Ron Polk, famed for his tenure at Mississippi State, spent seven seasons as UAB's volunteer assistant coach since 2008, helping them reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991 in 2012. A College Baseball Hall of Famer since 2009, Polk received the Lefty Gomez Award from the ABCA in 1988 and served as its President in 1986. Entering 2016, he ranks ninth all-time in NCAA Div. I career head coaching victories. Polk led his teams to a total of eight College World Series appearances, five SEC titles, and 23 Regional appearances. At Mississippi State, he coached MLB stars like Will Clark and Jonathan Papelbon. Polk's 1985 Bulldogs team was particularly notable, featuring multiple future MLB players. He's produced 35 All-Americans and 75 All-SEC performers. Polk also coached the USA National Baseball Team and impacted college baseball through his literary contributions.