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NC State Newsstand: Former coach Ray Tanner set to be inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman06/24/25fleischman_noah
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Ray Tanner (Katie Dugan/GamecockCentral)

Former NC State infielder and eventual Wolfpack coach Ray Tanner is set to be inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, the organization announced Monday afternoon. 

Tanner is the first-ever Wolfpack player or coach to make the College Baseball Hall of Fame, which he will be enshrined in Overland Park, Kan. on the 2026 Night of Champions set for Feb. 13.  

“Ray Tanner’s long and illustrious career has made a tremendous lasting impact on two very proud and prestigious baseball programs,” current NC State coach Elliott Avent said in a statement. “His outstanding contributions to the great baseball traditions of NC State and the University of South Carolina have set the table for this distinguished and well-deserved honor.”

Tanner played shortstop and third base for the Wolfpack from 1977 to 1980 under legendary coach Sam Esposito. He was an All-ACC first team selection after his senior season before he began his coaching career as an assistant at NC State the following spring. Tanner became a key member of the staff, rising to head coach at 28 years old once Esposito retired.

As one of the youngest coaches in all of the NCAA, Tanner led NC State to a then-school record 45 wins en route to the NCAA Tournament. The Pack surpassed that total a year later with 48 victories as Tanner was named the ACC Coach of the Year in 1990. 

Tanner is the most-recent baseball coach to lead NC State to an ACC Tournament championship, which he did in 1992. Under Tanner’s leadership, the Wolfpack made five straight NCAA Tournaments as he finished his NC State career with a 395-173-3 record. He departed Raleigh for South Carolina, where he eventually made six College World Series appearances, including back-to-back national titles in 2010 and 2011.

Tweets of the day

NC State baseball picked up a commitment from Duke transfer right-handed pitcher Collins Black.

The Wolfpack’s summer arrivals have jersey numbers now.

Pack women’s basketball is back on the practice court for its summer workouts.

NC State Quote of the day

Kernersville (N.C.) East Forsyth three-star wide receiver Jaire Richburg is set to make a college decision on Thursday evening. Wolfpack quarterback commit Jacob Smith is doing his part to attract the wideout to Raleigh.

“Jaire has become one of my really good friends in this recruiting process,” Smith told TheWolfpacker.com. “He’s pretty close to making a decision. I’m hoping that I’ve done enough to help get him in the red and white. It would be great to have a guy of his skill set to come play with me. … I’m looking forward to where his recruitment goes, and I’m hoping that he’ll come join me.”

Today’s top headlines

Adam Howard never worked for Will Wade until now. Why did he join NC State’s coaching staff?

NC State lands commitment from Duke transfer RHP Collins Black

NC State reportedly finalizing non-conference tilt with Ole Miss

3-star WR Jaire Richburg enters decision-making mode after NC State official visit

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