs. Ellis was instrumental in the establishment of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling, and the university’s Grambling Legends sports hall of fame. He still conducts baseball clinics for kids in Lincoln Parish and serves as an NCAA Regional site supervisor.
Ellis will be enshrined in the LSHOF along side Drew Brees, Seimone Augustus, Perry Clark, Daniel Cormier, Frank Monica, Kevin Jackson, Kerry Joseph, Ray Sibille, Tom Burnett, Bobby Ardoin and Ron Higgins. He will be become the 13th member of the Hall of Fame affiliated with Grambling State University.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2024 will be enshrined at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 65th Induction Celebration. More information and the opportunity to purchase tickets for five events is available at www.LaSportsHall.com.