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Delta State University dedicates Crawford Center, Ferriss Museum opens

By March 26, 2007General

Delta State University officially dedicated the Robert L. Crawford Center with a ceremonial ribbon cutting Saturday before a crowd of 200 fans. Pictured are: (from left) Dr. John Hilpert, president of Delta State; Mike Kinnison, DSU baseball head coach; Ronnie Mayers, Delta State athletics director; Emily Crawford Fowler, Kendell Crawford, Mabel Crawford, Beth Crawford, John Crawford, and Dana George, DSU assistant athletic director for development.

 Made possible through a generous gift by former Delta State baseball player, John Crawford; wife, Beth and mother, Mabel, the Crawford Center is named for John’s father, Robert, who was a devoted supporter of Statesmen baseball. John Crawford played baseball at Delta State from 1975-1978, where he lettered four years and was twice an All-American selection.

 As the main entrance and exit point for all future Statesmen baseball games at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field, the facility has allowed for expanded restroom and concession areas, an umpire’s locker room and a merchandising stand. Most significant, though, the Crawford Center houses The Dave “Boo” Ferriss Museum.

 “Inning by Inning: A Life in Baseball, The Dave “Boo” Ferriss Museum” chronicles the former long-time Statesmen head coach’s illustrious career from his early days at Shaw High School, to a young man at Mississippi State, to the height of his career with the Boston Red Sox, to his days at the helm of his beloved Delta State program.

 The Museum will be open 45 minutes prior to each Statesmen home game and between games of a doubleheader; or by appointment only. Interested parties can contact Delta State’s University Archivist, Emily Weaver at (662) 846-4781 or eweaver@deltastate.edu.