Class of 1997

Cliff Gustafson

When Cliff Gustafson left the Texas high school coaching ranks as one of the most successful men ever at that level, his South San Antonio High School baseball team had chalked up seven state championships and 344 victories in 13 years. ​

In 1968, he took over the helm of The University of Texas baseball program. During his 28-year tenure there, he led the Longhorns to two national championships in 1975 and 1983, and 22 Southwest Conference titles. In addition, his Longhorns won the SWC postseason tournament 11 times, participated in the NCAA Playoffs 26 times and competed in the college World Series 17 times. ​

Gustafson’s overall mark of 1427-353-2, made him the winningest coach in the history of NCAA Division I baseball. He has coached 32 first-team all-Americans and well over 200 of his players have gone into professional baseball. He has been honored with inductions into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. ​