Former Cal baseball pitcher and coach, and current color broadcaster Jim Darby has been selected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2026, the organization announced Thursday.
 
Darby is just the second Golden Bear to be elected following Clint Evans, who was inducted earlier this year and is the first to go into the hall under the distinction of a contributor to the sport as a baseball executive.
 
"Being voted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame is a great honor, and I feel humbled joining some of the greatest players, coaches and contributors to the game," Darby said. "I owe a great deal of gratitude to many people and entities, but none more than the University of California. It was at Cal that I learned how to set goals and work with others. Attending Berkeley was one of the greatest decisions of my life. I will forever be grateful to the University."
 
Darby's distinguished career spans nearly four decades of transformative leadership in baseball and the sporting goods industry, earning him recognition as one of the game's most influential contributors. He began his career in 1977 with Curley-Bates Company as national promotion manager, and he was tasked with introducing Easton bats and Mizuno equipment to the U.S. market. His strategic vision and marketing expertise quickly elevated both brands. Promoted to vice president of marketing & promotions in 1981, Darby played a pivotal role in Easton's acquisition of Curley-Bates in 1985, helping establish Easton Sports as an industry leader.
 
A pioneer in sports marketing, Darby negotiated endorsement agreements with more than 100 Major League Baseball players, redefining athlete-brand partnerships. He also led efforts to secure a landmark partnership with USA Baseball, making Easton the official bat supplier for U.S. National Teams in the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. His influence also extended to grassroots baseball as he cultivated partnerships with leading amateur organizations, including the ABCA, Little League, PONY, Babe Ruth, Dixie Youth, AABC and USSSA, strengthening the game's foundation at every level.
 
This is not Darby's first recognition for his contributions to the sport as the long-time Bear has also been inducted into the Little League Baseball Hall of Fame and has received the ABCA Meritorious Service Award, the Hartman Friendship Award and the prestigious ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, which is presented annually to individuals who have made significant impacts on baseball at the local, national and international levels.
 
Darby was on the Cal team from 1971-1973 and served as pitching coach from 1976-77 before embarking on his 40-plus year career in the sporting goods industry. After retiring from Easton 10 years ago he made his return to Stu Gordon Stadium to serve as both a play-by-play broadcaster and analyst for the team's live stream and still holds this role today.
 
The 19th induction class will be honored at the 2027 Night of Champions presented by Prairiefire on Feb. 11, 2027, in Overland Park, Kansas, the home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame
 
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