MS SC596

Recognizes Doug Shanks' retirement after 14 seasons as Mississippi Valley State University baseball coach, during which the team won more than 250 games and five SWAC East titles.

Notes Shanks' coaching achievements including a best record of 35-23 in 2004, 24 former student-athletes named All-SWAC, one All-American, and 10 players who went professional.

Acknowledges Shanks' prior role as Jackson City Commissioner (1973-1977) where he was instrumental in bringing the Dizzy Dean Museum to Jackson and negotiating the lease for Smith-Wills Stadium.

Highlights Shanks' earlier coaching career at University Christian School in Brandon where he won three consecutive state baseball championships and was named MAIS Coach of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 1998).

Recognizes Shanks as one of Mississippi's first white coaches at a Historically Black University and celebrates his legacy of leadership and dedication to his players.