Richardson named to H.S. Hall of Fame

Bobby Richardson (second from left) participates for dedication ceremonies for the University of
South Carolina's new baseball stadium (now Founders Park) Feb. 21, 2009. (Palmetto State
Baseball photo).

Sumter native Bobby Richardson has been selected for induction into the National High School Hall of Fame.

Richardson attended Edmunds High. He went on to play for the New York Yankees. He hit .266 over 12 seasons with the Yankees. He played on three World Series champions and four runner-up teams. In 1960, he earned series MVP honors by hitting .367, even though the Yankees lost to the Pirates on the famed Bill Mazeroski walk-off homer.

University of South Carolina athletic director Paul Dietzel coaxed Richardson into coaching the Gamecocks'  baseball team and Richardson laid the groundwork for what has been one of the sports most consistent programs over the past four-plus decades.

Richardson took the Gamecocks the College World Series for the first time in 1975, when USC lost to Texas in the championship game.

Richardson was persuaded to seek political office after the 1976 season, but was defeated in the election. A devout Christian, Richardson later coached baseball at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University.

Richardson