The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame will induct its largest class in history in 2026, honoring 32 individuals across three ceremonies this summer.
The class, announced earlier this month, includes professional athletes, Negro Leagues pioneers, Olympic competitors, coaches, and contributors whose careers span decades of Kansas sports history.
According to Hall of Fame chair Jeff Bollig, the expanded class reflects a deliberate decision by the organization.
“We have a considerable backlog of outstanding nominees,” Bollig said. “The board thought it was important to recognize individuals who may have missed out when selections were dormant for several years.”
The honorees—including 12 posthumous selections—will be recognized at three ceremonies:
July 18 in Kansas City, Kansas (Negro Leagues inductees)
July 25 in Wichita
August 16 in Kansas City
A Larger Class Reflecting a Broader History
In most years, the Hall of Fame inducts approximately 10 to 12 individuals. The 2026 class expands that number significantly, reflecting both a backlog of nominees and an effort to recognize contributors across multiple eras.
The group includes individuals whose careers reached the highest levels of professional competition, as well as those whose impact was felt at the high school, collegiate, and community levels throughout Kansas.
Negro Leagues Legacy: Restoring What Was Overlooked
One of the most significant elements of the 2026 class is the continued recognition of Negro Leagues players—athletes who competed at a high level during segregation and whose contributions were not always fully documented at the time.
Among the headlining inductees are Bullet Rogan and Chet Brewer.
Rogan was widely regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in baseball history. Rogan, who attended Sumner High in KCK, was a great pitcher and an equally great hitter.
Brewer, born in Leavenworth, KS, was a standout pitcher. He played 19 non-consecutive seasons of professional baseball at various levels between 1925 and 1953, most notably for the Kansas City Monarchs.
Their selection continues the Hall of Fame’s effort to more fully document Kansas’ role in baseball history
Other 2026 Negro League inductees are:
George Giles – A Negro Leagues catcher who later contributed to the game through coaching and player development.
Dink Mothell – A Negro Leagues infielder whose career included play with multiple teams during the early years of Black professional baseball.
Edward Dwight Sr. – A baseball figure whose contributions extended beyond playing, influencing the sport at multiple levels.was a utility player in Negro League baseball from 1925 to 1937. A KCK resident, if the name sounds familiar, it’s because his son Ed Dwight, Jr. is a well-known sculptor.
Diego Seguí – A Cuban-born Major League pitcher had a length career ith the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics. After his long career he return to KC and in 2024 he was given the Lifetime Achivement Award by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
National Spotlight: Kansas Athletes on the Big Stage
These members of the 2026 class reached national prominence through collegiate and professional careers.
DeAngelo Evans: A standout at Wichita Collegiate, DeAngelo Evans was one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country during his high school career. His speed and playmaking ability earned national attention before he continued his career at the University of Nebraska.
Evans’ performance helped establish Kansas as a source of high-level football talent, contributing to his selection to the Hall of Fame.
Maurice Evans: After playing collegiately at Kansas State, Maurice Evans – a Wichitan – went on to build a 10-year NBA career, appearing in more than 500 games with teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks.
Known for his defensive ability and professionalism, Evans developed a reputation as a consistent contributor. His sustained career at the professional level is a key factor in his induction.
Earl Watson: A Kansas City native, Earl Watson played 13 seasons in the NBA as a point guard, appearing in more than 800 games. Following his playing career, Watson served as head coach of the Phoenix Suns from 2016 to 2017 and has remained active in player development and mentorship.
Local Impact: Contributions Beyond the Spotlight
While some inductees reached national stages, others are recognized for their impact within Kansas communities.
Ricky Ross – A South High standout is recognized as one of the city’s best high school players ever. He played at both the University of Kansas and Tulsa. Ross was originally selected fo the hall in 2023, but had been unable to attend the ceremony in the past..
Nino Samuel – Honored posthumously,Samuel was a standout at Salina High School before playing at the University of Kansas and later contributing to the game as a coach and mentor.
Judy Dyer – In 1966, the Topeka native becam one of the six original TSU Tigerettes to start the women’s track and field team. She was part of the 4×100-relay and sprint medley team that set many records., and she was an indoor NAIA Champion in the 60-yard dash and 80-meter hurdles.
