Mike Winchester was an academic award winner, and all-America selection and a three-time all OVC pick during a record-setting baseball career from 1972-1975 under Coach David Mays.

A four-year starter in center field from opening day of his freshman season, he led the team in runs scored in his rookie year, and hits and stolen bases as a sophomore. As a junior team captain, he batted .333, topped the squad in hits and was second in steals.

After compiling one of the greatest individual seasons in school history in 1975, he received regional and national recognition, in addition to his third consecutive all-conference award. He led the team in eight offensive categories, when he batted .413 and set six season and career records. Among the season records he established that year were 40 stolen bases in 43 attempts, 48 runs scored and 71 hits. He also led the team that year in doubled and home runs.

First, he was named to the NCAA All-South Region team, and then gained a spot on the ABCA All-America team.

His honors were not limited to the playing field. As a junior he was awarded one of five Faculty Scholar Awards and as a senior he received the prestigious Derryberry Award. He was a state finalist for Rhodes Scholarship, and was named to Who’s Who. Active in extracurricular activities, as well, he was a member of the History Student Advisory Committee, the Arts and Sciences Council, Phi Alpha Theta history honorary society, Alpha Mu Gamma foreign languages honor society, and the Golden Key Society of Omicron Delta Kappa.

At the time of his Hall of Fame Induction, 21 years after his playing career, Winchester’s numbers still ranked among the best in school history.

Originally from Madison, he graduated from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1978.