Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
A Memphis native who helped change the perception of Rhodes baseball, Daniel Vanaman, the 2008 recipient of the Walter E. Gay Award, was the first Lynx baseball player to garner AllAmerican status from the American Baseball Coaches Association when, in 2007, he earned a second-team selection.
The Lynx went 11-28 during Vanaman’s first year, then began a huge turnaround that changed the entire culture of Rhodes baseball. The next three years the program went 28-15, 36-10, and 28-15, respectively. Vanaman and his teammates revived Lynx baseball’s winning ways from the past, and started the baseball program on an upwards trajectory that continues today.
A four-time first-team all-conference performer, he led the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in batting average twice (.433 and .422) while leading the Lynx to a 92–40 record his final three seasons. Vanaman is tied for Rhodes’ single season records in hits (73) and doubles (20) as well as career extra-base hits (77). His 62 runs batted in during the 2007 season still stands as a program record.
“Daniel was the best pure hitter I have ever coached,” said baseball head coach Jeff Cleanthes. “When I recruited him my first season, I knew if we could convince him Rhodes was the place for him it would transform our program. He was one of the most talented baseball players in Memphis, and would be the face of the program for years to come. Vanaman’s decision to become a Lynx started a strong tradition of keeping some of our best local talent in Memphis for their collegiate careers at Rhodes.”
In recognition of his commitment, dedication, and athletic achievements in baseball, as well as his continued support of Rhodes, we are honored to induct Daniel Vanaman into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 19th day of October, 2018.
