TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Bobby Randall’s baseball résumé is packed — standout at Kansas State, Major League infielder with the Minnesota Twins and head coach at the University of Kansas.

But ask him what meant the most? It wasn’t the big leagues — it was building something bigger as a college coach.

“It’s funny, I told my dad that I would never coach. He said, ‘You ought to coach,’ I said I’m never coaching,” Randall said. “And then the longer I played, I realized how much I enjoyed the game, how much I really enjoyed the kids and I wanted to pass on that experience.”

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Randall, who grew up in Norton, Kansas, poured his energy into helping young athletes succeed both on and off the field. He believed college baseball wasn’t just a stepping stone — it was a chance to shape futures.

“So many young men go from high school to professional baseball and their biggest question is, what am I going to do next,” he said. “And the guys with the college education had another career.”

During his years at Iowa State and Kansas, Randall set out to create a “big league experience” for his players — one rooted in development, education and life beyond baseball.

“College baseball is a better life than professional baseball, coaching or playing,” he said. “It’s a hard life. You know you are moving a lot. I think I moved 40 times in the first 10 years I was married.”

After nearly 20 years in the college ranks, Randall also spent time in the minor leagues and independent ball. But no matter where he went, Kansas was always home.

“I love KU, I really did. I love K-State, I love KU, still do. Love them both.”

Now, the state is showing that love back. On Saturday, August 2, Bobby Randall will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

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