PEMBROKE – Officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke officially retired former baseball player Dr. Ray Brayboy's No. 13 jersey on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday's event included extended family, university administration, leadership at the city, county, state and tribal levels; all to pay tribute to the lifetime accomplishments of Dr. L Ray Brayboy.
"Today I am so proud to honor Ray as we retire his iconic No. 13 jersey, which recognizes his profound, deep impact on our university and our athletic program," said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.
Brayboy, a nearly .330 career hitter, was named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics all-American following the 1967 and 1969 seasons. In 1969, Brayboy posted an astounding .390 batting average.
During the peak of Brayboy's impact on UNCP Baseball, the Braves registered 79 wins in three years and the highest winning percentage in a three-year span in program history.
Among the first selections to the prestigious UNCP Athletics Hall of Fame, Brayboy is a 1984 inductee. Following his collegiate career, Brayboy played for the Red Springs single A club, an affiliate of the Minnesota Twins in the Carolina League.
As a continuance of the Brayboy family's lifelong support of the University, Saturday was also an opportunity to announce a new endowed scholarship in Dr. Brayboy's honor that would benefit the future of the baseball program.
"We are sincerely grateful to the Brayboy family for their generosity in establishing this scholarship in honor of Dr. Ray Brayboy," said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Anita Stallings. "His legacy as a dedicated student-athlete will continue to inspire future generations at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to his passion for baseball and his steadfast commitment to excellence, providing essential support to baseball student-athletes from North Carolina as they pursue their academic and athletic aspirations."
Chairman Lowery from the Lumbee Tribe presented Dr. Brayboy with an eagle feather and a proclamation, while the Town of Pembroke also presented a proclamation for the special occasion.
A 1969 graduate of Pembroke State, Brayboy earned his degree in physical education and recreation. As acknowledged by the many letters of support through the nomination process, Brayboy was an active and visible member of the campus community, participating as a member of the Pine Needle staff and serving as the class president his sophomore year. Brayboy would continue his education after professional baseball, achieving a master's degree from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Education degree from Penn State University. After a long career in education administration, he and his wife Bea currently reside in Pinehurst, NC.
Brayboy's jersey, along with the other retired jerseys, will be permanently displayed at the newly renovated Sammy Cox Field.
